Your thoughts on old dogs and when it's "time"

[ReadingMama]

We found a little old Jack Russell that someone dumped back in 2007.  At that time, our vet estimated he was about 10-12 years old.  (Some of you may remember the infamous Mac.) 

A year after we found him, my grandparents had to move in with us because my grandpa was diagnosed with lung cancer and was on hospice.  They brought their dog, and Mac and Tina didn't get along, so Mac went to live across the street with my mom.  He's been with her for the past 2.5 years. 

Mac has kidney disease and arthritis.  He now can't hear, has cataracts, and is peeing and pooping all over my mom's apartment.  In addition, he is bullying my mom's cats all of a sudden.  She is stressed out.

He still enjoys food and likes to go outside to potty.

She's considering if it might be time to let Mac go.  What do you think?

[Alyantavid]

I hated making this decision. 

What does his vet say?  I think if there's still options for treatment and the potential to make his life better, I wouldn't put him down.  If he is not going to get better, no matter what, I would.

[Ldavis24]

Originally Posted by ReadingMama 

We found a little old Jack Russell that someone dumped back in 2007.  At that time, our vet estimated he was about 10-12 years old.  (Some of you may remember the infamous Mac.) 

A year after we found him, my grandparents had to move in with us because my grandpa was diagnosed with lung cancer and was on hospice.  They brought their dog, and Mac and Tina didn't get along, so Mac went to live across the street with my mom.  He's been with her for the past 2.5 years. 

Mac has kidney disease and arthritis.  He now can't hear, has cataracts, and is peeing and pooping all over my mom's apartment.  In addition, he is bullying my mom's cats all of a sudden.  She is stressed out.

He still enjoys food and likes to go outside to potty.

She's considering if it might be time to let Mac go.  What do you think?

It's tough, but 2 things... First, being deaf and blind is not a huge detriment to dogs whose primary navigation tool in the world is their nose...

Second, the pooping and peeing is an issue...I would get that checked out and see if you can't fit him for a diaper. The bullying might also signify a change in behavior which would mean anything from a brain tumor to just being in pain and grumpy...I don't think your mom being stressed out is a good reason to end a dog's life if there is still quality there for him, HOWEVER, if she is stressed out she needs help from you! Do what you can take lessen the stress for her. I don't know what that would look like but do whatever you can...In short assuming there are no other major medical issues, no at this point I wouldn't put that dog down...

It sucks horribly when it happens though. I cried like a baby when our 17 year-old pointer was finally euthanized. She had multiple strokes in one night and we woke up with her not even able to stand, it was definitely time. We knew it and I think (just human speculating on my part) she was ready...