Anyone here ever have a dog die from old age?

[RazBerryBeret]

at home? not being put down?

I have a small old dog who is dwindling.
I know it's a quality of life thing, but just wondered how often they just die peacefully at home?

My Mushu is a Shiba Inu, sweetest dog ever, he is 20 years old. He has lived a good life, he doesn't seem to be in pain, he has trouble getting around, but he sleeps at least 90% of the time. He is eating and drinking well. Friends tell me I should put him down, husband is leaning that way too. I guess I'm wondering what this journey may look like?

[redstatebluegirl]

1. Over 40 years of having dogs, I have only had one that died of "old age".

He died quickly, got sick one day and died the next, he was 15 years old. I have always gone with the idea that they tell us when it is time, and the most humane thing we can do is help them cross to the rainbow bridge. I have always been with them when they are put down so they aren't scared. It is a very gentle process with the right vet. Two of ours we had done at home, the others were in the vet's office.

It is a really personal thing, I just don't want mine to suffer at all if I can don anything to prevent it.

[RazBerryBeret]

12. thank you

I actually wasn't aware this could be done from home. that makes me feel a bit better.

[cilla4progress]

27. Yes, absolutely

doing it at home is best. It took me some time to learn of this, too. I don't mind the extra charge for the home call.

[DonaldsRump]

2. Our beagle passed away at 17 of natural causes

It is not easy. If he's doing fine, take care of him if you can for as long as you can.

[RazBerryBeret]

13. oh, my family had a beagle

when i was young, loved that dog. thank you. he sleeps soundly, even with me waking him up occasionally to check on him..

[DonaldsRump]

18. She was a wonderful girl

Had gotten her from the shelter. She wound becoming everyone's dog, because everyone loved her so much.

My first dog was a German Shepherd. He died at the age of 12. He was a magnificent fellow, but at the age of 11, one of his back legs just completely gave out and he stopped using it. Then, over the course of a year, his other leg gave out. I was a teen-ager, and pretty strong, and would carry him around as he could no longer walk. One morning, I woke up, and he had passed away. He was not in pain, and I guess it was awful for him not to walk. But he was happy in my arms when I carried him, and he passed away with his family.

It is not easy at all, but if your pupper is doing ok, let him spend every moment he can with you.

I need to stop writing now as there is something in my eye....

[Mike 03]

3. No.

1. hemangiosarcoma
2. lymphoma
3. osteosarcoma



But maybe my current dog will die of old age.

[RazBerryBeret]

16. hopefully doggie #4 will pass at a healthy old age...

Mushu is only our dog #2; our first was a Chocolate Lab who had Epilepsy and died from a seizer when he was two. Maybe that's why this elderly little dog seems fine to me...

[kag]

4. If he doesn't appear to be in pain, and he is

eating and drinking well, I'm not sure I would put him down. Older pets do sleep a lot, but I don't think that's a reason to euthanize him. I guess I would check with the vet and make sure there's nothing really wrong. Twenty years is a good, long life for a dog, but if Mushu is still enjoying your company, and you his, I would think twice about euthanasia.

To answer your question, I don't have experience with dogs, but we have had pets who lived way past their prime (at least one cat and one guinea pig). Both eventually developed illnesses that took them, so I'm sorry I'm not speaking from experience.

Good luck. Sounds like a tough call.

[RazBerryBeret]

17. thanks for your thoughts

I am of the same mind, always thought if he stopped eating and drinking he would be ready. I cook for him now, and he eats a lot for a little dog.

[2naSalit]

5. Well...

It's sad either way. My neighbor's elder dachshund just passed a few weeks ago, at home and it ended in an unfortunate way as the dog was nearly blind and she fell in an irrigation ditch which set off seizures and a sad ending. Their other dog, also aged, is now in the "decision" stage and will likely be put down as she is starting to show signs of suffering.

Letting go of a pet is often worse than a human passing, IMO. It's hard choice and harder still finding that they passed when you weren't there with them. Ask your vet what options are available to you and your dear one, they may have better ideas than I do.

[RazBerryBeret]

19. oh, so sad for the dachshund.

that is a bad way to lose a pet. I'm sure it colors their decision for the other dog. Mushu can't get around well enough to go that way. I guess his constant sleeping and very limited mobility is what makes me wonder about quality of life. but like I said he eats well and still wags his little tail (although he's lost a lot of hair from his tail!). I guess like a human I will take it day by day. thank you.

[SWBTATTReg]

6. I couldn't put my cats to sleep when they were getting up there in age. I don't believe in it, and

think death should be natural, and let them pass in their sleep. They're our babies until the bitter end. Our last cat (lost four of them over the years) died in my SO's arms, just after he got home from work so there is a chance that you can comfort them till the very last. I have 3 beautiful dogs, all of whom are in good shape, and I dread that moment whenever it comes that one day, ...

