Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    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
    Petco Pay LogoBecome 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 senior dog has many health issues. When is it time to say goodbye?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I have a nearly 15 year old female mini dachshund. Has never had puppies. Weighs about 9 pounds, blind, and hard of hearing. Her teeth are in bad shape, with an odor that is bad. She has been diagnosed with an enlarged heart, about 10 years ago. Over the past two months she has had numerous accidents during the day and night. Up to at least to 10. I have also noticed her left rear paw. At times will give out on her, for only a few minutes. I am not sure what to do. Please offer some advice.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2017

Oh no, your poor dog! It sounds like she is in really bad shape physically. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning to see if there are any treatments possible for her symptoms. If there aren't, it would be time to discuss letting her go peacefully. I know that's not something you want to hear, but it may be best for her given her symptoms. I recommend making a list of five things she loved to do, and if she's no longer doing at least two of them, then her quality of life has declined to a point where humane euthanasia should be considered. I work for a home euthanasia service, so if you'd like to discuss this further with me, I'd be happy to consult with you. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. Otherwise, I hope this helps and you should take her into the vet in the morning.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on February 6th, 2017

    That's always a difficult situation to be in. You really need to weigh her quality of life against the times when she isn't feeling well. If she seems generally happy, and is having more good than bad days, then enjoy the time you have with her. But if she doesn't want to do the things she's always loved, if she's very painful and there's nothing therapeutic to help ease that pain, then letting hr go and releasing her from that struggle is a very kind and loving thing to do. I've faced the same thing with my own pets and I will again. It's never easy, but when the time comes, it's the best thing for everyone.

    Vote Icon

    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 18th, 2018

    Queenie is a beautiful girl! It's always a hard decision to make in terms of letting a beloved pet go. It's concerning that she is still in pain despite being on pain medications, and it may be that letting her go peacefully is the best option. I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face these questions with my clients all the time. I recommend looking at her quality life. You need to ask yourself if an animal who is in pain all the time has a good quality of life. Make a list of five things she loved to do, and when she no longer does at least two of them, then her quality of life has decreased to the point when euthanasia should be considered. I'd be glad to talk with you further about this if you'd like, you can request a consult with me online. Otherwise, I hope this helps.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
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
Vet Q & A
My senior dog is suffering. How to talk to mom about euthanasia?
I'm so sorry you are going through this and that Kasha isn't well at all. I work for a home euthanasia service, so I face these situations commonly. Certainly if she has no activity level, that isn't a very good quality of life for her. I recommend sitting down with your mother and making a list of five things she loves to do. If she isn't doing at least two of them, then her quality of life has declined to a point where euthanasia should be considered. Maybe having a list of things she can no longer do may help your mother realize that Kasha's quality of life has significantly declined. It's always hard to have to say goodbye to a beloved pet. and often the animal is ready to go before we as owners are ready to say goodbye. I'd certainly be happy to consult with you to discuss this further, and you can click the "consult online" button under my answer if you'd like. Otherwise, try making that list with your mother, and I hope my answer helps you.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My 13-year-old Dachshund has incontinence. Is it time to say goodbye?
I would be glad to help you with this decision! It's a very hard one to make, and since I work for a home euthanasia service, I face this question all the time with my clients. I suggest making a list of five things Princess loved to do, whether it be eating, playing, etc. When she is no longer doing at least two of those things, then her quality of life has declined to the point when euthanasia should be considered. Quality of life is the most important consideration when deciding if you put down a dog or not, as you want her to be as happy as possible in her old age. Make that list and honestly examine how many of those things she is still doing. If it's not at least two, then it is likely to time to let her go. If you would 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 this helps you!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My senior dog's health is declining. What can I do to help her?
I am so sorry to hear that your pet has so many major issues that are debilitating and causing her to have a poor quality of life. I do think that if her condition cannot be improved with medications then it is someting you should discuss with your veterinarian. Humane euthansia, although it is probably not something you want to consider, should be considered if Sophie is not able to helped with medical management. However, there are pain medications that can be tried to see if they make a difference. You can discuss with your vet about trying Tramadol and/or Gabapentin to help with pain management. Probiotics can also be tried to help with her diarrhea, as well as a high fiber diet such as Royal Canin Gasrointestinal High Fiber (Rx). It sounds like she may have cancer involving her nervous system, which is why she can't maintain her mobitliy well. Poor girl. I hope that you can come to terms with her condition and maybe there is more you can try with her. Best wishes with Sophie. We are also available for a private consultation if you need to discuss more about Sophie's condition and futher care recommendations. Take care.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My old dog is suffering. When should I talk to a vet about euthanasia?
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!. I am so sorry to hear about Kika. What a long life she has led! When I have the talk about quality of life with my patients, I tell them to measure the good and bad days. When the bad day far outweigh the good then the time has likely come. You as the owner know your dog best. When the pet no longer interacts with family, stops eating well, urinates or defecates around the house, uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea or is unable to move with out pain are all indicators of a poor quality of life. Dementia is a terrible disease in humans and people. We can only imagine how the dog feels. I think taking her to your Vet for at least an exam to see if there are any medical conditions that they could treat to help her feel better. Maybe she has urinary incontinence and some medications would help. Also there are some treatments that help dementia, though it is progressive. I hope this helps in some way.
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
Vet Q & A
My senior dog is blind, deaf, incontinent. Is it time to say goodbye?
I'm sorry to hear that but according to your description i do believe it is time to have her put to sleep as her quality of life is really not good anymore and this should always be the main concern.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog SuppliesDog FoodDog Health & WellnessDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Treats & ChewsDog Dental CareDog Vitamins & SupplementsDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsDog Pain Medicine & ReliefAt-Home Dog VaccinesDog Blood Pressure MedicationDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineHeartworm Medicine for DogsPet PharmacyDog First Aid & RecoveryPrescription Dog Digestive MedicationsPrescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes MedicationDog Breath Fresheners & MouthwashesDog Thyroid Medication & Hormone CareDog Seizure Medication
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button