How to comfort my senior dog who is dying and having seizures?

This is a difficult question to answer, but generally a dog in discomfort will stop eating, become lethargic or may whine/pant excessively even at rest. Since the frequency of the seizures has increased, have Bandit examined by your veterinarian. There are medications that can be given to control them. Begin a Seizure Log. Note the time and duration of each seizure as well as information such as diet and activity before and after. This may help your vet pinpoint causes.

I'm so sorry to hear that Lilly has developed seizures. Seizures in dogs can be fatal if not treated. There are a huge number of newer anti-convulsant drugs that are much safer than some of the older ones (and even a new diet). I always tell people that old age is not a disease. Seizures and their side effects are much more likely to kill Lilly than any of the medications that your vet might prescribe. I think it is worth having your vet examine her and discuss the treatment options. Hopefully your vet can put your parents' minds at ease about the medication and make Lilly feel better. I have included some information about seizures below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=560 I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The decision you are trying to make is an extremely difficult one. I will tell you that pets typically don't die peacefully at home- it is usually a rare occurrence. When it comes to making the decision about euthanasia, I try to have the owner think about good days and bad days. Being a golden owner myself, I know what makes them happy- food, attention, going on walks, treats, attention... When you think of all the things Jacky loves, is he still doing those things? Does he still come to the door when you come home, is he able to get up to go to the bathroom or is he pottying on himself, is he still interested in food? When the bad days outweigh the good days, his quality of life is poor. A friend once told me, it is better to make this decision a day too soon than a day too late. As I said it is a very difficult decision but you need to think about what would be in Jacky's best interest. I hope this helps. Kisses to Jacky!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend taking him to the vet right away. He may have a back up of fluid into his lungs basically making him feel like he is drowning. I cannot give him a prognosis and tell you how much time he has left without knowing more about his case. You need blood work, X-rays and a possible ultrasound of his heart to know the severity and what is going on right now. If you are unable to do the full work up, discussing euthanasia would not be a bad idea because he is currently suffering. I hope this helps. Good luck and kisses to Baylor!

Gizmo needs to see a vet right away, as it is a medical emergency that he's having bad seizures and a hard time breathing. He needs medical attention now for the seizures, which can be caused by tumors, low blood sugar, liver failure, kidney disease, or Cushing's disease among other causes. There is nothing you can do at home to treat him for his seizures, please take him into a vet immediately. If Gizmo seizures again before you can seek vet care: - Don't put your hands near his mouth - Keep some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle to spray on the pads of the feet for cooling - Monitor him at all times during the seizure to ensure that he cannot hurt himself by crashing into furniture, etc - If the seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, seek emergency care immediately

I cannot comment on whether or not it is time to euthanize Sasha since I have never done an exam on her. With her not eating, drinking and urinating in herself, then you have to look at her quality of life. I would talk to your vet to see if there is anything that could help her or if her bloodwork looked too bad. You may talk to your vet about medicine for cognitive disorder (dementia) like anipryl and omega 3 fatty acids. Also, you can add a medicine that helps with incontinence (urinating while sleeping) called proin that may help. Finally, if she is weak and not able to get around and her bloodwork looks good, you may want to talk to your vet about medicines for arthritis. Thee are also appetite stimulants and anti-nausea medicines that usually work really well in animals too. I hope you are able to find a way to keep her comfortable for a little while longer. But also know if your vet says she will not improve, please take comfort in knowing you gave her a long wonderful life. I hope this helps. Hugs!

I would not recommend withdrawal of heart medications as a means to home euthanasia it this would run the risk of increasing the signs and symptoms of her heart disease (fluid on the lungs etc) and would be distressing for her. Unfortunately it does sound like she is approaching that stage that a thoughtful and compassionate euthansia may need to be considered; see the attached link which can help to provide a framework between all of her caregivers as to when such decisions should be discussed https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/files/import/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf