Old Doggy

[Roughquest]

I know I have asked this question before, but I really am not sure what else to do. My dog is coming up to 14,and in the last 4 months as started to poo in the house - he isnt incontinent, but no matter how many times i let him out and very late/early in the morning, he will just poo in his own bed and lay in it (thank goodness its solid), he used to go on command in the garden but is getting increasingly confused, when he is let out and i give him the command to relieve himself, he just goes into his kennel, then when i let him back in the house 10 mins later you can guarantee he will have pooed in his own bed. He is otherwise fine, appetite etc etc, i have consulted my vet many times but he has told me that i should think about having him put to sleep. He constantly smells of his own poo - no matter how many times i bath him....this is really upsetting me. so much.

[kita1]

I mean this in the best possible way Roughquest - if you read your own question back I think you are answering yourself.

If this is really upsetting you (it will be upsetting your dog too) and there is no obvious cure (your vet would have told you if there was), then there really is only one option.

Your vet would not advise this if he thought there was any other reasonable solution. 14 is a good age for any dog and although he appears healthy in every other aspect his mind seems to be going. If you can constantly smell his own poo on him imagine how he feels? To a dog that has been clean all his life it must be distressing. How are you going to continue bathing him and drying him constantly in winter - when it is freezing outside?

I know it is hard - we have all been there - everyone is different, but I get the feeling from your letter that like I say you already know the answer.

Letting go is always hard, but if you can take a step away and remember the dog he used to be, then look at him again as he is now, is HE really happy? Is there any realistic chance of recovery (or is he just going to get worse)? How do you want to remember him?

You know your lifestyle, feelings etc. and others cannot judge that, everyone has different standards and what is acceptable to one is not acceptable to another. Hard as it is only you can decide.

Sorry, this may not be the reply you wanted to hear, but sometimes honesty is the only way.

Thinking of you.

[Andyvon]

I'm afraid I agree with Kita Roughquest. 14 is a good age for a dog and it sounds as if your pal is just getting very old. From what you say I think I agree that he is getting very tired and confused.

It's never easy and I still remember each of my dogs now. You never forget them, but the time always comes when they leave. What you can take great comfort from is that you gave your dog a wonderful home and made him very happy. I know people have different views, but I'm sure that all my dogs are waiting for me when my time comes, and I know that will be the same with you.

I don't think things will improve Roughquest and I think it's a matter of taking that deep breath and going to the vet sooner than later. Give your friend a big kiss and hug and let him go. You will see him again - he'll be waiting for you with a big hug and kiss in return.

I'm upsetting myself now. Thinking very much of you too.

[divegirl]

Hi, I don't really know what to say, I'm so gutted for you. I think as Kita says, you are answering your own question, but I also understand you being hesitant because he is still eating and essentially living a life. No one but you can make this decision, I mean we can give you all the tips and advice you want but only you know him well enough to know if the time has come to let him go.....I too am now in tears and will be thinking of you so much.

Much love

Lisa x

[maggie01]

I know in my heart everyone's answers are right but if he is still eating a living a life, I could not have him put down. He is not incontinent so I would just have to watch for him to do his buisness and remove it. I would use some sort of dry shampoo to stop him smelling. If he wasn't eating or had loose toilet and weeing everywhere then that would be a different matter. I am sure in the end you know best.

[lankeela]

One of my criteria is whether or not the dog can go out to the toilet of his own accord. This is a basic function for any animal. It seems to me he is losing any dignity, and I think the time has come to allow him to go while he still has some.

Ask yourself who is benefitting from keeping him - you or him?

Better a day too soon than a minute too late.

[1kayvee]

Hi Roughquest, my dog is also 14 years old, and has gone a bit forgetful and has at times, almost gone back to a puppy state, forgetting all the training he's had, in all areas. Your dog doesn't sound quite that bad though.

I went to the vet who diagnosed 'cognitive disorder' which is the doggy form of alzheimers, and prescribed tablets, which would work virtually straightaway or not at all.

I am pleased that they have worked and 'bought some more time, as his old self'

Please be aware that this isn't a cure,but may help

Good luck