At what point do you call it a day with an old dog?

[SamTheGuru]

Mrs and I are at that point now with a 13 year old rescue greyhound lurcher.

My parents tell me they have made mistakes before, keeping a family dog alive too long.

I am carrying him up and down the stairs now. It is almost a full time job but I love him to bits.

 

[birch villa]

Feel for you pal such a heartbreaking decision , have you had any advice from the vet?

 

[SamTheGuru]

Feel for you pal such a heartbreaking decision , have you had any advice from the vet?

Long term heavy painkillers now, which would put his bill up to about £450/month.

 

[bluemc]

When you realise "it" just isn't there anymore. Life's too short, get yourself a younger model and a convertible to impress her with.

 

[1961_vintage]

When he no longer has the quality of life that he deserves.

No animal should suffer just so that our emotional needs are in some way met.

It's part of our contract that we make to take care of them, always.

 

[Mancitydoogle]

It’s an awful decision that unfortunately I’ve had to make too many times.A vet once told it’s better to do the right thing a day early than a day late.

 

[SamTheGuru]

When he no longer has the quality of life that he deserves.

No animal should suffer just so that our emotional needs are in some way met.

It's part of our contract that we make to take care of them, always.

I should add to the fact that he will randomly pull a greyhound stunt and jump over the sofa, or just turn to the highest gear and bullet from one end of a paddock to the other. But those things wipe him out for 2 weeks.

 

[SamTheGuru]

It’s an awful decision that unfortunately I’ve had to make too many times.A vet once told it’s better to do the right thing a day early than a day late.

That's where me and Mrs are at. I am day early, she is day late.

 

[1961_vintage]

I should add to the fact that he will randomly pull a greyhound stunt and jump over the sofa, or just turn to the highest gear and bullet from one end of a paddock to the other. But those things wipe him out for 2 weeks.

It's fucking impossible mate - so tough. But trust your heart and do what you believe is right. No-one can answer it for you - it's whatever feels right for the 3 of you. Good luck.

 

[LangleyBlue1970]

When you realise "it" just isn't there anymore. Life's too short, get yourself a younger model and a convertible to impress her with.

Bit insensitive that pal. Guy is talking about when to let his old boy cross the rainbow bridge.

 

[fanatic1]

Face it. The dog's quality of life just isn't there any more. Best to bite the bullet and end things.

 

[LangleyBlue1970]

Mrs and I are at that point now with a 13 year old rescue greyhound lurcher.

My parents tell me they have made mistakes before, keeping a family dog alive too long.

I am carrying him up and down the stairs now. It is almost a full time job but I love him to bits.

I feel your pain, mate. When I was a kid we had to take our dog to the vets on Christmas fucking Eve of all days. The vet said she can last though Christmas but will be in pain, or we can let her go there and then. I remember the pain in my dad’s eyes, but it was the right thing to do.

If a pet is being kept alive for the heartache of its owner, it’s time to let it go.

Thoughts with you and your Mrs.

 

[1dart]

Man’s best friend should live as long as man. It’s absolutely crippling to think about but by the looks of it you have given this fella a great life. Spoil him rotten in the time you have left and sure you will do what’s best for him. All the best.

 

[oldius]

Quality of life.
If the dog is uncomfortable most of the time, it is time.
It is a horrible decision to make, but it has to be made.
I wish you strength at this tough time.

 

[dooie68]

It's difficult decision but as long as you're with him to reassure him when he goes to the great Kennel in the sky, that's reassuring to him because frankly he won't know what's happening and would be fearful if him best friends were not with him. Look back on the memories when he made you smile and gave you structure to your life.

 

[Sir peace frog]

I don't have a dog,but have friends who do, so i get the bond between dog and owner is family like, just you thinking about this is a sign you know its time,im sure its a terrible thing to think of , but better that than seeing a loved one suffer

 

[bluemanchester]

There is no best time, only the right time. It will hurt you both when you decide. For me with my old Lab it was when she started soiling herself in her basket, hung on for one more week then said goodbye. Your situation brings tears to my eyes, good luck.

 

[stonerblue]

Always a tough decision but you've gotta 'man up' and make it for the good of the dog.
I had a 3 legged dog (Slippy- unofficial bluemoon mutt years ago) and i knew i'd have to make the choice before she died naturally. I decided early on that when the time came she would walk into the vets and not be carried. I didn't want her to be in pain, unable to walk or merely 'existing'.
After 14 years i did just that. She could have lived on for some time but she went out with her head held high. Broke my heart but then, and now, i knew it was the right thing to do.

 

[dickie davies]

My in laws owned a beautiful and incredibly friendly and soft rottweiler
Heidi then became poorly and was diagnosed with doggy cancer
The in laws were told that no matter what, the disease would kill the dog and if they wanted to prolong the dog's life, amputation of a leg really was the option
The in laws decided that as Heidi was a big dog the amputation was ruled out and they continued to care for her with the pain killing drugs and my father in law carried her up and down stairs
I will be honest, I thought it was really cruel. It was time to say goodbye as Heidi had no quality of life

My friend, if you are on here asking, you know it's time

 

[jimharri]

OP; I think, deep down, that you know the answer to your question. When you're having to carry him up and down the stairs, it's time to say goodbye. Your dog's quality of life has deteriorated now and, in my opinion, it isn't fair to prolong it. Yes; I get it. You love your dog, and would do anything for him. But, without wanting to sound like a twat, that is irrelevant. The dog's welfare is paramount now. Do the right thing by him.


It's heartbreaking when these decisions have to be made. I've been through it a few times, and it's like a dagger through the heart