I need your advice in regards to my dog

[deduke1907]

my dog DUKE who is almost 15 years old has lost his vision as well as his hearing. he does not appear to be in any pain and he still eats his meals.

Is it time to put him down? please advise what you would do

 

[scooter123]

Does he still enjoy going for a walk, if so he's still enjoying his life. That's how I determined when it was time to put my first dog down and I still consider it the best way to handle this situation.

 

[DeathGrip]

Duke will let you know.It's a quality of life issue.

Bless you,DG

 

[ogilvyspecial]

Duke will let you know.It's a quality of life issue.

The above quote is about it in a nutshell.

When you've had a pet for many years and know them about as good as you could know "anybody" the signs will be pretty obvious.

 

[DeadAye]

please advise what you would do

I go with the *Duke will let you know* crowd....
I'd advise to have the vet do it though - Painless and fast.
I'm almost there with my old buddy The Bear. I sure love that old dog but --- Well , you know.

Sorry about Duke!

 

[Kanewpadle]

I'm in agreement with the others.

Never had a deaf and/or blind dog. But through the course of my work I have seen many at peoples homes.

As long as he's happy, keep him around.

 

[scorvers]

Does he still enjoy going for a walk, if so he's still enjoying his life. That's how I determined when it was time to put my first dog down and I still consider it the best way to handle this situation.

Gotta agree with Scooter. I've had to put down 2 older dogs in the last few years. They weren't enjoying life too much. Arthritis, failing kidneys, trouble breathing. It's hard. I don't envy you.

 

[Combat_Diver]

My wife is dealing with my 15 yo Chow Chow right now. Hearing and vision gone, barks all night to go out, then just sits there outside, comes back inside and deficates all over inside the house. (good thing no carpets) We're not ready yet to put him to sleep.

CD

 

[ia1727]

What he can't hear he can feel though floor vibrations in his body and the pads of his feet--what he can't see-- he can smell. As long as he can control his bodily functions and is not in any pain of any kind, let him be.

As others have said--he'll let you know and when he does it will be easier for you and him.

Steve

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Dogs typically adjust well to conditions. Take Duke out for short walks and let him smell life, and enjoy it with him.

 

[oldfella]

My "Baby" is 15 years old, half blind and nearly deaf, diabetic for the past 5 years (insulin shots daily), goes in the house often. As long as she's not in pain, can eat and get around well enough, she will continue to be with us. Should she be in pain, I will medicate her and let her die on her own accord... unless it is absolutely necessary to do otherwise.

Pete

 

[reddogge]

Usually the unaviodable signs are:
Can't control bladder or bowels
Chronic pain
Can't get up off of the floor.
Won't eat.
Can't go up or down stairs to relieve himself

Then it's time.

 

[gunlovingirl]

My older Doxie is deaf and has arthritis and a heart murmur. Also fatty tumors. But I know she is happy and enjoying life, despite her health problems. I agree 100% that Duke will let you know when life is no longer fun. I once had a beagle. When she was 10 she developed a liver problem. The vet informed us that she was also blind. We couldn't believe it. The vet said that she had lived in the same home for so long, that she knew where the furniture, doorways, etc were. As long as Duke isn't running into things and seems to be enjoying his life with you, continue to make his remaining time the best it can be. The fact that you had to ask the question provides the answer. When it's time, you won't need to ask. Cherish your time with him. They are never here long enough.

 

[JcMack]

As long as he's mobile and not in pain keep him around. If he's bumping into furniture you can put empty paper bags at contact points to warn him when approaching things. Don't move stuff around which will confuse him. One of my little dogs died on Easter about two years ago. Toward the end it was insulin shots twice a day, and carrying her around a lot. Cost a ton of money. Who cares, she was my friend for 10 years.

 

[ralph7]

my buckwheat became first deaf, then blind after a bout w/cataracts.
i tied string around the legs of tables, bbq pit, and other things to warn him not to go under them and get all tangled up.
i would go over to him and hold and pet him and you could see him brighten up at my touch.
the hot summers wore on him and i would leave him inside as long as i could.
one morning i let him out and he stood just outside the door and hung his head in depression. i took him to the vet later that day to end his suffering,
you will know when it is time, and i will never forget that time.
july 16, 2004 3 pm. rip. buddy

 

[parts]

Duke will quickly adjust to the vision and hearing problems. As long as he has no visible pain issues and is eating good, enjoy your buddy.
David

 

[deduke1907]

thanks guys i am like others faceing a thing i do not want to do. i will keep DUKE around until i know he is ready to go. all your advice has been a great help to me and DUKE. this is a great forum when you dont know what to do

 

[mtheo]

"you will know when it is time, and i will never forget that time.
july 16, 2004 3 pm. rip. buddy".....ralph7

I have had three german shepherds in the last 40 years...I knew when it was time and I can't forget.

On another note..my father in law called me over to my sister in law's house to put down a horse. I knew the horse was suffering during the summer of 2009 and was aware that it was still around but assumed things had improved. I knew they had issues w/ it not being able to get up and out of the barn and not eating. I thought these had been resolved. What I found was a sickening barely conscious emaciated thing that had been lying out in the hot July sun for more than a week. The blanket of flies swarming over her knew it was time....I guess their brains were bigger than my sister in laws. This was irresponsible selfishness on her part.

Though you may hate to put down a suffering animal it is a compassionate act.

 

[jomommy]

Everyone has given you good advice. I can tell you as a vet and dog owner that Duke will tell you when he is ready, as long as you are willing to listen. There is an unmistakable look in their eye and sense of being ready to go. They adapt very well to the loss of vision and hearing, just don't rearrange the furniture.
We all hope that they will pass peacefully in their sleep, but most of the time we end up having to help them along.
Good luck, it is not an easy time. Jo

 

[scoutsdad]

Scout was 14 blind for two years from diabetes, even with insulin shots twice a day. He went with walks with me until the week before he crossed the rainbow bridge. He would lag behind and he would follow my voice, or so it seemed. Summer was hard on Scout even in the AC. The last walk to the truck to the Vets, was with a towel under his hind parts cause his legs quit working. I miss that old guy.