Hi, My yellow will be 13 in December and this is my first dog. We also have a chocolate that turned 13 in July. My yellow has had health issues including an ACL tear and repair and has been living with diabetes for the last 5 years. We are managing (even though over the years the expense is wearing on us) but how do we know its time? She has cataracts and can't see. We can tell this has gotten worse over time. Also if she doesn't eat all of her measured food she is more sensitive to having a diabetic episode so we monitor her closely. Lately she's been following us around quite a bit and can't always get comfortable on her blanket. I'm assuming we probably should bring a pet bed up as we have hard floors on our main level as its harder for her to get comfy. But I noticed she gets spooked easily for no apparent reason. Sometimes I can tell it may be a noise or our other lab or kids getting to close and so she gets up and walks away. But sometimes she won't sit back down and will just keep pacing or walking around. (we do have rugs around at the doors etc that she will sit on). Are there any signs? How will we know? I just want to be prepared and not let things extend too far with her health and comfort. I also want to make sure our kids don't have a bad experience as they are already aware that she is old and this is coming. Thanks for the advice. Nancy Mom to: Caramelle - yellow lab. BDAY 12/28/2002 Age 12.5 (Diabetic. ACL tear 2009) Mocha aka "Mischievous Mocha" - chocolate lab. BDAY 7/15/2002 Age 13 Still acting like a pup and obsessed with food.
Hello and welcome . I am sorry to read about your lovely girl . Having faced this decision several times , I can fully understand how you are feeling , it is truly awful to lose a faithful friend . Your dear girl has had an awful lot to cope with, bless her . Some say that we will know when the time is right , I don't particularly think we do , we dread losing them and yet we don't want them to suffer . I can only repeat what was said to me once , better a few days too soon than a few days too late . I wish you all the very best , it is the hardest but the kindest decision we make for our dogs .
Has she gone deaf? my 14 year old boy did and his behaviour was a bit similar. I though he was sulking due to a new pup and just ignoring everyone and getting spooked for no reason. I realised he was deaf because his behaviour was very like my fathers when he became deaf. Apparently they can't hear you but hear strange noises and tones. I treated him differently and used hand signals and everyone was happier. He suddenly developed this. He also suffers from chronic back and hip pain and the pacing sounds like a dog in pain, does she pant a lot even when she's not hot? We take Doug for physio and hydrotheraphy and he is also on tramadol and onsior which has proved to be a really good combination for him. He is pain free and happy. He had been depressed too but he's far from that now. I would get her checked with your vet and have a good talk about her quality of life. My vet and physio have been great and both know that I will do only what doug needs and when he no longer finds any pleasure in his life it will be time to end it. I have been at this point like you so many times with Doug and each time he has proved us wrong, but I know whats round the corner and really feel for you. You have done everything for your lovely girl, I too worry about the expense and torture myself with thought of is it that I just that he is ready to go or is it the money. I know it silly but I still have those thoughts. She sounds like she has had a great life with you and your family.
Hi and welcome to the forum. It sounds as if your girl isn't enjoying life very much at the moment. If it were me I would check with the vet as to whether there is another medical problem to explain her different behaviours. It is so hard to know when is the right time to let our beloved dogs go. We always want just one more day to help heal our breaking hearts. Sending you hugs as you make your decisions.
Welcome Nancy to the forum. It is the hardest decision to make for your dear friend. Is she in pain? I would talk to your vet and see what they say. Then do what you think is right. x
Hi Nancy,so sorry it's this concern that has brought you to the Forum.....Dexter is our first dog so I haven't been faced with this situation yet.I guess I would be talking to the vet to find out if there was a pain issue and how/ if that could be managed within a decent quality of life. My best wishes to you as you face this..... Angela x
Hi and welcome. I completely understand your predicament, having faced the same with my old boys, who were 14 and 16 respectively. The older of the two was having a horrible time when he just turned 15; it turned out that in addition to various other aches and pains he also had a couple of rotten teeth, and his anal glands were troubling him. He was operated on to have the rotten teeth removed; his anal glands were dealt with, and he was on pain medication for his final months. He was a happy old boy for the last year of his life and I was very glad the vet could help him and take his pain away.
Hi Nancy, welcome to the forum. You have a lot of worries. I can't really give any advice, but hope you have a good relationship with your vet, and be guided by advice from him or her. I guess what Kate says is key - better a few days early than a few days too late. As pet owners we have a privileged position. I am sure you will do what is right.
