10 yr Great Dane

Question
Lilly, my 10 yr old dane has had problems for a while now and I cannot make the decision whether to euthanize. She has hip dysplasia and has trouble getting up or down, she has a mild cough (producing mucus)and she as just started peeing and pooping in the house (never had done this before. On the other hand, her mind is alert and she eats well and seems happy. How do I know when its time?

Answer
Becky,

As any dog gets old, they become incontinent and begin to loose their bowels. If this is not something that bothers you then I feel that your dog is ok for now. The best way to know that it is time is when the stop eating and drinking. As long as she continues to get up everyday and eats and drink, it means that at least for the time being everything internally is working. Although she does have hip dysplasia and might have trouble getting up, she is getting up. 10 years old for a Great Dane is a old age so you have obviously taken wonderful care of her. I would suggest that you do have her cough looked at, to eliminate the possibility of fluid in her lungs. They will probably put her on an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory. Is she currently on any type of pain medication for her hip dysplasia?

If you have any other questions as she starts to get older, please do not hesitate to ask!!