Best wishes to you on your decision. It's a hard one, and you got my 2 cents worth.

[RazBerryBeret]

21. I appreciate your 2 cents!

I have dreaded this for years... I never expected him to live past 15! but even 2 years ago I could take him to the park and people would ask it they could pet the "puppy", you couldn't tell he was an old man! I feel for him that he can't take the long walks anymore, but he sleeps at my feet as I'm Working From home.. maybe it would be different if I had to leave him alone everyday to go to work.

[essaynnc]

7. It's not a bad thing at all

We've had numerous animals put down, mostly due to deteriorating life quality as they age.

Out veterinary clinic is wonderful, they have a separate room specifically for the process. you and the pet enter, spend some quality time together, maybe half an hour or so. The vet or tech comes in and gives them a pretty powerful sedative so that they sleep. They come back a little later and inject the euthanizing drug into a vein, so they don't feel anything. you're allowed to stay as long as you need, and leave by the private door. It's very peaceful.

As to when, at some point, Mushu will let you know when it's time. If he's comfortable, and still eating, etc., this may not quite be the time. Our last dog went from getting around OK, to muscle seizures and loss of bowel control in just a day; we knew it was time.

I'm sorry for your predicament, it's a tough decision and time to go through. Good luck, and be strong.

[RazBerryBeret]

22. wise words from experience

thank you. it's a very tough decision, i will most likely just take it day by day and see how it goes. thank you again.

[crimycarny]

8. I'm in the same situation

So thank you for asking that question. We’ve had dogs since I was a little kid (about 6 over the years) and only one died “of old age” versus being put down. Those we put down were in distress and pain for various reasons (cancer, kidney failure, etc).

That being said my current dog is starting to slow quite a bit and I‘m hoping for a natural death. I know it does happen, just not as often as being put down due to suffering from fatal old age related diseases.

If I have to make the decision to have my old friend put down I will use a service that will come to my home. My buddy hates going to the vet so I want him home where he is comfortable and surrounded by his family. Best of luck to you.

[RazBerryBeret]

23. I'm hoping for a peaceful passing too.

before this discussion i didn't know it was possible to have a dog put down at home. I am going to check locally for that option. So glad I posted this !

[samnsara]

9. i have had 2 die at home but they were ailing with something, we just didnt know what..

...One was 10 and the other was 15. The dogs I have had to help to the Rainbow Bridge were large dogs. Our large Golden Retriever was 14 and was in kidney failure, quit eating and crumpled to the ground and couldnt get up. He also had small seizures. I had a vet come to our home to help him. Tears everywhere!!! even the vet.

Another was 15 and also became crippled. At that point they become scared...you can see it in their eyes.We didn't know of at home euthanasia so we made the last trip to the vet with him. I still feel guilty about that one. That was in 1985...my Afghan Hound

But the 2 big ones who passed at home were able to walk and eat and basically were normal and one passed in her sleep at night and the other passed alone when we were gone to town but you could see he was at the door waiting for us.

20 is a long life for a little guy. Your dog will tell you when hes ready to go. Right now seems hes not ready. Enjoy all the time you have left with him and tell hubby the dog will make the decision (not him). Keep him (your dog) hydrated as much as you can to protect his kidneys from damage.

I hope you have some really good times with Mushu yet. Take LOTS of videos and b/w photos and make memories.

when my 14 yr old Golden was going downhill and I knew he was basically a hospice dog at that time, I posted this some question and i got many responses telling me i was 'selfish'....i hope you dont get those same answers. They aren't helpful.


(((hugs)))


BTW I gave hemp/CBD oil to the Golden for the last 6 weeks of his life and I really think thats what kept him with me a little longer.

[RazBerryBeret]

28. ah! CBD, I will try that

thank you. with the WFH and leaving the house about once a week for an hour, I have all the time in the world to monitor him. he sleeps at my feet. I make him scrambled eggs and boiled chicken. he wags his tail sometimes. thanks for the kind words.

[RussellCattle]

10. It's your dog and, after twenty years, you know him best. If you feel that he is...

....comfortable, not in pain, just let him continue on in his home. This is only my opinion, others will no doubt talk about the kindest thing being to put him down. Here's a story. Neighbors had a nineteen year old miniature poodle that was like your dog - sleep and eat without any visible discomfort. They hoped he would make it through one more northern winter and be able to go out into their large, heavily landscaped backyard for one more summer. He made it and the last they saw of him he got up from a nap on their sunny patio to go out and nose around in their heavy ground cover. He died out there somewhere in an acre of greenery and they never did find his tiny remains. Rather than being upset about this turn of events, they took some comfort in the belief that he was enjoying himself at the end, and becoming compost wasn't a bad thing either.

