I need to put down my senior dog but keep holding on. Please help with your opinion!

I have had my baby Ducky (his name is ducky, he is a dog) since he was 8weeks old. He is 15 now, has suffered from seizures his entire life, has cushings (diagnosed 2 years ago) is deaf and more recently blind. I also think he has dementia. All going down hill in the past 3 months. I had my first human baby 6 weeks ago and trying to care for them both has been a nightmare. It is currently 4 AM and he has been up howling at nothing all night. He is not a howling dog… he is a min pin so it’s weird he would howl at all. We are in a studio so I can’t shut him in another room. This wakes up my baby and therefore I don’t get sleep even more so than I would normally. This is why I think dementia. But he still eats just fine, walks mostly fine for being blind and def. He doesn’t get excited to smell me anymore and he just lives in a kennel because he rando pees everywhere pulling off diapers and too close to my babies things. My vet gave me tramadol to give him at night to calm his anxiety that worked up until now, it doesn’t even phase him. He loves outdoors but I live in a 2nd floor apartment and can only walk him for a little everyday if at all. It’s too much with the baby. Please help me! Is putting him down the right thing to do?

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I’m not sure on what you should do but sending lots of hugs to you and your pup

Veterinarian here! I am so sorry about your old man. I always tell my clients they know it’s time when their baby has no quality of life and has more bad days than good. Pick 3 things that are his favorite to things to do. 3 things that make him him. Once two of those 3 things are gone, it’s time to say goodbye

Dog trainer here! (and studying canine behaviorist) Quality of life is super important both for the dog itself & the family of the dog. 🫶🏼🫂 it’s entirely your call. He’s been with you for 15 years, I know he trusts your judgement.

Hugs

I am so sorry boo :/ big bear hugs 💜💜💜

I'm so sorry. We had a jack Russell that went blind and dead when he was 13 and would howl and whine all the time once both his vision and hearing was impaired. That's when we decided to let him go. We felt the howling and whining was a sign he was ready and that his quality of life had diminished. It's so hard but it's an act of mercy for your old pup. I'm sure he's had a wonderful life with you these past 15 years ❤️ sending love and peace your way

Where are you located ? Have you thought of giving him up to someone ? I could really use the addition and companion in my family

@Neta that wouldn’t be fair for him.

I went through exact the same thing this January. We put my beloved Ares down when we felt like he was no longer able to enjoy things that he used to. He also had cushins, and some sort of dementia towards the end. It was the hardest thing that I had to do but couldn’t let him be miserable any longer. I am not saying that you should put him down now but you will know better than anyone when it is time to let him go. Sending you a big hug and lots of strength to make the right decision for you and your family.

Trust your judgement. Hugs momma.

I’m going through the same thing with my 12 year old boxer. She has advanced cancer that we tried to treat and they couldn’t remove it all. Everything was going ok until about a month ago. Now she has trouble walking and today she could barely hold herself up to pee. I still see life in her eyes though and don’t want to end her life if she’s not ready. It’s so hard to know what’s best in these situations. The advice you received on the 3 things that make them them is actually really helping me right now. Sending you virtual hugs and prayers! My heart breaks for you knowing how awful the pain of these choices are to make. I wish a peaceful final rest to your Ducky, whenever that day comes.

I’m so sorry I just said goodbye to my 15 year old senior this week and I’m still not okay. As others here said quality of life is super important, in our case the vets gave us a questionnaire to fill in and log daily from a service called leap of love. But to be honest I don’t think it will ever feel like it’s the right moment to say goodbye. Sending you a big hug.

My dog is almost 18. I couldn't deal with the thought of putting him down so I never did. Now he is still with us but clearly uncomfortable and not enjoying life anymore. He went downhill quickly and now as much as it would have hurt, I wish I had done it sooner. I should have listened to my fiance and done it before the baby came. Now he is just miserable and lays in a corner all day. I wish I would have had the courage to say goodbye when his days were still happy. I could have spared him from this.

Thank you all so so so much. I am doing the 3 things and paying attention this week. I still haven’t decided but getting your supportive comments helps the process in not feeling alone or like I’m being a bad pet mama by being in this position. Hugs to you other pet mamas who went through/are going through this. 🩵

We made the hard choice to put down our family dog , cause he was blind and suffering 😢 😔 he will be missed , I got a tattoo for memory and we each have his ashes