Me personally; I think they’ll tell you when they are ready. Loss of appetite, getting distant from you and others are signs.
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u/Kindly-Box-3957
We had to make that decision but our lab was 14. It’s the best decision you can make for them if it’s time. I was told that by a good vet. My heart is with you.
20
u/Ace_boy08
So when my lab was at that age he was on pain relief for his arthritis which included monthly injections and daily pain relief. We also did monthly laser accupuncture. We also did stretches for him every morning. His bed was off the floor so no cool drafts. He did hydro therapy too and had supplements for his arthritis. Vets told us 2 short walks max a day a 15-20mins. He lived to 13.5 years. The pain relief and hydro therapy extended his life quite a bit. He would have poo accidents as he couldnt make it putside in time but otherwise he was okay.
Its about quality of life at the end if the day. If pain relief and other things youre trying are not working and he is in contastant pain then you have to do what you need to.
15
u/mcas0509
Maybe try some swimming, low impact exercise instead of the walks
11
u/N3M3S1S75
We tried hydrotherapy and various medications, our lab couldn’t hold himself up and had been like that for months, he was never one to give a hint of being in pain but I know he was. It’s hard to say good bye but it’s harder to watch them fade away
10
u/bhoose19
RE: Can't get up on his own
What kind of floors do you have? If only hardwood, tile or another hard floor, try putting down some non slip rugs for him to lay on. It's much easier for dogs to get up on them.
8
u/jackystack
Last dog of old age, I relied on a vet visit to the home to determine if he was in any pain. His hind legs were giving out - but he was in no pain. He lasted a few weeks. Myelinopathy, if I recall.
Best I can suggest is that if you are indecisive, ask the vet what the humane thing to do is, ask if the dog is suffering and ask for their opinion regarding how these conditions will decline and how fast.
Be realistic - given your pup’s age and declining conditions, these aren’t things animals or humans recover from with time.
If you want a more measured approach then ask for bloodwork and imaging so you have data to look at — this can sometimes help find resolve in the decision making process.
Wish you and pup the best.
7
u/DuckieWuckieNL
We started hydrotherapy when our old boy was 11, it helped and keep him active for a couple more years. Most upsetting is when they can’t get up on their own xx
6
u/SanjayManbun
I sure hope you get more time together!
5
u/RoutineComplaint4711
The only thing worse than letting a dog go, is not having them in the first place
4
u/InterestingDate5459
Have you talked with your vet about adjusting his pain management routine? Sometimes when dogs are on maximum doses of one medication like Rimadyl, vets can add different types of pain relief that work together through different pathways. Things like amantadine or certain newer medications might give him more comfort without the heavy sefation you saw with gabapentin. Also, have you looked into assistive devices like a rear harness with wheels or even a full cart? Some dogs that lose mobility in their back end can still have good quality of life when their weight is supported, and they appreciate being able to move around and follow their people without struggling so much. It might be worth asking your vet or physical therapist about options that take more weight off those back legs entirely.
4
u/Remote-Jello2136
My boy was nearly 13 and had gone lame in one back leg. It all happened really quickly, within 8 months of taking a funny turn on a walk. He had alway been an active boy we couldn’t bear watching him struggling to get himself about we decided the best thing for him was to at goodbye. He was was still eating and drinking but watching him not being comfortable was too hard to bear
3
u/Gavidoc02
Our older dog is a boxer/shepard mix and is 14.5.
Has bad arthritis in his rear legs is slow to get up, I help him up stairs and walk down them in front of him, and he’s on joint supplements and 800mg of Gabapentin a day (for both legs and dementia). He got a bad case of kennel cough and when I took him in I asked the vet that question.
She told me to identify 3 things he loves to do. When he can’t do 2 of them we needed to talk.
Reason was because they won’t always tell you it’s time.
3
u/Downtown-Drawing-825
might want to try gabepentin and tramadol, my senior made big improvements from 11-15 years.
3
u/No_Bull51
Sounds like neuropathy in there as well
2
u/SnowblindAlbino
Sorry to hear this OP. With our last lab we got just past age 12 and had very similar circumstances, including TPLO surgery. She declined pretty rapidly (like over 4-6 weeks) to the point she couldn't get up on her own sometimes and was shaky enough she started to lose her back legs from under her at times. Also on carprofin. No real complaints from the dog, but it was clear her quality of life was fading pretty rapidly.
We also got to the point of fearing our own ability to provide fairly constant care. Once her front legs started failing her we decided that was it. Our youngest was leaving for college and we made a family decision to say goodbye to her before that, which we felt was right for the dog and our family. Our vet was very supportive and while the experience was very hard for all of us, he made it clear that we had done "more than expected" to care for her over the course of our years together.
People say "your dog will tell you" but we also have to recognize our responsibility to them. They can't talk. We are responsible for managing their pain and quality of life. Once they are suffering more than acceptable, we have to make the hard decisions for them.
