Caregiver for Elderly Dog....

Oh hun, I have so been there. The things we do for our pets. Here's my story: Old labrador, enlarged spleen so he couldn't run or play rough. Breathing problems, so we airconditioned THE GARAGE since he had too many accidents in the house and we moved him to the garage. He had a hard time with warmer weather. We knew it was time to help him go when he collapsed on a lovely May day (2 years ago), about 55 degrees-he was too hot. Fortunately I was outside with him. We decided that it was better to make the kind decision to put him down, rather than have him suffer and possibly die alone and stressed, scared, and hurting. We were able to find a vet that came to our house for the last injection. The kids got to say goodbye, rather than come home and find him gone. My husband and I were with him--feeding him treats to the end.

Listen to your heart. Dogs don't know today from tomorrow. They can't plan for the future or want to be there for the next trip to the park. They just know now. How is her "now?" If her now is good, and she is still enjoying life, and you can put up with the caregiving, then keep on keeping on. Only you can know when it is right. Just make the best decision you can in the moment. I know friends who look back and say they waited too long because the pet really was suffering. Good luck to you.

One of my good friends had a little doggie that was 15. She was a total pain in the arse for the last year, but was still happy. Her legs gave out on her about a week ago and that was the final straw and my friend tearfully had her put down. When your pets quality of life is so messed up at least we have the option to put them out of their misery. If she's still a happy dog tho, it's probably not time yet.
My friends dog was crying and had had enough when they made the decision.

I have the best dog in the world. I was lucky enough to get a dog without any problems as a young dog. I never knew how loyal and loving a dog could be. He is now 10.5 years and I know he is not long for this world. I will move heaven and earth for him to make him feel ok. I give him his meds twice a day ( I laugh about the fact I take only an aspirin a day and he has a 'twice daily' med box and he takes 5 pills a day) and feel I cannot do enough for him. I need to make up for the zillions of times he has come to the door and greeted me after a really lousy day at work, or layed by my side as I sobbed for the loss of a loved one, or just came to me when I felt I just could not go on when my ex cheated on me...he was always there. It is always tough to let go, but when the time comes for my guy to leave I know it will happen with love. I can see you feel the same way. God Bless.

I'm not really sure what advice you are looking to get....what is your actual question?

I just lost my fur baby 5 months ago. Lacey died at the young age of 8 years old, and had MULTIPLE health issues as chronic health prolems, but also seemed to have just bad luck in general-cancer and a torn ACL. I provided all the care to her that i could, in the form of money for her treatments and meds, making sure she got her 5 medications three times
a day, and whatever else she needed.

She died from liver failure which was caused by one of her medications she took for epilepsy. I did everything i could for her until it was clear that she needed to go to heaven. It broke my heart to let her go, but i knew it was time. being the mother of two girls, I can confidently say that I love Lacey the same as if she were my child. Because of my love for her I refused to let her live without her dignity.

She was a proud and beautiful little soul. My best friend. My first daughter. I miss her everyday.

Only you know what you can offer to your dog. And only you can be the judge of if you can handle the care she needs. If you are questioning it, talk it over with your vet.

My first question is, when was the last time she had a check up with the Vet? If she is not walking it may be from arthritis and she may be stiff and sore.

I am dealing with a older cat right now who has, believe it or not, AIDS. Yes, there is a form of feline HIV. Anyhoo, he has liver issues, is jaundiced, is on a daily pill, and goes to the vets for fluid therapy and a B12 shot every few days. While he is feeling better, three weeks ago I was carrying him to his food bowls, to the sofa, and to the kitty litter box, just to help him out. Oh, he is also the only cat I know that tongues, then spits out pills after I think he has swallowed them. So, when I shove pill in mouth I also use a very small dropper and squirt water in behind it - literally forcing him to swallow the water, and the pill along with it.

You can try that method with your dog. Also, I tend to sneak pills into sliced American cheese for my dogs....the American cheese molds well around the pill and they seem to just swallow the thing whole thinking they are getting a treat. Ask you vet if any of her meds come in liquid form - that is soooo much easier to squirt down their throats.

