Probably taking the dog to the vet for the last time
Discussion
Our whippet Sasha is 15 years old, good age for any dog. Last year or so she's started slowing down, looking a bit rough round the edges although most people still think she's a pup. Couple of months ago took her to the vet to get a couple of lumps removed. Since then she's quickly gone downhill, started tripping over her front foot. Vet checked her over and told us she had arthritis in just about all her leg joints, suggested yumove may be worth a try.
Barely 3 weeks later and she has deteriorated to the point that she can't walk more than 10 feet without falling over and needs help getting back up.
She's lay on her sofa the last couple of days needs to be lifted down to get fed, she can't walk into the kitchen as her feet just slip from under her, can't cross the hall to get out into the back garden for a pee. Can't manage the steps in and out of the house.
Think we were less upset when our dads died. She's taken herself out for a walk, I'm in the house trying to keep myself together so as I don't upset the bloody dog lol (failing miserably)
Barely 3 weeks later and she has deteriorated to the point that she can't walk more than 10 feet without falling over and needs help getting back up.
She's lay on her sofa the last couple of days needs to be lifted down to get fed, she can't walk into the kitchen as her feet just slip from under her, can't cross the hall to get out into the back garden for a pee. Can't manage the steps in and out of the house.
Think we were less upset when our dads died. She's taken herself out for a walk, I'm in the house trying to keep myself together so as I don't upset the bloody dog lol (failing miserably)
HappyMidget said:
The current weather is definitely not helping. Try keeping going till it cools down a bit. Keep pupper as cool as possible and things might get a bit better.
We're in northern Ireland, it's a lot cooler here, had to wait for the rain to stop to take her out, unfortunately it's not just the heat affecting her.Sounds like it could be time.
If the dog is unhappy and in pain then it’s time.
She isn’t going to get better if she is 15 sadly.
You have to do what is best for the dog, speak to the vet and take it from there.
It’s terribly sad but their welfare matters most.
I hate this part of pet ownership but they are worth it 100 times over.
If the dog is unhappy and in pain then it’s time.
She isn’t going to get better if she is 15 sadly.
You have to do what is best for the dog, speak to the vet and take it from there.
It’s terribly sad but their welfare matters most.
I hate this part of pet ownership but they are worth it 100 times over.
I went through this 2 months ago and sometimes I still burst into tears when I think about him so I understand what you are going through. I have lost count of the number of dogs and cats we have lost over the years and it never gets any easier when you have to let them go. Thinking of you ooo000ooo
interstellar said:
Sounds like it could be time.
If the dog is unhappy and in pain then it’s time.
She isn’t going to get better if she is 15 sadly.
You have to do what is best for the dog, speak to the vet and take it from there.
It’s terribly sad but their welfare matters most.
I hate this part of pet ownership but they are worth it 100 times over.
I don't know if she's in pain as she hardly ever makes any noise, most pitiful excuse for a bark I've ever heard. Definitely confused and has that "wtf is going on" look. If the dog is unhappy and in pain then it’s time.
She isn’t going to get better if she is 15 sadly.
You have to do what is best for the dog, speak to the vet and take it from there.
It’s terribly sad but their welfare matters most.
I hate this part of pet ownership but they are worth it 100 times over.
Carried her in from the car earlier and put her into her bed, she managed to get out of her bed but couldn't stand up to get back in.
clarkmagpie said:
Sadly, I think you already know the answer.
It is heartbreaking but also the kindest thing you can do.
We called the vet out to the house, lots less stressful.
I had to go to work straight after, I was crushed.
Vets are closed here tomorrow and I have to go into the office, wife is going to make the call in the morning, I assume they have emergency cover. She can pick me up from the office to take the dog in or be there if they call out. Work can suck it up.It is heartbreaking but also the kindest thing you can do.
We called the vet out to the house, lots less stressful.
I had to go to work straight after, I was crushed.
It's hard to do. Been through it 3 times and seriously considered not getting another dog as it upset me so much.
I felt guilty as I also felt their loss more than I did my parents.
But they are like your children and dependent upon you so it's natural you'll be upset.
You know when it's time. Don't fight it for your own selfish reasons. Just be at peace with the fact it's the kindest, if hardest decision you'll ever make for them.
I genuinely feel for you.
Oh and we have another dog. Another beautiful German Shepherd. You soon find there's a dog shaped hole in your life.
I felt guilty as I also felt their loss more than I did my parents.
But they are like your children and dependent upon you so it's natural you'll be upset.
You know when it's time. Don't fight it for your own selfish reasons. Just be at peace with the fact it's the kindest, if hardest decision you'll ever make for them.
I genuinely feel for you.
Oh and we have another dog. Another beautiful German Shepherd. You soon find there's a dog shaped hole in your life.
It does sound like it's time to do the right thing.
Although I'd be quite surprised if it's just arthritis that has developed so quickly and severely and could be any number of more serious issues.
My mum recently had to have her 15 year old collie PTS as in the space of less than a fortnight he'd gone from being very sprightly to struggling to stand or walk and barely able to get out of bed, it turned out he had an aggressive tumour on his bladder but the onlly symptoms he displayed was his inability to walk.
Although I'd be quite surprised if it's just arthritis that has developed so quickly and severely and could be any number of more serious issues.
My mum recently had to have her 15 year old collie PTS as in the space of less than a fortnight he'd gone from being very sprightly to struggling to stand or walk and barely able to get out of bed, it turned out he had an aggressive tumour on his bladder but the onlly symptoms he displayed was his inability to walk.
Normally she sleeps on the sofa, last night we brought her old bed in so she'd be comfy on the floor, got up this morning and she's managed to make it onto the sofa during the night. Carried her out the back as she wouldn't walk over the tiled hall and she was able to go for a pee, made it back up the steps by herself, lift back into the living room and she had her breakfast and hopped back onto the sofa by herself.
Legs are still all over the place but doing her best.
Wife is phoning the vet this morning so waiting to see what they recommend.
Legs are still all over the place but doing her best.
Wife is phoning the vet this morning so waiting to see what they recommend.
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