I am new, so hope I am posting this in the right place.

I understand no-one can make this difficult decision for me but I would really appreciate the views of anyone that that has had or has a senile/ elderly dog.

My Dachshund is 17 yrs old and in the last year has become senile.
Whilst he still eats and drinks well (even gets excited about feeding times with my other 2 dogs) the rest of the time he is either sleeping or pacing. Sometimes he just stands still with his head hanging low to the floor and doesnt always seem to recognise being stroked unless it is a scratch behind the ears. He has lost weight and is going bald behind his ears.

Walking is difficult and I have to carry him or walk at a snails pace. I feel my other 2 older but more active dogs are not getting as much exercise because of this.
He toilets in the house 3 or 4 times a week (after having to move back to my mum's house due to a relationship split and financial difficulties) this causes strain in my relationship with my mum and I feel guilty as it is not my house!

I feel it is important to add that he is showing no signs of pain.

I have spoken to 2 vets at work who both said 'you will know when it's time'.

Part of me thinks it is the right thing to do but I also feel guilty and selfish that I am choosing to euthanise him to make my life easier.

Views much appreciated , both positive and negative.

Thank you.

feel for you,its so tough!,it all comes down to his qaulity of life,the hanging head low isnt a good sign i have to say......best of luck,as the vets said,youl know when its time.

I'm so sorry it must not be an easy decision for you. For me it would be if they were suffering or had no quality of life he's had a long life and it sounds like it might be time for him to go but only you can make that decision

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"A dog is not "almost human," and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such."
John Holmes

Owned by Buster cairn terrier mix and Leo netherland dwarf mix bunny

only you can make the decision, it sounds like hes ready, i would say he will tell you. my last dog was 18yrs and she couldnt remember how to get back into the house from the garden and i had to go and carry her back in. it was when she started to have one or two accidents i knew, then i got up one morning and she laid there, and looked at us to say, ive had enough now, help me.
so we took her then and ive never regretted it.

your dog was a very very good age, had a wonderful life, and you can do the best thing for him now.we dont get the chance to go peacefully ourselves,
good luck, thinking of you.
be strong.
michelle x

I had a 17 yo cat that got alzheimers, i felt the same way when we decided to put her down, her body wasnt hurting her but she was so confused and scared and that girl had the heart of a tiger so i couldnt keep her going indefinitely.

it is so hard when its not a physical ailment, but put yourself in pups shoes, would you be happy? The deciding day for me was when we found her trapped in a corner of an open room crying as she didnt know where she was, since then i have a rule where if i would want to go peacefully with love and my mum there rather than have the life thet are living then its time.

Sorry for rambling. made me tear up remembering my kitty, you have my sincerest sympathies x x

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Sun Tzu, Kita and Eiko

I don't see how anyone could come on here & be negative to you. Your boy is 17 & I would say has had a wonderful life because of you. This is a heartbreaking decision but really only you can make it. I really feel for you but I know you have the strength to do what's right for him.

Wishing you both the best.


(((((((Hugs))))))))

Im so sorry that your facing this We have had to make this decision twice and it so so hard and whilst I have never regretted our decisons its still very hard.

Better a day too soon than moment too late.
Let him go, with love. It`s the last kind act you can do for him. And you`ll know when it`s time.
X

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Pet Portraits and People Portraits!
www.sitandfidgetarts.co.uk

It is such a sad and serious decision we all face at some point

I concur with everyone else- you will know in your heart whether the decision is right for him or not. That and the professional guidance from your vet will help.

I always thought I would have tremendous difficultly letting go with my old dog but in the end it was obvious when her time was up. If you are having to convince yourself or are having serious doubts then maybe it is not yet time.

I am in tears reading this. I am in exactly the same boat with my old girl and cannot bring myself to make a decision