Discussions

Our dog is getting older (13), and has been messing herself and just wandering around the yard following the same path most of the time. She used to go all over (she's a farm dog). So now we are wondering if it is time to put her down.  
 
So basically I'm asking, what would you do?

If the dog is not in misery, then why put it down? Just because they get old and don't do the same things anymore doesn't mean they need to be put down.  
Our dog is also starting to show signs of aging, and is not as active anymore. Some days I worry about him as he just lays around in the same places all day long, but it's just because he's getting older. He's not suffering from anything.  

It's time.  
 
Their condition will only get worse.

Talk to your vet and see what they say.

I agree with Jellybean. Unless she's ill or suffering why put her down? If you're willing to put in the extra effort it may take to help her then she'll be fine. I know I'm gonna get stoned for this comparison but....when elderly people get confused or start losing control of their bodily functions is the immediate reaction to "put them down", no you adapt and help them be comfortable and happy for the remainder of their lives. We all know the animal vs. human debate has been talked to death on many threads so save your breath if that's what you want to comment with after this post. So to answer your actual question "what would you do" No, I would not put an animal down for that reason alone.

HMD89 said "I agree with Jellybean. Unless she's ill or suffering why put her down? If you're willing to put in the extra effort it may take to help her then she'll be fine. I know I'm gonna get stoned for this comparison but....when elderly people get confused or start losing control of their bodily functions is the immediate reaction to "put them down", no you adapt and help them be comfortable and happy for the remainder of their lives. We all know the animal vs. human debate has been talked to death on many threads so save your breath if that's what you want to comment with after this post. So to answer your actual question "what would you do" No, I would not put an animal down for that reason alone. "

I hope that by the time I'm old enough I lose control of my bodily functions & mental faculties I will have the option to die instead of burden family and caregivers!  
 
Why would a person WANT to live in those circumstances, the answer is many don't & they end up drugged to combat a variety of mental health issues such as major depressive disorders because as a society we decided it's "right' to keep them alive, whether they like it or not, as long as we can regardless of their quality of life.  
 

Sorry to hear about your girl. We were told that if the dog does that it is probably the time and it will only get worse. To HMD89 really, really comparing people and animals. Have you not heard about the right to die. Some people that do want to die are told no. They are in constant pain and they are told to just lay there and wait till they die naturally. Sorry for going off the topic.

"Remember that pets live in the moment. One of the most wonderful things about animals is how they embrace the present. Every time I walk into my house, my faithful Vizsla throws a one-dog ticker tape parade. The fact that I have entered the house thousands of times before, or that I will leave again in a few hours, means nothing. All that matters to him is the joy that he feels right now.  
 
When our pets are suffering, they don’t reflect on all the great days they have had before, or ponder what the future will bring. All they know is how they feel today. By considering this perspective, we can see the world more clearly through their eyes. And their eyes are what matter."  
 
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-to-say-goodbye  

I'd say it's time. I just put my dog down last year at the age of 13. They've had a great life! I felt aweful because I didn't want to do but then I woke up one morning and she couldn't even pull her back end up anymore. It's better to give them a great last day spend time with them and let them go. It's such a hard decision to make but would we want to be left like that? I'd rather someone put me out of pain.  
 
Good luck with what you decide and my heart goes out to you! It's so hard to loose a furry family member and friend!

Just because shes 13 doesn't mean its time . If shes not in pain and eating and drinking good they keep your furbaby for as long as you can. When her time comes you will know . I had 3 siblings who were 15 and 16 and they were fine and when the time came we knew it was time to let each one go. Sorry about your girl . Stay strong for her she knows your there to make the right decision when her time come .

So do not treat a dog like it's a person.  
Putting the dog down when it is time is the kindest thing you can do for it.  
The determination is  
 
Whether the dog is suffering and no longer happy.  
 
It will be more cruel to let it live, at some point in time.

Thanks everyone ...haven't decided yet, don't know what to do

putting them down is our final act of love...  
 
So tough to follow thru but we must...  
 
Our dog looked so peaceful when she passed....

You'll know when the time is right.  

Old border collie started having bladder issues. We took her to the vet and it turns out a lot of the working dog breeds have issues with estrogen as they age out. She got put on inexpensive estrogen pills for a week then a maintenance dose once a week and she has not had any bladder issues since. Talk to your vet for advice, try the small fixes before you decide, we're certainly glad we did!

we had an old dog they came to the farm and put down was very peaceful for him and us.  
 
our dog had been cheating death for many years. same vet suggested with a leg injury to pay crazy prices for treatment, cut the leg off or put him down. we chose wait and see and he lived for likely 5 more years. so you never can be sure when is the right time.  
 
If you are questioning and feeling like the dog is not having same quality of life and it is sad to watch then in my mind you know what you want to do already.  
 
13 years is a good life.

you sound like a caring person just for asking  
 
I just lost my little buddy a couple months ago. It is one of the hardest things a pet will have to do. The loss of a family member is hard and even harder when you do the deed ( with the Vet).  
 
as long as they are not in pain is # 1 consideration. but also are they still enjoying the life they have. You can sometimes see it in their eyes.  
 
when it is always a struggle and being with you no longer brings happiness for them then it is time.  
 
think long and hard it you are doing the right thing as it may haunt you later with second guessing.  
 
I ran into some videos of my little guy I took to share with the vet regarding his problems and I know I did the right thing. there was no other choice.  
 
you may have to adjust your lifestyle a bit to accommadate your dog but that is small price to pay for a buddy.  
 
in the end though it is the kindest thing we can do for our pets when their time has come.  
 
talk to the vet about end of life care and aftercare, there are some options. and if you go that route you need to stay with your pet through the process, don't just drop him off and run.  
 
God Bless  
 

Spend quality time with your dog. Talk to the vet and have her checked over. You will know when it is the right time. My girl was howling in pain and it was time. 2 years she has been gone. it has gotten easier but still miss her some times.