Old Lab struggling/ how to know when it’s time

[Westside88]

My Lab sure has had a tough 6 months. I thought he was all done this winter when he started falling/collapsing. When I took him to the Vet, she felt it was neurological based (one ear is lower and cocking his head to the side) she talked about seeing a dog neurologist, but at almost 13 it didn’t seem like the right choice. It was decided to switch him from Carprofen to Prednisone. She warned me the switch could be hard on his stomach with a fear of ulcers. Things got pretty ugly for a couple weeks, but he pulled through. It seemed like he was done for and I think he was sending that too. That was in February and he seemed pretty good until a couple weeks ago, even the droopy face seemed better. Now his droop is back and his eyes a little goofy. I’ve got him on the prednisone and CBD oil. My feeling is at his age as long as he’s happy and still wants to play, eats well and is going to the bathroom well then we’ll maintain. I don’t think extraordinary treatments are appropriate (specialists etc) but I want him to have some quality of life. I’m ok with making a tough choice, but don’t want to give up on him too soon. It’s tough to know the right thing to do when they are aging so quickly. Where do you or have you drawn the line? I want to make sure the choices made are right for him not me. Thanks for reading this

[Samloffler]

That's never a fun situation. We've got a chessy that is probably 8-10 months away too. With the last lab, he made it obvious. Like, they look bad now, but when its time they let you know. He kept staggering off and curling up to hide and die, basically. That's when we knew.

[h20hunter]

I am of course making an assumption here with my next statement. If you are asking it is very likely time. Only you know the pup. I do believe sometimes a bit sooner than you are ok with is possibly what's best for the dog. Tough deal man, very tough.

[Wanderer]

As H20 said, only you know him.  when he's not happy/playing/eating or struggling with any of them you'll know. 

Very tough decision - have made it a few times and it's never any easier.   there's always a second guessing going on.   

[brew]

in the past 6 months my 11 year old chocolate has gone deaf.  we use hand signals now to give him directions.  we let him out at night and flick the lights on and off for a signal for him to come to the house .  I know the end is near but he is still part of the family .  will keep him around until I feel he's suffering and then I will end it myself here on the homestead.  my last lab lived a little over 10 years until he got cancer and took him to the vet to put him down.  don't think that was doing him justice taking him off the homestead where he wasn't comfortable at the end.   it's a shi**y deal but that's what you sign up for raising dogs.  You know when its time to do what you have to do.  When I go I would rather it be on a piece of ground that i'm familiar with rather than taking me to the doctor

[Buckjunkie]

Tears my heart out. I am on my 7th lab and like earlier posts...it never gets any easier.

Make the decision when you know he is suffering more than not. It’s the humane thing to do.

Keep your chin up knowing you did what’s best for him.

Wish they lived as long as we do.

[Westside88]

Thank you to those who have replied via post or pm. Yes, it’s one of those cases where you know the reality, but that doesn’t make it easier. We played with a tennis ball tonight and for now he still has joy. He’s able to walk around and sniff things and still likes his treats. When that’s no longer the case I’ll do the right thing for him and be thankful for his time with us. I appreciate your perspectives and advice, I know the people on here care for their buddies like I do

[blackpowderhunter]

as everyone else said.
only you know..being outside of the situation it's easier to say, because if i put myself in your shoes, i can't even imagine.
my neighbor was going through a similar situation last summer..
he waited too long, and after the fact, he admitted that to me with tears in his eyes.. i think he realized he prolonged the situation for himself and not for the dog.
enjoy your time while you can, and just have fun.
remember...a dog is only part of your life, you are your dog's entire life.

[bornhunter]

I have always gone by when you are keeping a dog alive for you and not thinking of the dog its gone too long. A dogs unconditional love for its master will include tail wagging even though it is miserable and in pain. It hard to really know when and damn its hard to make that call.

[bornhunter]

 

as everyone else said.
only you know..being outside of the situation it's easier to say, because if i put myself in your shoes, i can't even imagine.
my neighbor was going through a similar situation last summer..
he waited too long, and after the fact, he admitted that to me with tears in his eyes.. i think he realized he prolonged the situation for himself and not for the dog.
enjoy your time while you can, and just have fun.
remember...a dog is only part of your life, you are your dog's entire life.

[opdinkslayer]

Man! Reading this thread made me get down on the floor & give my old boy some love. I fear the day I have to make that decision or lose him. .  I feel for those of you that are facing it now.

[LHaub]

My German shorthair pointed is 15 now, he hasn't hunted in a few years, has seizures sometimes and has a huge hernia. He doesn't seem to be in pain, he eats on a normal schedule and still likes to go out for walks in the woods, I've thought it was time to put him down for a couple years now and being a hunting /family dog it is so hard to make that decision.  I feel he will give me a sign when he is ready even though I'm not ready. I feel for you, it's a really hard decision to make. But I think you and your dog will both know when its time.

[BD1]

I have reread this post many times. I thought of all the "advice" I thought would be useful after my past experiences. I just want to say how sorry I am that you are faced with this. Really the only real pain in owning a dog and family member. I am with H2O. When you are asking it is probably past "The time" but with that said you are talking about family. You will do right by your pup...I am sure you always have. They are never replaceable but they fill your life with memories that you will have forever. All the best to you...enjoy every second. You will do what is right when it is right

[SGTDuffman]

A horribly tough call to make. When you do have to make that call you’ll have to decide if you’re going to take care of it or have the vet do it. A link to this popped up a couple months back, under similar circumstances, so I thought I’d post it again for people to use as a reference. It’s not something anyone wants to do, but sometimes it’s what you have to do. If it is something you do, and haven’t done before, it’s nice to at least know the right way to do it. In any case, I’m sure you’ll do right by your little buddy.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1481111/

[Rob]

Someone once told me:

"Their last day does not need to be their worst day"

That guidance has helped me make the call in the past.