NBR - Old dog (sad)

SummerSnow11 · February 2013

I have two dogs, and one of them just turned 16 yesterday. She is a lab mix, a little smaller and daintier than a pure lab. She has definitely been showing her age more this last year. This morning was especially rough though. She normally walks stiffly, and every now and then has troubles staying standing, especially if she has been laying down awhile.

But this morning I tried to get her to go outside, and she only made it like five steps before she just layed down because her legs wouldn't keep her standing. Then we tried again, and she only made it to this room before the doors outside.

She has had troubles holding her bowels in, so this isn't completely unusual, but she then peed while she was laying there. Then threw up. Then pooped. And she didn't want to get up.

I carried her to her bed and she is sleeping/resting now. I just can't decide if I need to take her to the vet. I don't know if today is "the day". Maybe it was just a rough morning....

Thanks for listening. I haven't had to put a pet down before. I don't know how a person decides what to do and when,

LoveInAutumn2006 · February 2013

Our pups are our babies...so I wept reading this. I haven't had to put a pet down before, so I don't really have any pertinent advice...but I just wanted you to know that I really feel for you. That has to be a horrendous decision to make. We have a golden retreiver who is about 14, and he is having a tough time with winter and stiff joints. Although he isn't to the point of falling or not being able to get around...it pains me to see him have any difficulty. I, personally, would probably give her 24-48 hours and see how she's feeling...but if it isn't a one-time thing, I'd have to take her to the vet at least to get his opinion. As hard as it is, it would be just as hard to see her in pain. I wish you and your pup the best

llbta85 · February 2013

That's really tough. As for the decision, its not an easy one but for me the priority is the quality of life for the pet, can they be happy and comfortable with minimal intervention? I know this isn't a popular opinion and many decide to persue other medical interventions. I have had many cats, dogs, ponies, horses, etc as pets through the years. Making that call is never an easy one. But when I saw my old terrier having trouble getting around and just completely out of it barely able to stand (she was 17+, had her since i was in 7th grade) I knew it was time. You could tell she wasn't happy or comfortable and to me that was the enough. My puppy last year got hit by a car, the surgery was intense but the projected outcome was pretty good for her, so we decided to go ahead with surgery knowing that she could be happy and comfortable for many years to come. Good luck, T&Ps.

ShelleyBQ · February 2013

I'm so sorry. I have two goldens (one is older) and it breaks my heart to think of you having to be in this situation. I agree with what others said... if this continues, I would probably take your pup to the vet. The truth is that when the time comes, you just know. I hope this isn't that time for your dog, and that this morning was just a tough morning. But I'm sending lots of love and prayers your way.

FordFalcor · February 2013

ShelleyBQ:
I'm so sorry.nbsp; I have two goldens one is older and it breaks my heart to think of you having to be in this situation.nbsp; I agree with what others said... if this continues, I would probably take your pup to the vet.nbsp; The truth is that when the time comes, you just know.nbsp; I hope this isn't that time for your dog, and that this morning was just a tough morning.nbsp; But I'm sending lots of love and prayers your way.

This. I'm so sorry.

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