My 17 year old chihuahua mix.

Question
i have a Chihuahua mix who is about to turn 17. me and my family are torn about what to. She is constantly crying or whimpering and lost her hearing and is nearly blind. she hasn't been eating often and keeps getting random sores all over her body and face they itch and hurt her. we don't want to put her to sleep we want her to do it on her own but how do i know when its time to help her do it?

Answer
Hi Dakota,

I'm sorry to hear of your dog's condition.
Most dogs do not die peacefully in their sleep. Sadly, putting a beloved pet "to sleep" is often the humane alternative to allowing the pet to suffer.

Just being blind, or nearly blind, and losing her hearing doesn't mean your dog needs to be put to sleep. What you need to consider is your dog's overall quality of life. There are several criteria used in evaluating a dog's life quality, you should consider these points:

Is your dog eating? Basically, quality life involves eating or at least interest in food. An animal that is hungry has vitality that must be considered, though this is not the only consideration.

Is your dog comfortable? Your dog should be free of debilitating pains, cramps, aches or even the psychological pain that comes from the development of incontinence in an animal who has been housebroken for an entire life.  

Does your dog still enjoy favorite activities? The elderly pet does not necessarily need to continue chasing balls or jumping after disc's but he should enjoy sleeping comfortably, favorite resting spots, the company of family, etc. You know your pet better than any one and only you can truly answer these questions. To help you further assess your dog's condition, look over this "HHHHHMM scale" The letters stand for: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More Good Days than Bad.

http://www.homevet.com/petcare/documents/quality.pdf

There is a helpline you can call if you'd like to talk to a live person (toll free), or get more info over email. The Companion Animal Related Emotions (C.A.R.E.) help line is for people who are anticipating the loss of a pet, as well as for people who have lost a pet.  The helpline is staffed by trained veterinary students at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital. You may call and leave a voice mail message anytime. Volunteers will return calls on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday between 7:00-9:00 p.m. Central Time.
Phone: Toll free 877-394-2273
Email: griefhelp@cvm.uiuc.edu

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck.

Patti