Old dog

Slick666

hi, I have a dog who’s 12 but she’s got a heart condition. She was on medication for it but it didn’t make much difference to her. The heart condition has made her very bloated and overweight, the water tablets did nothing. When she walks she is nearly out of breath and panting a lot. She really has no quality of life. So my question is, is it her time? I’m going to be devastated, I just can’t bring her to her end. She’s also peeing and pooing all over the house which she never did in her life, she was house trained. We live on a farm and she used to love going for runs. The last 6 months she’s been like this. Medicine initially helped a bit but now it doesn’t.

frank730

if she is suffering, then no point to continue her pain for months, speaking from experience as dog owner, things will only get worse

HeidiHeidi

I would agree with the last poster - if she's old and has no quality of life, then it's not getting any better so do the kind thing by her. It's going to happen sooner rather than later anyway by the sounds of it.

We had a large dog at home years ago and her hips were gone, she was peeing and pooing in the house (she was mortified, you could see it), couldn't get up in the morning without a huge struggle - my Dad had the final say in what happened and despite me pleading with him numerous times (and despite me absolutely ADORING the dog) he put off having her put down for months and months. I swore never, ever to do that or see that done again, it was awful.

Put the dog first.

soverybored1878

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058424851/old-dog

I am so sorry to read this. As a dog lover (I've had many dogs in my life, both as an adult and as a kid) this really brought back things for me.

It's going to be hard to accept this but you are prolonging her suffering. The kindest thing is to let her go. Don't let your lasting memories be of her in this condition. You have to let go. Do it for her.

Oscar_Madison

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123818048#Comment_123818048

“Don't let your lasting memories be of her in this condition.”

A good way to look at things -

OP- you’ve answered your own question - “no quality of life” - it’s time I’m afraid

elperello

Sorry to hear about your dog.

It's an inevitable part of sharing our life with a canine pal.

If you are worried about the end the vet will talk you through the process if you ask.

I've been through it a few times and it's harder on the owner than the dog.

Keep thinking about the dog, she won't know what is happening and will feel no pain.

You may be very sad at first but with time you'll know you did right by her.

tk123

I think I’d you’re asking yourself it it’s time you know in your heart that it is. I lost a 6 year old - at time it was just very hard knowing she was going to die and I couldn’t bring myself to take clippings of her fur or any kind of mementos and I regretted this after.. before I lost my 14 year old I had already taken fur and clay moulds of his paws etc in advance to have. I also had a plan for him and luckily was able to do what I wanted despite it being quite sudden (he just went downhill over night) - so I knew I wanted to take him to the crematorium (we used Paw Prints) myself and collect the ashes so I wouldn’t have a long wait like before when it took weeks and just broke my heart all over again. We got the ashes back the next day which did help.

It’s a really hard thing to do but it’s better to do it and not prolong her suffering 😓

Just to add.. if you’re worried about what happens don’t be - it’s very peaceful. I just fed him treats non stop telling him how much we loved him/how good he was and he nodded off.

spurious

I agree with the above poster. You owe it to her to allow her have familiar smells around her and the sound of your voice as she goes. It is not as bad as you would imagine.

My first dog as an adult, I am fully aware I waited about 3 weeks too long when he needed to go, entirely for my benefit. I have never really forgiven myself.

soverybored1878

Just coming back to this, I can't help but get emotional and well up at everyone else's stories.

I hope you are okay OP. You are honestly doing the right thing if you do decide to let go. Your dog honestly won't know, won't be in any distress and it will be painless for her I promise.

I'm from the UK so cannot recommend any service here but when my mother's dog passed away recently the vet came to her house to do it. Archie (King Charles Cavalier) was at home in familiar surroundings and surrounded by all his family, it was very peaceful. Perhaps someone could recommend a service like this?

Terrier2023

My 16 year old jack russell had this issue but it was not as bad as yours sounds i had her euthanaised and it was very hard but i knew she would have a massive heart attack & wanted to avoid that violent death. Its time and this is a final thing you can do for an ill aging dog this is when they need you to come up to the plate and let them go despite your own emotions. Stay with your dog the vet will give the dog a sedative and then administer the lethal potion. the dog will not know, it is a kindness and not a bit violent. Once he gets the sedative he is asleep so hold him till them.