I need your advice in regards to my dog

[therevjay]

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

That would be my way of thinking also.

 

[deduke1907]

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

phil i took DUKE outside today since about a month ago and he really acted like he enjoy being in the grass and smelling the air.
thank you

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

That does my heart good to hear Duke was outside enjoying the day. I hope you and Duke have a lot more days like today.

ps... Pugsters says hi to Duke

 

[oamaam]

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

About two months ago I had to put my Yellow Lab down, lets just say between 2 hip surgery's and than his prostate going it was really getting to be too much, the urinating went next while he was sleeping. Yes it broke my heart and tore me up big time, he grew up and went to work with me every day and there's even a picture of him on an M1 Tank. I know what your going through and did NOT read the whole post, but do not keep the dog around , just for your satisfaction, I mean this in the nicest way.

Good Luck & God Bless the both of you

P.s. We had him "Phineas" cremated and his ashes are in an urn next to a picture of him. Someday we'll burry him .

 

[Jswiney9]

when i was younger my family had an old bird dog that stayed outside. she lost her vision and hearing but could navigate perfectly around the yard and was happy. we put up a boundary for her and took her on regular walks and she lived happily and fruitfully for about 5 more years. she actually did pretty great with it. i took her in the woods to chase squirrels and i dont know how but she always knew they were there and barked like crazy. very good dog. she lived to be 18.

 

[writerinmo]

I echo everyone's sentiments, it seems like everyone is one the same page here. Oamaam's post made me remember something... if you want to go the same route they did, cremation urns for pets (and people) are available through Walmart's web site, not the store. Just a thought.

 

[Pilgrim]

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

Sounds about like me...almost.

Everyone is correct about the dog telling you. Eyes and ears are one thing but when the back end starts to seize up and he starts walking stiffly, then you know you've got a problem.

 

[Engineer1911]

You have a difficult decision facing you in the future. Duke was a loving and faithful companion. You have an obligation to give him a dignified and painless end to a full and wonderful life with you. Ending his physical pain must take precedence over the emotional pain you feel from losing him.

I have witnessed several friends delay that difficult decision. After 21 years, we lost Kitty. So we have been there and shared an emotionally agnonizing decision. You must put Duke's quality of life first, and I believe you are. Duke will tell when it is time.

 

[m1gunner]

My best hunting dog went mostly blind and deaf. He still knew me and recognized his surroundings. He could smell the shotgun when I brought it out, and still wanted to hunt. Even in his handicapped condition (and unable to run any longer), he went dove hunting, and usually beat the young dog to the downed bird. All he used was his nose.

It was several years later I had to put him down when his kidneys went. As long as he was happy and comfortable, I took care of him, as he had spent most of his life taking care of me.

When it is time, you'll know. It won't be easy, but it will be the last act of kindness you can do for your old friend.

 

[sandpiper]

If you can still have some "quality" time, I would take it. My dear friend Chance passed this past Saturday, quietly next to my bed. He was an almost 14 year old white shepherd mix we rescued when he was a couple months old. Usual age problems, but nothing serious, and I even played with him the night before.

I am thankful that I didn't have to make that decision this time, but would have also loved a couple more months.

I am also having him cremated, as I owe him that respect.

 

[M28]

phil i took DUKE outside today since about a month ago and he really acted like he enjoy being in the grass and smelling the air.

This is truly great news!

I had to put my beloved Rowdy down in June. He woke me up at two in the morning in obvious distress from a stomach torsion which is a condition I knew little about at the time. A few short hours later I had to make the decision at the vet's office, barely giving me time to adjust to the enormity of it all and being way bummed that his last hours on the planet were spent in distress.

I don't know how long you have with Duke, but make the most of it.

Brian~

 

[bk43]

We had an Akita that lost his vision the last three years of his life. He got around "his" house and yard and walked the neighborhood with me like he could see. I only remember once he got confused in the yard but it was no problem as he just laid down and waited for me to come help him. An older friend down the street got all upset about Sinbad losing his vision and I just explained to him that the dog was just as happy as any other dog. He didn't know he was supposed to be able to see so everything was cool.

I sure didn't appreciate him any less those last few years when he was blind.

Bob

 

[4406v]

I had a vet tell me like this: If you're keeping the dog alive for you it's probably the wrong decision.

 

[smith revolver cop]

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.

I have to second this... when he decides it is time, he will probably quit taking his meals, and will probably be in obvious discomfort/

 

[pawncop]

Have the same situation with my daughters Beagle. His name is Reggie. We had to take him in as he was being dominated by her other dog. Long story, bottom line he is ours now.

Can barely get around, but always perks up at meal time.

He's a bit of a pain but I will be sad when he goes to the Rainbow Bridge.

 

[epj]

I had to put my sheltie down a few months back. A lot of the time she seemed fine. When she refused to eat, I knew it was time. She wouldn't have lasted much longer anyway. I still miss her terribly.

 

[JcMack]

This is a web sight with people managing it that truly love pets. I believe there's at least one vet monitoring it. Helpful to me with advice in the past.

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