Dog Euthanasia

[ANodley]

I have a yellow lab that will be 15 yrs old in July.  She has lost the ability to hold her bladder and bowel movements.  She can no longer get up from a laying position unless you lift her rear end and help her stand.  She can no longer come up steps after going out to the bathroom so someone has to work the rear while she uses her front legs.  Am struggling with what to do.  She still eats (not as much as she used to), sleeps a lot and even though she is taken out to the bathroom regularly she still has a lot of accidents.  She will wake up and she has pooped during her sleep or just drops poop as she is walking.  How do you know when it is time to put them down?

[ginger899]

Growing old has its difficulties. But an old or terminally-ill dog can still have quality of life. But it's a very fine balance, and it means being very watchful of her general condition and emotional well-being.

The stuation is very inconvenient, and the 'accidents' may cause her distress, as no animal likes to have an unclean rear end or to lay in poop or pee.
If she doesn't show signs of distress about this, and you do not mind the cleaning up, then it may be causing no terrible problem.
But be very clear about that. If for instance, it means she can no longer sleep in a bed she's fond of, or can no longer rest on the couch next to you....etc, then it may be causing her discomfort of a different kind. She may feel 'pushed out'.

Another thing is pain. If pain relief isn't doing the trick, the dose cannot be 'upped' and there is no other feasible medical solution, then she will be suffering. Many dogs get used to certain levels of pain, so symptoms like sleeping a lot, can be a symptom of pain -but equally, that can be a symptom of old age. Refusing to eat is usually a sign of pain too. Whining, yelping, or groaning also. (But some dogs snore when they sleep, and make other noises! So you need to know the difference)

Eating: If she is still enjoying food that's a good sign. Still affectionate and relaxed? Another good sign. Still getting something out of each day? Relating to members of the family?

Sometimes with back-end problems the tail won't wag any more. But if she still wags her tail -that's another positive thing.

Another consideration is -can someone be with her most of the day? If she has to be left alone for hours (lying in poop and pee) while someone is at work, then that isn't so good.

Nursing care for the very old or the terminally-ill is never easy, for human or dog. If everything appears to be running smoothly in all those respects, then her quality of life still has something to offer, and she may not be ready to leave just yet. "Hospice care at home" can work well for old or terminally ill dogs, so long as it works for the human as well.
But do be very watchful for changes. If you feel in your heart-of-hearts that she is miserable at all, then it might be best to let her go free.

My thoughts are with you. I know this isn't easy.

[Margot49]

I am so sorry to read this and understand what you are going through.
15 is a great life span for you dog so she must have been well cared for and loved.  Unfortunately, when we get pets, chances are we will outlive them.
I think you need to step outside this sad situation and ask yourself a few questions.  
Is the dog old?  What is her quality of life?  How is her appetite? Is she just living in pain and discomfort?  Is there any chance she will get better or just progressively get worse?
As "difficult" as the situation is, sometimes it is the last act of love we can do for our pets and that is to give them a peaceful passing.
((((aNodley))))