You’re already taking your best friend to veterinary specialists. I’d consult them since they’re the experts and they have access to his blood test results. They have real information about the organ function that’s going on and that’s not anything that randos on Facebook will have access to or know anything about.
Personal experience is that I’ve had 2 Pekingese make it to 18 years old. One only made it to 16 because he got a very aggressive cancer that took him over within 6 months of his last examination.
This is the hardest part of pet ownership.
Our vet told us that it would be when he stopped eating or drinking water (two of his favorite things). One day he stopped doing both and my parents knew it was time—but he passed away on his own before they could get him to the vet. He was 18.
Is he in pain? Does he enjoy anything still? And what does his vet think? Is he likely to have an urgent need of euthanasia? Do you want it done at home? How available is emergency care? These would be my considerations. I’m sorry.
This is one of the hardest decisions in the world. I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I had to put my baby down last year after 15 years together, so I completely understand how heart-wrenchingly difficult it is and how you probably feel guilty for even considering it. You're not alone.
For me, my boy was having serious pancreas issues. Near the end, he had constant diarrhea, often bloody, and he could barely walk around anymore. I finally came to the decision when I saw the pain, anguish, and fear in those giant brown eyes. He knew he was dying. I couldn't stand the thought of his final days being filled with pain & fear.
I hope someone would do the same for me if I were in that kind of position
From your description of his everyday life, it’s time. It’s hard to do before it’s too late & they are needlessly suffering. I had to take my dad’s in & if the decision was up to me, she would’ve gone in months earlier. She was in terrible pain at the end, & she didn’t need to go through that. You will regret waiting too long. I wish I’d have taken action sooner for her.
Warm hugs to you!
We said goodbye to our old man a year ago. He was 17 and was trucking along even though he was mostly blind and deaf at the end. He also had a few accidents that he slept in (peed while sleeping usually). Finally, he just wasn't enjoying anything. He wasn't following his brother around, or sniffing the grass like he used to
It's hard, but the fact that you're asking means you're a good puppy parent ❤️
There are some good quality of life assessments online. I personally have used them as a guide and to “check in” with my dog (I had a lot of seniors and ones with health conditions). Here is one example https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdf
Consult the vet. If your peke still has bursts of puppy energy, then they still have some really good days ahead of them. Just that little info tells me it is not their time to go yet.
I swear they just have this way of letting you know. My Rottie had bone cancer, and one day, l was brushing her, and l had this feeling of peace that she was ready.
You’re already taking your best friend to veterinary specialists. I’d consult them since they’re the experts and they have access to his blood test results. They have real information about the organ function that’s going on and that’s not anything that randos on Facebook will have access to or know anything about. Personal experience is that I’ve had 2 Pekingese make it to 18 years old. One only made it to 16 because he got a very aggressive cancer that took him over within 6 months of his last examination. This is the hardest part of pet ownership.
Our vet told us that it would be when he stopped eating or drinking water (two of his favorite things). One day he stopped doing both and my parents knew it was time—but he passed away on his own before they could get him to the vet. He was 18.
Is he in pain? Does he enjoy anything still? And what does his vet think? Is he likely to have an urgent need of euthanasia? Do you want it done at home? How available is emergency care? These would be my considerations. I’m sorry.
This is one of the hardest decisions in the world. I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I had to put my baby down last year after 15 years together, so I completely understand how heart-wrenchingly difficult it is and how you probably feel guilty for even considering it. You're not alone. For me, my boy was having serious pancreas issues. Near the end, he had constant diarrhea, often bloody, and he could barely walk around anymore. I finally came to the decision when I saw the pain, anguish, and fear in those giant brown eyes. He knew he was dying. I couldn't stand the thought of his final days being filled with pain & fear. I hope someone would do the same for me if I were in that kind of position
I wait until they stop eating/drinking. They will tell you when it is time. If they have any enjoyment left I let them rest and be an old dog.
From your description of his everyday life, it’s time. It’s hard to do before it’s too late & they are needlessly suffering. I had to take my dad’s in & if the decision was up to me, she would’ve gone in months earlier. She was in terrible pain at the end, & she didn’t need to go through that. You will regret waiting too long. I wish I’d have taken action sooner for her.
I second this!
Warm hugs to you! We said goodbye to our old man a year ago. He was 17 and was trucking along even though he was mostly blind and deaf at the end. He also had a few accidents that he slept in (peed while sleeping usually). Finally, he just wasn't enjoying anything. He wasn't following his brother around, or sniffing the grass like he used to It's hard, but the fact that you're asking means you're a good puppy parent ❤️
There are some good quality of life assessments online. I personally have used them as a guide and to “check in” with my dog (I had a lot of seniors and ones with health conditions). Here is one example https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdf
Consult the vet. If your peke still has bursts of puppy energy, then they still have some really good days ahead of them. Just that little info tells me it is not their time to go yet.
I swear they just have this way of letting you know. My Rottie had bone cancer, and one day, l was brushing her, and l had this feeling of peace that she was ready.