Incontinent Great Dane

Question
I inherited a Great Dane from my best friend and her boyfriend when they moved a few years ago and feared the toll the move would take on him. He is ten years old and has been in great health up until this year. He has lost over twenty pounds and he poops on himself several times a day, usually just laying in it without moving. It is usually loose stool. I am in love with this dog and am having a hard time knowing what steps to take next. He is still eating and still looks a little spry every once in a while. I have never even considered putting a dog to sleep before and would rather do it too late than too early. I have seen the dog take stitches without anesthesia before with only a little yelp. He's tough. I am afraid he's suffering more than I realize. Could he be? What am I supposed to do in this situation? Thanks- Sara J

Answer
Unfortunately him being spry once in a while does not constitute a good quality of life. If he is eliminating onto himself and laying in it...it is time to help him over the Rainbow Bridge. I know that can be difficult to hear but he is an older dog, and seeing that he no longer cares about the fact that he is laying in his own fecal matter tells me that it is time for him to go to a better place. I would suggest that you contact a veterinarian that will be able to come to your home to put him to rest because this will be a lot more comfortable and less stressful on him then getting him to a veterinarian and putting him to sleep on a cold hard floor at a clinic. I hope this will help you make the best decision for your dog.

Good Luck :)