Dog slowing done and old

Question
My dog is having serious trouble with his hips giving out. There has been many times we have come home and heard him yelp lately, because he cannot get up and we help his up. He is 13 years old and is a lab Newfoundland mix.  He is panting and sleeping alot.  He has also slowed down on his eating.  Are these signs of the end coming?  Should we be thinking of putting him down and out of his pain?

Answer
Susan,
One thing I have always told my clients is that when the dog is not eating, or has stopped, he is telling you it's time and he is ready.

He isn't going to get better, only worse, and he is looking to you to give him that last gift of love that only we can give to animals and not even each other- the gift of ending suffering.

I know this is very hard to do but this will continue and it is very upsetting to the dog that they can't get up because they don't understand what is happening to them.
We do, but we also have the compassion in us to help them by ending the suffering they are going through.

It will be hard to let go and say goodbye, but remember what a gift you are giving to him. That may give you some comfort.
My prayers will be with you.