Is It Vet Time?

[BeaverDiva]

My dog is old and I fear he has skin cancer as he has lots of lumps and bumps all over, particularly a nasty looking growth on top of his head. He also appears to have gone a little deaf and his eyesight is certainly not good anymore. My question really is that, at night, he's very unsettled and keeps opening and closing his mouth. he comes and stands right next to where I'm lying in bed and just stands there opening and closing his mouth. I know that I need to take him to the vet if he starts to feel discomfort and pain, and I'm worried that this unsettled behaviour is a sign that he is in pain.

Any suggestions on how to make him more comfortable? I don't want him to suffer but I'm also concerned that if I take him to the vet I won't be bringing him home, and I don't want to do anything prematurely if he still has time for fun and cuddles.....

[Hopkirk]

Take him to the vet!

Hopefully they can put your mind at rest and make him more comfortable.

However, if the time has come then it is not fair to prolong his suffering.

If you love him, then you must do the best for him, not yourself.

[furrypusscat]

I think you know the answer. Going to see the vet is the only thing to do. It may not be the worst news, he may be able to give your dog medication to ease any discomfort he may be suffering and if it is the worst news then you need to be kind and think of what is best and the kindest thing for your pet.

[Mosaic]

If not in pain, maybe enduring an illness that's affecting his poor old brain. You are the centre of his existence and can choose how to act. Rest assured the old dear has no fear of the future or, therefore, of dying. He's had an awesome time with you, but the vet will be able to advise you now of the kindest route to take. Your dear old friend needs you to take these decisions as he's completely in your hands. Love and hugs.

[paddywak]

Please think seriously about what to do next, as nobody who loves their dog wants to make THAT decision but nobody wants to let them suffer.Take him to the vets and see what he/she says before making any decision but remember what Lankeela has said many a time when this has been discussed it's better to let them go early then suffer a day too long.I'm sorry that you are in this position it's one that every pet lover,my self included, has been in and i know just how difficult it can be at a time like this.

[viv41]

I agree with everyone on here Beaver, time to visit the vet. The dog is the important one here, not you. You must do your best by him. We've all gone through it and know it's not easy. Good luck.

[rsvp]

BeaverDeva take him to the vet so that you can make an informed decision - you say in the last paragraph you don't want to take him because you fear you won't be bringing him home - the vet can't force you to have your pet euthanised but he/she can advise you what the situation is. You're obviously a very caring owner of a much loved pet - do the right thing and find out what the problem is, then make a decision - at the moment you're conjuring all sorts of scenarios up in your mind and fearing the worst. Find out, not only for your dog's sake (because if it is something serious you need to know and not let him suffer) but for yours as well.

[naomi24]

I know how you feel. I've just lost one of my elderly dogs. Please, take him to the vet. He won't make a bad decision and hopefully you'll be bringing him home with some medication that will make him more comfortable.

[ladybirder]

Hi Beaver, has your boy been to the vet yet and if so can you tell us the result please? We are all dog lovers on this thread and I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering how he's doing. If you haven't been yet please do so, quickly, as others have said, he relies on you to do the right thing as he can't do it for himself. Please don't let him suffer which I fear he is by standing as he does by your bed at night. Give him a big hug from me.

Sorry you've lost one of your beloved dogs Naomi. I remember this is something you have been bracing yourself for.

[Tilly2]

You know what you have to do, Bevaer. It's time.

[lankeela]

I am usuaIiy the first to say better a day too soon than a moment too Iate, but I think you may find your vet can heIp him. My criteria is if they can stiIi get out to go to the toiIet themseIves and are eating ok then provided there is nothing causing pain or discomfort you may have him for a whiIe Ionger. He may have troubIe with his teeth which is causing the mouth thing, but onIy the vet can say for sure. No vet wants to Iose a cIient and they wiII try everything reasonabIe to keep him going. If however the vet says there is no more he can do, then you owe it to him to Iet him go with dignity and remember aII the good times you have shared.

[Prudie]

This post upset me a bit, have you gone to the vet yet Beaver? I'm possibly being daft but I feel like the opening and closing his mouth right next to you in bed is like he's trying to say 'please help me'. There may be lots the vet can do but even if it is the worst - it's kinder to him.

[Hopkirk]

I suspect that BeaverDiva has been to the vet.

She probably only asked because she knew she had to, but needed someone to tell her to go.

Having shown her great concern for her much loved dog, she surely won't have ignored the unanimous advice.

[ladybirder]

Upset me a bit too Prudie. I keep returning to it in the hope that BD has replied. I see her profile says she has not been active on here since she posted her question but of course that doesn't mean she is not watching while not logged in.

Hopkirk I do hope you are right.

[viv41]

I too am worried abut this dog, I wish she would let us know what's happening.

[janbee]

I undertand...you love your dog and you don't want him to die but if you truly love your dog, you also won't want him to suffer. Take him to the vet and get his/her advice. If you're keeping the dog alive for your own sake, then that is just cruel. I've been in EXACTLY that same place Beaver, it's awful. Get advice. xx

[ladybirder]

I'm cross about this post now. I know I shouldn't be but I am. We have had no acknowledgement despite pleas for information and we have no idea if this poor dog was taken to the vet or not and if he was, what was the result.
I'll shut up before I get lynched.

[Prudie]

I'm with you LB but looks like Beaver hasn't logged on since the day this was posted. I don't know why but I feel this dog was undoubtedly trying to tell her something. Hope it's all OK, I know it can be hard to come back with bad news (or worse not have done anything at all).

[ladybirder]

Thanks Prudie, glad I'm not alone. Your very last few words are the ones I dread the most because that would be the worst possible outcome for the dog. x

[Sqad]

My guess is that the dog has been "put down."
BD is upset and does not want reminding of the event by posting on AB.

I understand how she might feel.

[Prudie]

Sqad if you're right then I think we'd all understand why no more news.