My 15 Yr old Beagle

Question
I have a 15 yr old female beagle. She is has arthritis and a bad knee and hip due to an auto accident when she was 2. She sleeps mostly, but some days seems playful. She has been peeing while she is walking, falling down stairs, then urinating on herself, shaking, crying, and just soesnt want anyone touching her. Then other days, seems ok. She has more bad days then good days it seems. I love her so much and want only the best for her. How do I know when it is time to put her down? I do not want her to suffer. She is on Thyroid meds and Previcox for Arthritis.

Answer
Hi Kirsty,

I'm sorry to hear of your pet's poor condition.

Deciding when to put your pet to sleep is usually based on "quality of life" issues.

One approach to assessing an dog's quality of life is to pick five things your dog has always enjoyed doing. These activities can be as simple as snuggling on the couch, eating, going for car rides, or even acknowledging you when you enter the room. As your pet loses interest in these things, you'll know her quality of life is changing.

Most people decide to euthanize their pet when the bad days start outweighing the good days. Every situation is different, and each owner is unique in drawing the line.

If there's time, it's important to say goodbye. Take a few days or weeks with your pet. Spoil her rotten and cherish those times.

It may help to look over this checklist of points to consider when considering when it's time to euthanize:
http://www.allpetsmacomb.com/qualityoflife.html

There are pet support groups you can join. The C.A.R.E. (Companion Animal-Related Emotions) Pet Loss Helpline at the University of Illinois, which operates several nights a week, has compassionate veterinary students who are taking a class on bereavement issues and are trained to talk with pet owners facing this difficult decision.

When you are struggling with the difficult decision of when to euthanize your pet, or dealing with grief from loss of a pet, call the toll free C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Helpline at:(877) 394-CARE, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7-9 pm Central Time.

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