Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My old dog wobbles, falls, and won't eat. Is it time to say goodbye?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 14 lbs

Is it time to put my 15 yr old dog down? He wobbles all the time,falls down sometimes,acts like he forgets where he is going,doesn’t eat much at all, has a hard time having a bowel movement, He still goes out to his business.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2018

The decision to euthanize is extremely difficult and there is no right or wrong answer. I advise my clients to consider euthanasia when they feel like their pet is suffering so much that they don't seem themselves anymore; or just don't seem to enjoy life anymore. You will be the best judge of this.

From what you are describing with Toto, I would consider euthanasia an option, because he has signs of pain (not eating and wobbling) and is not able to be a normal dog. A fifteen year old dog is quite old; which tells me that he has definitely had a good, long life. It will be worth taking him in for an exam by a vet, before making a final decision, because they may be able to help him. Either way, it's a personal decision and I'm sure your vet will be OK with whatever option prevents any unnecessary pain.

I hope that helps and wish you the best during this very difficult time.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 11th, 2018
He definitely seems to be in a lot of discomfort, but without examining and doing some testing, I can't tell if he's going to die anytime soon. I can say that if he continues not to eat or drink, then he won't live more than a few days. The lack of appetite tells me that he feeling very bad and the cracking noise plus inability to keep his balance tells me that he has very bad arthritis.

The decision to euthanize is extremely difficult and there is no right or wrong answer. I advise my clients to consider euthanasia when they feel like their pet is suffering so much that they don't seem themselves anymore; or just don't seem to enjoy life anymore. You will be the best judge of this.

The best thing you can do for him is to take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will be able to better advise about his current condition, treatment options and whether euthanasia seems to be appropriate.

I hope that helps and your dog feels better soon.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My senior dog with dementia is declining. Is it time to say goodbye?

I'm sorry Petey isn't doing well! It does sound like his health is declining, and given his symptoms of not eating and drinking, going to the bathroom inside, and being very lethargic, I would speak to his vet about letting him go peacefully. He may be suffering, and letting him via humane euthanasia may be best for him. I'd take him into a vet now. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior dog can't walk or eat. Should I consider euthanasia?

I'm sorry your dog isn't doing well! I would be concerned that she may be in pain, and she could have a neurological problem causing her inability to walk. It's quite serious that she hasn't eaten for four days and can't get up. I work for a home euthanasia service, so I frequently encounter the question of when to put an animal to sleep. I always recommend looking at the dog's quality of life. When a dog can't stand up and isn't eating, their quality of life has declined to a point where humane euthanasia should be considered. She will be starving from not eating, and that will be painful to her. It's also probably distressing she can't get up. In this case, I personally don't think it would be fair to wait it out. You can have her seen by a vet tomorrow to see if there are pain medications to give her to see if that helps her get up and medications to stimulate her to eat. If those don't work, then letting her go peacefully is the most kind option for her. I'm sure that's not something you want to hear, and I'm very sorry that she is doing so poorly.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My old dog seems to have had a stroke. Is it time to euthanize him?

I'm really sorry you're going through this with Tony. The masses may or may not have to do with his problems that you're seeing - they could be benign growths, but the only way to know for sure is to test the lumps and see what they are. Your vet can do a simple test for this called a fine needle aspiration. Regarding whether or not it's time to euthanize him, you should know that there is a disease called Vestibular Disease (sometimes called "Old Dog Vestibular Disease) that causes signs such as you're describing. They usually recover uneventfully in 5 - 7 days. However, many other conditions (such as stroke, as you've mentioned) could cause these signs. I recommend getting Tony seen by your vet as soon as possible to sort out what's going on with him, and figure out if he has a poor quality of life and whether euthanasia should be considered, or perhaps whether this is a treatable disease.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My senior dog is in pain and can't walk. Is it time to say goodbye?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dexter. When discussing quality of life with owners, I like to have objective questions that you can answer to guide the decision making process. When a dog is elderly with a chronic condition, you can expect the pet to have bad days. However, the good days should outnumber the bad. The pet needs to have enough mobility to get to his food and water independently and to be able to go to the bathroom. He needs to still have the desire to eat and drink. His pain to be reasonably well controlled. Finally, he needs to have some joy in his life. It may be different from in his younger years, but he should still enjoy things. I know this is an extremely difficult decision, but I hope this gives you some information to consider. I cannot say without evaluating him myself, but I suspect the time is near based on what you have described. I hope this gives you some peace.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior dog is suffering. Is it time to consider euthanasia?

Oh no, I'm so sorry that Santeri is so sick! I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face this question all the time with my clients. I suggest making a list of five things Santeri loved to do. If he's not doing at least two of them, then his quality of life has decreased to a point where humane euthanasia should be considered. It's always a hard decision to make, but if he has a poor quality of life, letting him go peacefully would be a great kindness. If you'd like to discuss this further, I'd be happy to consult with you. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. Otherwise, I hope my answer helps and I'm sorry you are facing this issue :-(

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog is walking wobbly, falling down, and not eating. What to do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian right away if at all possible. The symptoms you have described can be the result of an intoxication, orthopedic pain such as arthritis or a neurological problem. An examination will be performed and x-rays may be needed to diagnose the problem. From there, appropriate treatment can be prescribed. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my old Dachshund suddenly slow, wobbly, sleepy, and not eating?

I am sorry tootsie is having a hard time. My concern would be arthritis, possible back disease, neurological issues or infection. I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian for a good exam to check her back and back for pain. I would recommend limiting her excercise and not allowing her to jump until she is checked out. Hope that helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share