My oldest dog is coming to his last few days. He has a host of problems and has lived a lot longer than the vet predicted. There's nothing really the vet can do for him.

Today he has been sleeping in his favourite spot, hasn't moved all day. He had a little milk I took him but he's not interested in anything else. He's not in any pain, he's sound asleep. Snoring in fact. But I think it's his time. Mainly because my other dog keeps coming over and barking at me and running to the stairs as if to say help him!

Given he's not in pain and the vet cant help, would it be wrong to simply let him slip away while sleeping. He hates the vet and he doesn't deserve that stress in the last few hours.

Sorry to hear of your imminent loss, Duffsdad.

If it's obvious that your dog is nearing the end of its life - which is clear from what you say - if he's in no pain, no distress and just fading away, there's no reason to put him through the stress of a visit to the vet - though the vet would probably come out if you requested a home visit.

If things change - he becomes more wakeful and seems unconfortable or distressed - then that's different but if he continues to fade away in a spot that he feels most safe and secure... well, it seems like a very kind way to go.

Hope things go on gently... and let your other dog see him after the inevitable happens - it may help the other dog realise where your older dog has gone. It seems that younger dog is certainly aware that things aren't right. Best wishes from me - I know from experience it's a very painful time.

Really sorry to hear about your dog
It's exactly a month since I had my old dog put to sleep.
He was behaving in a similar way to your dog which led me to believe I should end it for him.
Although the vet agreed with me that I was doing the right thing for him as he would not have died naturally I'm still finding it difficult that I made the decision for him.
I wish I'd had the vet come out to my house due to the reaction my dog had towards the vet.
I feel for you at this time. I'm having a hard time coming to terms with having had him leave us, even given the fact that it was the best thing for him.

Duffsdad I would let him pass naturally so long as he is not in distress. My old girl is on borrowed time too - though she is still surprisingly active. If necessary I will try to have the vets come out.
How is he doing anyway? Maybe dogs are like people in that he might have a 'last rally'.

Hi all Thanks for taking the time to reply.I really needed to hear from people who would understand where I'm coming from.

He's doing not too bad tonight. He's taken some chicken today but only if he's hand fed. He was refusing to drink too,turning away from the bowl...so I've been giving him watered down oxo. Not ideal but there's not a lot to lose and this way he;s getting fluids. He went to the door and had a wee potter round the garden after dinner, came back and hasn't moved since. He sleeps so soundly. He really cant be distressed at all sleeping like that. He does seem a bit confused though, when he wakes he seems not to know where he is.

I guess I just needed some reassurance as so much emphasis is put on a more clinical passing at the vets these days. Indeed, she said it would be easier to fit into my schedule!!!

So we are aiming for him passing at home, just going to sleep and not waking up. Each snooze gets deeper, each time his breathing a little slower. My daughter's off tomorrow and I'm off til Tuesday so he will never be on his own.

I guess that's all we can ask, a good life and to come to the end of it with the people we love and loveus.

I am so sorry to you and your family.

You know in your heart of hearts when the time is right, dogs seem to just give you 'that look' and you know they are ready to pass on to the next life.

It's lovely that you're able to have this happen at home, it's where he's felt safe and loved his whole life and he will be with those who have loved and cherished him.

If he's not in pain you are absolutely doing the best and kindest thing.

He's as lucky to have you as you are to have him.

You have my sympathy. Our dog is 13 this year but other than some joint pain, she seems fine and has never been ill. But given her age we know the time is coming.

I absolutely dread the thought of having to make "that decision".

How very sad.

Anyone who has owned a dog will understand what you are going through.

Best wishes.

The best way to go for any animal is passing peacefully in their sleep.

Never mind animals - people too.
Good for you OP for not listening to that nonsense about 'schedule'. If we truly love our pets, they are not something to be disposed of for the sake of convenience. If we have cared enough to give them a good life, how can we not care enough to give them a good death?

Over the years I have had so many cats and dogs when I have needed to make that awful trip to the vet.
The very best was my 17 year mutt who died quietly at home, with me beside her and my other dog at her feet and my cat cuddled up with her. She just curled up on the settee and didn't wake up again - passed away sometime around dawn. So peaceful and also allowed her other friends to know what had happened and to say goodbye. I wish you all the very best and hope that you have the same experience. Bless.

I'm of the opinion that vets recommend euthanasia far too often for animals who are simply reaching their natural end of life.

Duffsdad you're 100% going about this the right way, let him spend his last weeks, days, moments at home surrounded by family, he'll go when he is ready, not when a vet sticks a needle in him on some cold, unfamiliar table.

Thanks all, you've no idea how much the support means. Still getting a slight pressure to do "what's right for him" from the vets.

He's toddled into the garden this morning and had the sunshine on his face and now gone back to sleep. I know I'm putting human emotions on him but I feel he is still enjoying small pleasures, that waggiest tail is still wagging. He's not in pain, just old and weary.

As kingjeremy says, I'm happy to let him decide when it's time. That's what's "right for him" at the moment. If he gets sick or distressed, I'll get him to the vet.

No please don't. Get the vet to him. My girl used to love the vets but nowadays after having a few health procedures she is quite anxious in the consulting room. I would hate for her last moments to be somewhere where she is afraid and I think some dogs might pick up on the astmosphere anyway.

How is your old boy doing xxxx

Instead of watered down Oxo - which will be salty - you could try him on water and glucose or water with a teaspoon of honey dissolved in it.

If he becomes distressed, the vet can't come to you and that visit to the vet has to be arranged, book the last appointment of the day (which is what our vet does). Don't take him in until s/he is ready for you so the dog (or cat or rabbit) doesn't have the stress of the waiting room. Then vet is ready, so are you, straight in and the deed is done.

Whether the animal has to be euthanased at home or at the vet, we have to do our very best to be upbeat and jolly... I'm sure we've all had animals who've sensed sadness so we have to attempt the impossible at the end of their lives.

I hope he'll continue to fade away at home, Duffsdad, but if he does not, the only regrets I have had is when I've realised - with hindsight - that I've waited too long. I've never regretted being perhaps (only perhaps) a bit premature with my decision.

Duffs dad , we were in a very similar position to you .Our 17 year old mixed breed was so very frail and weary , but we couldn't bear to part with him .We saw sense and called in a home vet .When I got home from work to my utter surprise , there he was as usual in his basket .The vet had said to my husband " you'll get another month out of him yet ."

I was delighted and horrified at the same time .Our dog had no quality of life ,had to be hand fed and was worn out etc so we spent one more day with him and then took him to our usual vet who put him to sleep .As he slipped away you could see the relief and peace wash over him ,and we knew we had done the right thing for him .


Good luck , it's such a painful time you have my sympathy .

You can ask the vet to come to your home to put him to sleep so he isn't stressed, that's what my sister did for her labrador Judy.

It's never easy but you have to think of your pet, it can be better to be in control and you don't want them to suffer.

If they have no quality of life do the kindest thing for them, speak to your vet and ask their advice and if needed ask for a vet to make a home visit.