2
u/lowlightliving
As was suggested previously, have a full blood panel and urinalysis done to assess how well his organs are functioning. You’ll want that clear picture. I saw that he’d had imaging done. I would just want that to be recent. A lot can change quickly at his age. Is he still seeking eye contact, pets and cuddles? Wagging? Medical supply stores sell packs of larger than puppy-sized, absorbent, waterproof pads to keep under him when he’s lying down. You wouldn’t have to muscle him outside quite as often.
My cousin’s lab had similar problems in his later years. He really missed his walks. She got him a sort of perambulator, kind of a heavy fabric tub on wheels that he could be helped into and still have his long walks - he was happy just looking around, sniffing the breeze, visiting with the local kids. It kept his mind active and stimulated. Something to consider.
If he’s beginning to withdrawal, wanting to be left alone - that’s an obvious sign the end is near. For now, there are good suggestions in the comments. I hope you find some helpful. It’s so hard to know when is when. You’ve taken such good care of Jackpot. It’s clear how much he’s loved. All the best to your family in this challenging time.
2
u/ikothsowe
Sorry to hear this OP. We lost Ella to tracheal collapse last week (11 yo) and her big step brother (12) isn’t far behind. He has trachea problems too but his legs are giving out. Ben on Librella fora couple of years, which has helped. But his walks are now 10 mins a day.
He’s also developed a fear of the car so we can’t even go to his favourite places. Tried the doggie buggy too but the daft sod won’t get in it.
Sad for him because his world has become tiny.
2
u/doctordale89
My baby boy is 12. He's had arthritis most of his life. Doesn't have the best jump because he has weak legs. Years of different treatments and anti inflammatory pills, we settled on Librela. And he hasn't slowed down at all. He can't run as long but he can run fast for a short period. Don't listen to anyone on the Internet telling you Librela is going to make your dog worse. If he has bad arthritis, ask his vet about Librela. My boy took his first shot of it the month it was available to the public, which was 28 months ago. But I want to tell you this. DO NOT LET YOUR BABY GET THE LIBRELA IF HE WAS NOT ACTUALLY DIAGNOSED ARTHRITIS. If he was I would definitely look at that option
2
u/Lower_Cauliflower395
When it's time. You will know. You might have more time left than you think..see the vet..maybe some daily pain meds or gabapentin will help. If they're still eating drinking and going potty. Do everything you can to keep them breathing. ❤️
2
u/rebelkittenscry
Have you consulted the vets and/or a physiotherapist regarding the arthritis?
A loss of core strength in older dogs is common as pain makes movement more difficult, same as with humans.
However getting the right pain medication and physiotherapy/hydrotherapy to get strength built back up in new ways can help an older dog really live a fulfilling and happy life.
But only your vet team and your finances can make that call
2
u/ohshethrows
I had to let my dog go a little under two weeks ago. He had CCD (canine dementia).
I could have kept him alive longer. He still liked going on walks. He still loved eating meals. His issues were the opposite of your dog’s - physically he was in pretty good shape. Mentally, he had started to become a different dog completely. He was scared and increasingly trapped in his own dementia-world.
I decided to let him go when I came to the understanding that my job here was not to wait until all the joy had left his life. Caring for him was hard and his life experience was only going to get worse.
I decided to let him go while he still could experience joy; while he still had happiness. I don’t regret it for a minute. For me and for him, it was the right thing to do and the right time to do it.
I hope my perspective is helpful. You hold a unique gift which is being able to end his suffering. He will be so grateful to you for his amazing life as well as for ending his pain.
Sending hugs ❤️
2
u/Typical_Might_1413
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Ours diagnosed with degeneration at 12 1/2. We let go of her yday with her final breaths (non euthanasia at 15 1/2). Her last years required handheld harnesses, self controlled wheelchairs and towards the very end a pushchair. She was the most beautiful girl we could’ve asked for. So no, it’s not always near the rainbow bridge but yes it was only possible due to a family behind her daily.
2
u/blackcat218
Talk to your vet about plain old Panadol. My Rottie has bad arthritis because of his bad legs (grew too fast as a puppy). He gets Panadol everyday for his pain. I wont discuss dosages or anything because it needs to go by weight and I can guarantee you my dog is probably twice yours in weight. Speak to your vet though to see if its an option. It has really improved my dogs quality of life. And its cheap.
2
u/yrt9610
My vet said dogs are really good at hiding pain. Leftover survival tactic.
Someone suggested elsewhere: There's a Quality of Life quiz that can help you decide. I'd ask about that on AskVet.
And I'm sorry your furbaby and all of you are going through this!!!
2
u/Larlo64
We brought my 14 year old chocolate in a month ago because I couldn't watch him struggle any more. He was panting and pacing at night and would not walk much anymore.
His appetite was always good and he still had lots of tail wags but I could hear him whimper when he got up and if he was outside he'd just lay down and stare at the yard.
