Recently, he has been peeing in the kennel everyday. We both work and he is left for approx. 8 hours before anybody can take him out. Up until a month ago he was doing fine like this. We only give him minimal amounts of water in the morning before we leave. But he pees in the kennel everyday now. We have tried dog training pads (which seems to promote him peeing in the kennel for whatever reason) and he pees directly on his dog bed, then lays in it. We have to wash him and his bedding everyday.
It is a tough decision for us. My boyfriend has had him since approx. 2 months old, I have been in his life for over 6 years. I don't want to see him suffer, but I don't want to cut his life short. Some days he seems to get a bounce back in his step and seems to enjoy life. Other days he doesn't want to get up.
Any input is appreciated on what we should do.
Thanks
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I would get a vet check to be sure he is 14, thats pretty up there. He man not be able to hold his bladder as good as he used to which is a sign of old man. this is an extremely difficult decision for you but I wouldnt do anything until he visited the vet and you gave your vet all the info you gave in your question and see what they think at this point. If you truly believe your dog is in pain then and this is hard for me to say but it may be that time to have your dog put down. This is a hard decision for anyone. I hope the best for you and if he does need to be put down, remember there is a grieving process for humans and dogs I believe. My rottie lived till he was 13 and my female basset who never bayed/howled started about a week prior and never left his side. It was devastating for me to watch him in pain and her as well, like she knew. I ultimately had to have him put to sleep and my Daisy Duke (basset) took a really long time to become back to herself. She hid in bedrooms and just slept, like a widow. And me on the other hand was just as bad, he was like my son. I really hope the best for you. dont let anyone bother you with the whole neglect thing you mentioned either sometimes there are just complete idiots on here.
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- I would get him put to sleep.
When I was a kid, we had a 16 year old dog who did nothing but lie on her bed and would toilet there too. It's not a gracious way to go. It's hard to remember old Duffy-Pog for the awesome dog who would play with us, but more as the one that got incontinent. You know?
14 is a good innings for a Staff. - It depends how much you are willing to commit. IF you do not mind washing and cleaning every day after this dog and he appears to NOT be suffering. If he appears to be in constant pain, that is another story. Has he been seen by a vet lately? He may just have a bladder infection.
Sorry to say,,,14 years old is pretty near the end of the line. - You pick up that new kitten or puppy for the very first time. ... The natural question is "Can the veterinarian come to our home to administer .... Likewise, regretting having put a dog to sleep when there may have been ...
- try going to the vet and getting supplement pills or shots for his joints as for the peeing probably as he gets older his bladder is weakening so have some one take him out will you guys are at work.
- That is a decision that only your BF and his vet can make.
- Is there a way he could be out of the crate? he would probably feel better and maybe not as stiff if he could roam around more. He is older, he can't hold it like he used to.
Since you know your dog best, ask yourself the following questions about your dog.
Is my dog in pain? If so how often? good days vs. bad days.
Is my dog happy? Does my dog enjoy his life? Is his quality of life good?
When it was time to consider this step with my Aussie, it was easy for me to make the choice. Although I loved her very much, I couldn't stand to see the look on her face when she was sick, when she was in pain, when she was throwing up from the cancer and couldn't eat. She was a proud, active dog, you could tell she wasn't happy.
When she could no longer enjoy her life....that is when we put her down. - He may of slipped a disk, which could mean he becomes paralyzed in the back half for amounts of time, depending on the level, as he doesn't get up some days and lays in his own pee.
My dog of nearly 10 years took a turn for the worse 4/5 days ago and started to wobble, by the time we went back to the vets only yesterday, she had gone from a level 3 to level 5 meaning that she could not feel pain in her back half at all and couldn't control her bladder. It came as a shock as it was so sudden but we did have to put her down, there was no way in her case that she would get better. You may need to look further into this or check with your vet as your dog might deteriorate - Hi I was in the exact same position as you this april with my 15 1/2 year old westie. He lost some function in his bladder which sounds like your dog. In the end I knew it was time to have him put to sleep. He could not get out of bed some morning as his legs did not seem to work. He looked sad. You will know when it's time but please don't let your friend suffer a moment longer than necessary. It's when the bad out ways the good days.................. good luck
- When his up days are outnumbered by is down days, it's getting to the time. I am concerned that this dog is being left, in a crate? for 8 hours a day. This is not on, regardless of age, and health issues, which may actually have been made worse if he's been holding for that long, up to now. And restricting his water, especially if he's been on a complete food, would have also been totally not on. Dogs need access to fresh water at least all the waking hours in a day - maybe not overnight however.
Regardless, he's made it to 14 and it sounds as if the end is here. If he's lying in his pee, this isn't giving him any dignity, and that's part of knowing when enough is enough. I honestly think, the the agreement of your vet of course, it's time to give him a little bit of dignity back, and end his suffering.
I know this isn't the time, but NO dog should be left crated, with only water when you are there, for more than 4 hours in a 24 hour period, on a regular basis. This is no way to keep a dog, and is crate abuse. - I think you should do the kind thing and put him down, it's clear "from what you wrote" he is suffering.
He is a old dog after all. And the more older they get the more care they need. And he is being left on is own for 8 hours which to be honest isn't very good for an old dog.
Go to the vet and tell them and let him have a check up to make sure his health is okay, because it could be more than just old age which is causing him a problem. - Usually when people get to ask that question on here, the time was yesterday.
Try to look at it this way:
1) Is the dog free of distress, pain or discomfort, and could the pain be controlled?
2) Can the dog walk and balance fairly well?
3) Can the dog eat and drink without vomiting?
4) Is the dog free of inoperable tumours which are painful?
5) Can the dog breathe without difficulty?
6) Can the dog urinate or defecate without difficulty or incontinence?
7) Does the dog have an owner who is able to cope physically and
mentally with any nursing that may be needed?
If treatment is not possible then answering 'No' to any of those questions means there is no blame in having the dog put to sleep
Go with the advice your vet gives you if they think his time is short. Sometimes you get a sign from them that enough is enough and you have them quietly PTS as the last loving act of care you can give them. - There comes a time when quality of life must take over quantity. You dog has had a good life. He is in a spot where you are not able to meet his very senior needs and he needs put down. Why wait until he is in pain as well as the agony he is already feeling. Just like old people, they loose control of their bowels and a dog does not like being in his own waste. Be strong and make the decision. You might even take a day to spend with him inside tending to his every need and feeding him all his dream foods. It's very hard but a part of responsible ownership. My prayers are with you.
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