[RazBerryBeret]

29. that's a nice story.

that's all a pet owner could hope for. I was hoping Mushu would make it till mid December when my son comes home from his out of state Co-Op but I'm not sure how much joy either would get from that at this point. So it's just he and I on this journey. thank you.

[snowybirdie]

11. Our old dog Patches

Decided it was his time. He was 14. He went into the room where hubby was and offered his head for a pat. He then came out to me in the kitchen for another pat. He walked to the door because he wanted to go out. I let him and he expired on the patio. A gentleman to the end. So sad. Good luck with your buddy.

[RazBerryBeret]

30. sweet story

I had a cat that died in a similar way, she wanted to go in our basement, she did that occasionally. she never came back upstairs, she had gone into the far corner of the furnace room, curled up and passsed away. thank you.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

14. No.

Unfortunately, there was always (in old age) some kind of terrible affliction that made them greatly suffer and they were put down to stop it.

[RazBerryBeret]

31. i think that is the norm.

this little dog has been a trooper, 20 years, probably what makes this even harder.

[woodsprite]

15. Not one of my dogs, but one of our cats.

Two of our dogs died from cancer (beagle w/ stomach cancer, GSD w/ lung cancer), one died from rushed heart worm treatment over a holiday (arsenic based treatment). With our cats, one was killed by a fox, another developed a pneumothorax and died in the OR.

Our one cat that did die of old age was a 17yo Tabby/Maine Coon mix. She came to me while I was on the computer one morning, wanting to be held. I picked her up like I normally did and held her like a baby. It wasn't unusual for her to nap in my arms or laying on me. She literally just went to sleep. I called the kids and my husband out when I noticed her stop purring, taking more shallow breaths and noticed her paws felt cold. She died less than an hour later. She wasn't in any distress, just wanted to be held. About a month before she passed, she seemed to be less interested in her food but still ate, drank normal water amounts. Her name was Cashmere and she was my very first cat.

Our current dog (GSD named Noelle) is over 13yo and has recently been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy so we know our days are numbered with her. She does need help going down the stairs. The vet doesn't think she's in any pain, just having coordination issues and some weakness in her hind quarters. Still goes on walks, but more frequent shorter ones, still has control of her bladder and bowels.

If Mushu isn't in any distress and is still giving and accepting love, eating and drinking well, I would just keep things the same. I figure we wouldn't do that to a relative, why do that to our beloved pets.

[cilla4progress]

26. GSD?

..

[woodsprite]

36. It's an abbreviation for German Shepherd Dog which is the official breed name

and just easier to type. Kinda wonder why they have to add "dog" in there. There are about a dozen and a half breeds that they added the separate word "Dog" to the end of their name.

[cilla4progress]

42. Nice,

thanks.

[RazBerryBeret]

32. beautiful cat story

Cashmere must have been a great cat.

[matt819]

20. We had a dog who died at 19

Jack Russell terrier. Lived on two continents. His motto? Not dead yet.

For years we thought, "this is it." But he never gave up. When he couldn't go up or down the stairs, we set him up in the downstairs office. Kennel with warming mat, his favorite food and treats. He never seemed in pain, and he just kept going. Until we thought that the time had come. And he was alert until the very end. It was difficult and sad, but we just knew.

[RazBerryBeret]

33. it's amazing to have a pet that long, right?

I keep thinking it's not time, i don't want to lose him... but TWENTY years? never expected him to be here this long. I just want to do the right thing for everyone.

[matt819]

39. Ridiculously long time

No one every looks forward to euthanizing a pet. But unless they run off or meet an end some other way (we've had both happen, with cats and dogs), it's a decision every pet owner has to make. I think you'll know.

That said. . . we have three horses, 27, 26, and 23. The younger two have been with us since 2000 and 1998 respectively; the third since 2002. She's blind and has melanoma. A few months ago we thought her time had some. She was lethargic and seemed to be in pain. So we called the vet. Turns out she was having bad allergic reactions to flies. She takes Zyrtec now and is a new horse. Then, a few weeks ago we moved all three from a barn they'd been at together for 17 years and brought them to our house (outdoors, not in). We thought for sure the oldest wouldn't do well. She's thriving, as far as we can tell. All three are. They seem to like the change, maybe because we're with them, or nearby, all the time. Her time may come sooner rather than later due to the melanoma, but until then she's enjoying life, as we are with them. So, yes, we thought it was time and called the vet to help us make that decision. Turns out we were wrong. That happens.

