How do you know when its "time"

[mrsbloggett]

My 14 yr old lab x has been going down hill since the beginning of the year. Her back legs are getting weaker, she finds it difficult to climb stairs and needs help getting into the car. She is finding it increasingly difficult to get up and down and sometimes her legs give way. She can still manage 15 - 20 mins walks, but due to another condition she gets out of breath.

She is on medication for arthritis, but these are steroid based she drinks, and wees, alot which means I have to leave the door open for her during the day whilst I am at work. Yesterday, as the window cleaner was due I had to shut her in, which meant she wet indoors, much to her distress.

She's very much still "with it". She still gets very excited when I came home from work and when she knows she is going for a walk.

I know I am going to have to make the "decision" to take her for her last vets visit pretty soon, but how do you know when? I know it sounds horrible, but the decision would be easier if she was actually ill or in pain - the weakness in her legs doesn't appear to be painful.

Any advice on this difficult topic will be gratefully recieved.

 

[Starbucks]

Aww, poor old lass.

I think you have to put yourself in there shoes, if she's not in pain at the moment then she's probably ok for now. I think when they stop eating properly and things like that it means that they are ready to go.

xxx

 

[gemmaw]

our collie is in a similar position, we're lucky that there's almost always one of us to let her out all of the time so we dont get many accidents. If she's happy and pain free I wouldnt be making the decision yet, if the collapsing was an occurrence every time she tried to stand it might be different but it doesnt sound like its time yet!! Phen was ill at christmas and had a really bad stomach, we thought it was time then so we took her to the vets who took one look at her, tried to take her temperature (didnt suceed, she doesnt like vets!!

) and told us there was a good few years left in her yet!!!!

Ask your vets about incontinence tablets, I'm not sure what he gave us for our staffie but i'm sure they'll help! Also one of the main things, please dont take offence if she isnt but its a common lab predicament, is she overweight?? if she looks like she can afford to lose a few pounds cut her food down, its surprising how much difference it makes when they lose a few pounds!

Hope I've helped!

 

[GinaB]

We had our 12 year old lab PTS at the start of the year after making this decision. He'd been getting steadily downhill for a few months, but had perked up over Christmas so we thought he be ok. Then he just went very downhill in January.

The light was gone from his eyes. In the end we had to decide which was kindest for the dog. Hardest decision, but the best one. The poor boy was in pain and couldn't control gonig to the toilet or anything and we could just tell he'd had enough. The vet was wonderful and very good with him. We had him cremated and scattered his ashes down at the first place he'd gone shooting after training.

RIP Windsor xx

 

[Tia]

I just had my 14 year old collie put to sleep a couple of weeks ago, so I understand how upsetting it is for you.

I have always gone by the rule of thumb; the moment one of my dogs no longer want to go for a walk, is the day that I know the time is right. This happened with my girl and the following day I had her put peacefully to sleep at home on the farm with us and our other dogs around her. It was time - I could tell in her eyes that she was tired - and I gave her my one last gift; to set her spirit free.

Look in her eyes, try to see what she is saying and do the right thing by your girl who has loyally served you well.

Tia x

 

[kibob]

I second what others say - you will see it in her eyes, the light kind of goes out

.


Our lab was PTS aged 13. We had always said that as soon as he goes "off his legs" we would say goodbye. He gradually got weaker on his back legs and would have trouble getting up at times. He also lost control of his bladder and would pee himself, such a proud and good dog and he would be so upset at making a mess. We booked a home visit with our vet and all morning I kept thinking I was doing the wrong thing and it was too soon. However, I went to sit in the front room and Henry was lying under the table, he tried to get up to join me and couldn't get to his feet, the look in his eyes said it all. I gave him a kiss goodbye (and a kit-kat) and he was quietly PTS whilst he slept.

I miss him terribly but know I did the right thing by him. You will know when the time is right, I feel for you, such a tough decision to make.

 

[WelshRareBit]

The exact same thing happened to our lab Holly. She was such an active busy dog, her hind legs went and she started peeing all the time. We had her PTS shortly after, it simply wasnt fair to her to go from a happy bouncy girl to a depressed, crippled thing. It was a happy day and one i cannot regret as with my dog Wolfie who we lost last September. He was so ill and putting him to sleep ws the best thing Ive ever done, apart from having him that is.
It was beautifully peaceful and gentle, he just fell asleep in my arms and his last breath was deep and content. My thoughts are with you at this time....

 

[Oneofthepack]

What a sad time for you.

I agree with some of the others. There's no specific way to measure the right time but you will know it when it happens. If you're very close to your dog you can see a look in their eyes which you can't describe but tells you 'I've had enough' and from what you say it doesn't sound like she's there just yet

 

[echodomino]

Our German Wirehaired Pointer had been going down hill, i.e weaker backend and therefore not so mobile, but she was still eating normally and still wanting to go for walks (which we had to stop in the end).

They let you know or it will become obvious. Except in my Flora's case - we came downstairs one morning and she'd gone in her sleep at 13yrs of age.

 

[blackbirdpf]

[ QUOTE ]
My 14 yr old lab x has been going down hill since the beginning of the year. Her back legs are getting weaker, she finds it difficult to climb stairs and needs help getting into the car. She is finding it increasingly difficult to get up and down and sometimes her legs give way. She can still manage 15 - 20 mins walks, but due to another condition she gets out of breath.

She is on medication for arthritis, but these are steroid based she drinks, and wees, alot which means I have to leave the door open for her during the day whilst I am at work. Yesterday, as the window cleaner was due I had to shut her in, which meant she wet indoors, much to her distress.

She's very much still "with it". She still gets very excited when I came home from work and when she knows she is going for a walk.

I know I am going to have to make the "decision" to take her for her last vets visit pretty soon, but how do you know when? I know it sounds horrible, but the decision would be easier if she was actually ill or in pain - the weakness in her legs doesn't appear to be painful.

Any advice on this difficult topic will be gratefully recieved.

[/ QUOTE ]

My hand on heart is with you. I own a 10 1/2 black lab. Whats best for the animal that counts. It's when the dog time to leave his master side and run free. You got be ready for the pain it tear you apart.

Is fair on you or the dog if he's suffering. Good Luck.

 

[Tia]

[ QUOTE ]
If you're very close to your dog you can see a look in their eyes which you can't describe but tells you 'I've had enough' and from what you say it doesn't sound like she's there just yet



[/ QUOTE ] I agree with OOTP - your dog sounds like she still has a while longer with you from what you are saying.

Trust us; you'll know when it's time.

Tia x