If you can, go ahead and carry her to the outside door, put her down and just encourage her to walk on her own. With encouragement and positive re-enforcement you should be able to get her to walk around outside. Can she be pee pad trained for in the house "relief"?

Pets are so like stubborn 2 year olds - but they are our furbabies and we would do anything for them.

Good Luck and God Bless

Is it hard for her to walk? You can try slinging a towel under her to help support some of her weight if it is. Our dog is hypothyroid, so on supplemental medication plus two additional medications and is 7 years old. She still loves to run and play. Is there something outside that could be bothering your dog or how they have to get outside if it is new? If she just doesn't want to walk at all and hasn't been in recently a trip to the vet might be the best thing to have her joints checked, T4 level, and anything else that may have changed.

We went through a really bad case of lyme disease a couple of months ago with our dog. She was on about 6 medications, some of which had to be separated by an hour and also getting fluids under the skin. I had to go out with her every time to watch her, try and get her to eat, etc. She decided she only wanted to eat outside at that point by hand feeding, which was fine by me since after several days she was eating a tiny bit again so we braved the freezing temps, rain and snow together. Luckily that was short term, about 3 weeks total and she is doing much better now.

Try making outside as enjoyable as possible for her and give her any support she needs if it is hard for her to get out there. A special treat when she goes out may help encourage her to go too and another when she comes back in. If she loves toys,, take a favorite out when you go. Also make sure she is getting all of her meds every day as directed. If her thyroid is under control it should not make her not want to walk. Good luck to you and your older pup.

I did not read all the responses you have received, so if I repeat I apologize. I see you already posted your So What Happened, so I only wanted to mention something about the difficulty you are having with giving her her meds. Our dog also takes medication twice daily. There is a "product" called "Pill Pockets" or capsules that are beefy or chickeny pouches that you can tuck the pills into and give to the dog. The dogs LOVE them and it is SO much easier to give meds this way. Our dog who will pick meds out of ham or cheese or whatever else we tried, looks forward to taking her meds now, because of these pill pockets. The carry them at most pet stores, not grocery stores.
They're made by "Greenies". Our girl takes 2.5 pills twice daily, and if I buy the "capsule" ones, I can break them into pieces and get about 3 doses (morning, night, morning) out of one "capsule". As they are rather pricey. They are very malleable, a little like playdoh. But she loves them and since I discovered them she has not missed a dose of medication. If your girl is missing the occasional dose because she won't take it or spits it out and you don't notice, could that be related to her not wanting to get up and walk? Not getting the proper dose and then not feeling well? Just a thought.

Bless your heart. I have a cat like that,meds 3xs daily, but of course have a cat pan.
How about having her on a lead outside for a while, since you cannot fence? Is it ok if the lead is staked for some period of time. I think our ordiance here is they can be out for 30 mins.
Best,k

I dont know if you are still checking this thread V. G., but I have been lookong for some kind of support group, someone who would understand and relate to what a caregiver of an elderly and ailing dog is like. Ive likened it to taking care of an elderly parent. But, as you mentioned, we don't speak their language and its so difficult to not know where it hurts so that I can do something about it.
I thought of attending a group for those taking care of ailing humans, but I was so afraid they'd laugh me out of town. It was such a relief to read your plea and to then read such welcoming responses. I have to thank you all for that. I feel so alone with this caregiving responsibility. I knew it would be tough, but I didnt know it would be constant and even when im not at hime, wondering what mess I was going to come home to, or even worse, death. I have a 15 yr old pug. He is still a voracious eater and a tail wagger. He has 3 slipped discs along his spine and has been on varying prednisone for the past 4yrs. Due to the pinched discs, hes lost a lot of back-leg coordination and evidentally what can commonly accompany this is often fecal incontinence. He requires round the clock care and I work a full time job so he doesnt get what he needs and deserves. I can keep on keepin on, but I just need to know there are others out there who have experienced or are currently experiencing a similar uphill battle. So, if anyone has any more stories to share, please dont hesitate. I just dont want to be alone in this. Thanks! T. B.