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It very nearly killed me to bring him in but the vet watched his difficulty standing for too long and said it was time. She said labs are extremely loyal and try not to show pain so if it is showing it's significant.
I'm still devastated but there's an more sadness than guilt now. Miss you Mr Brown
2
u/notactuallyaimee
My 12 year old had the same reaction to gabapentin (300mg) but is doing well on a lower dose (100mg).
2
u/Crafty_Ad3377
My guy is 15. His appetite is still full on. He’s lumpy. Has arthritis in his rear legs. Can hardly see. But still alert hears well. Wants to be with us. Sleeps a lot more. But still greets with a front bounce. We have to help him up if he lays down on the hard wood floors instead of area rug. We built him a ramp so he doesn’t have to deal with steps. We have to watch when he goes out or he will head straight for the pond it wears him out. But I don’t think he’s ready yet. He still asks to go out.
1
u/aerie2020
My soul dog, a chocolate lab who passed 2/26/26, was also on adequan - it’s a weekly injection of 1.5 ml. It only lasted in Ollie for 3 to 4 days so I’m surprised you’re giving it to your dog monthly. When he was close to the end, his acupuncture vet said we could move it up to twice a week, which is what we did. It seemed to help his arthritis.
I’m so sorry - this is the absolute worst decision to have to make. Gabapentin also really helped Ollie. And he had twice a week accupuncture and laser treatment.
1
u/WolverineHot1886
You will know and your dog will also tell you. I know how hard it is but you will know
1
u/BonnieH1
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. It's so tough to see them struggling and not feeling ready to say goodbye.
I've posted this a number of times in recent weeks.
We said goodbye to our 16 year old girl a couple of weeks before Christmas after a few months of illness and decline, even though she was still doing well for her age.
We were grappling with when is the right time to say goodbye for a few weeks.
When we were thinking through the decision, my sister sent me this video, it's by Dr Mary Gardner a vet who works exclusively with dogs at the end stage of life. (I'm not associated with her in any way, nor do I receive anything if you watch it.)
The video is called: How to say goodbye on a good day https://youtu.be/Y2BHOL9g5lM?si=yDxW16Y23XbDUdMm
If you want to know what the process was like on the day, I posted that here https://www.reddit.com/r/DogAdvice/s/Fi3yzKt7S5
Enjoy your time with your sweet pup. And when he eventually crosses the rainbow bridge, our Pip will be there to meet him. 🐾💕
1
u/whodunnit20
We have a senior Labrador who is 12 and a half, she has arthritis in every joint plus hip and shoulder dysplasia. She has had bad arthritis for about two years but it started from young, the shoulder dysplasia she’s had since she was two years old. She only goes for walks about 3 times a week, they are very short. She eats well, very happy but the vets have told us to think about her quality of life. We are taking it week by week, we’ve never lost a dog and it’s terrifying.
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u/ArthurMoregainz
I’ve had two labs in the last decade. Lost one right before Covid and the other is still chugging along about to turn 13.
Look to invest in some anti inflammatory medicine and pain meds. A lot can be done to improve quality of life and even extend life beyond 10. It sucks when arthritis starts to eat them up but there is hope!
1
u/Rotflmaocopter
Ask the doc for gabapentin. My dog was the same exact age thought the same thing as you. Needed a sling to get him up and walk. Doc said let's try gabapentin and rimidol . Within 10 min he was jumping on the couch again. He is still around 13 1/2 walking fine. Only other thing we did that helped a lot was only feed him royal canine food got his weight down from 89 to 78. Try the meds first
1
u/Ok-Sink3939
We let our girl go at 11 as well. She was diagnosed with arthritis a few months after turning 10, and while the líbrela vaccine and other medication worked to keep her comfortable for a certain period of time, 2 months before she turned 11 she made a turn for the worse. We took her to a specialist thinking maybe she would need surgical intervention as her regular vet thought she might had some torn ligaments and it turns out she had bone cancer in her pelvis. Hardest decision of our lives, but we are happy that she’s no longer in pain. We miss her everyday.
1
u/Chameleon42O
Might be worth trying a support brace to see if it eases the pain in the hips/knees.
1
u/belladonna1937
I have a 13 1/2 yr chocolate. She’s a good weight and healthy. But she has trouble with her legs. Still wants to go for walks and eats like a horse if we let her. She’s definitely not ready yet. She’ll let me know I’m sure
1
u/Appropriate-Idea5281
If you give your pup medicine for arthritis do your research. We gave our 11.5 year old injections and she had a stroke and couldn’t walk. I regret this every day
1
u/Montymisted
My old boy had pretty bad legs for a while but still wanted his walks on the soft grass for like two years until a lump in his throat finally forced us to say goodbye.
1
u/GoMineBitBoss
Yumove maxi for senior dogs worked wonders on my partners 8-year-old lab with arthritis she is like a new dog.
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u/Thespian_Unicorn
Got a puppy and it extended mine’s life by 4 years.