A dog at 20 is nearing the end, but there's no need to rush it. We're not supporters of massive end-of-life interventions for dogs, cats, or humans. But there's nothing wrong with having a "final" visit with the vet to be sure nothing else is going on that can be addressed with relatively routine measures. If it gives the pet, and you, a little more time, that's great. If not, well, then, you'll know. And 19 years or 20 years with your canine companion is definitely a bonus.

[bullimiami]

24. Yup just went sitting on a lap. Had a few weeks with deteriorating mobility but not in pain.

[RazBerryBeret]

34. that's all i hope for. n/t

[cilla4progress]

25. Yes.

Howdy was 17 when he toddled up onto the deck onto his dog bed and slipped peacefully away!

We had the vet on call many times to come up and administer the medicine, when we thought he was going, and wanted to relieve him of his pain. Yet each time he revived! Then, as I say, he finally went on his own time and schedule.

One time we were sure he was gone. He was lying by my bed. We were crying over him. Then - Lazarus-like, he snuffled and blinked - it was not yet his time dammit! He gave us a laugh that time!

At 17, it seemed like he was old for a very long time. Mushu at 20 - even more! Lucky you to have your sweet pup in your life for so long! I always feel they take a little bit of my life with them when they go ...

He was a real character, that Howdy boy. I miss and love them all.

[RazBerryBeret]

35. love the name Howdy

and great story.
If only Mushu can be comfortable to the end also.

[cilla4progress]

40. He was definitely a Howdy.

A sweet, wild, loyal little Border Collie. He was so great at rounding up the chickens to come in at night! He seemed to count them, as they came in!

Best wishes for a good outcome for Mushu. Holding you both in my heart!

[blm]

37. Awww

[SeattleVet]

38. Yes, our sweet little whippet.

We didn't think the end was that close. Like yours, she had slowed WAY down over a couple of years. When younger she could easily clear a 6' fence from a seated crouch position. When I'd take her for a walk I'd hold her treat as high as I could and she'd sit and wait patiently and then jump to get it as soon as I told her it was OK. Over time I had to hold it lower and lower, until the last few months when I'd just bend over and give to to her.

I was still at work when my wife got home from work, and she called to let me know that the dog had died. She was laying curled up in her favorite sunny spot in front of the greenhouse. It looked like she had just gone to sleep and never woke up. I wrapped her in the old sleeping bag she had used as a bed for many years and took her to the pet crematory the next day. She had never shown any signs that she was in any type of distress; she just slowed down and eventually stopped.

[RazBerryBeret]

41. sweet but sad story

thank you. stories like this make me slightly optimistic.

[Mr.Bill]

43. We had a poodle terrier mix who was about 16 or 17.

She was a rescue so we don't know her exact age. One evening she seemed to have some trouble breathing, but she slept well and I was going to take her to the vet in the morning. When I came out of the shower she was laying on the rug in front of the shower dead. 12 hours before she was fine.

My only regret is that right at the very end, she came to me, and I was not there for her. I was in the shower.

[RazBerryBeret]

44. oh man

sweet story, but I know how you would feel. but at least she didn't suffer. and she was with you when she passed.

[spinbaby]

45. I just had an ancient cat put down

She was over 20 and had been declining for quite some time—losing weight, mostly sleeping, and having difficulty moving around. I just kept a sharp eye on her and she seemed reasonably happy and comfortable until one day, I don’t know how to describe it, the spark just went out of her and she seemed ready to go.

[RazBerryBeret]

48. 20 years

is a long time for any pet. my doggie's biggest complaint so far seems to be the diapers I have forced on him... but necessary since he's having trouble getting up. I will see how this goes for him.

[dooner]

46. Max passed in his sleep

Our first dog, a border collie was being treated at 14 for a heart condition. He wasn't in pain, but he was definitely not well. He always preferred sleeping on the deck right outside our bedroom to keep on eye on things, the door was always left open for him if he wanted to come in. One morning I woke up and went out to check on him, but he had passed in his sleep. He seemed very peaceful in his favorite spot and I was grateful that he just went to sleep.

We have another old dog now who's also fading, he's about 14 but has cancer. He still loves his food and his walks (they're getting shorter and shorter) and he sleeps a lot. He also loves to sleep outside at night on the deck because it's cooler. Every morning I check to see if he's breathing. (He's also deaf so I sometimes have to touch him to wake him up.) He's such a sweet boy, we'll continue to take loving care of him until he shows any signs of pain or discomfort, but I hope he also passes in his sleep in his favorite spot.

[RazBerryBeret]

47. this is what I hope for my little dog too.

a peaceful and quiet passing.

[cilla4progress]

49. Going through this

with a horse right now.

Just had a supportive phone call with vet - that it's inevitable, that we've nursed her along and taken such good care of her...

It really helped. I think he's a fundie, and I thought it would be his belief that only Gawd Almighty has that right!