Divorce with an elderly dog- when is it time?

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, OP. Buy washable dog diapers, waterproof pet blanket, pee pads, and see the vet.

I decided to get my 15-year-old, 70lb shepherd euthanized when he could no longer walk. I carried him out to pee/poop, but once he could no longer support himself to do that -- it just wasn't fair to him. Thankfully he wasn't in pain, but lost all strength and mobility in the back legs. Sweetest dog in the world.

[Anonymous]

Oh OP, if your doxie is 14 and is now incontinent and deaf and you think it’s time for her to go, I think that’s fine. I’m sure you’ve given her a good life and you don’t want your last memories of her being frustration and misery and diapers.

[Anonymous]

I did dog diapers years 16-18 or so with my elderly cockapoo. She had the best appetite and loved life but was incontinent. The cloth diapers didn't work but the disposable did.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry, OP. I’m in the middle of a horrible unwanted divorce and DC and I were just talking about what a relief it was that our late dog who died at 15 isn’t alive for this.

If you can keep the dog with you instead of the crate situation at your ex’s house, that would probably help. We had our dog mostly confined to a big area on the 1st floor. We lost a few small rugs along the way but it was worth it. I found having a clean-up kit of sorts ready in a couple of parts of the house made accidents more bearable. If I didn’t have to scramble to grab a roll of paper towels, nature’s miracle, and a bag, it wasn’t as stressful.

I’m wishing your dog sunbeams, a nice meal, and some quiet days at your side. You sound like a really caring dog mom. I know you’re panicking with some of the crazy solutions you’re throwing out there but I think you’re trying to cross off the options you know you won’t take.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I tried dog diapers (not OP) and he just chews and rips them off. Also tried training to go on pee pads and at 10 years old the dog refuses to use them. Actually goes right next to the pad but will avoid the pad at all costs. It’s exhausting. We are considering euthanasia. I’m also a single mom who works full time. Can’t afford dog walkers or dog sitters.

Put a reusable dog diaper over the disposable one. OR put a recovery suit over the diaper.

I have a one-year-old dog who has a medical condition that requires her to wear diapers 100% of the time she is not outside. She doesn't know any different than having no bladder control, so she's not mortified by her diapers. However, she's 14 months old and therefore likes to rip at things. She'll rip her diapers off and shred them if we don't cover them with either a reusable diaper or a recovery suit. Both approaches are effective.

[Anonymous]

I give you permission to put her down.

[Anonymous]

If the dog is incontinent and falls and falls in her poop, you are keeping her alive to suit your needs and kids' perceived needs. It's cruel. Once you let her go you will come to see that.
We kept our beloved 21 year old incontinent cat alive far too long because we couldn't see reality. I feel guilt over that.
Please talk to the kids and let her go.
Plus you cart her back and forth like a suffering stuffie to stay in a crate? Please. No.

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry OP. The timing really does suck. I’d be in knots over it too. If it were me,the best peace of mind comes from a vet visit to get their professional opinion. If they think it’s time, I would feel that would be the “permission” I needed. If they have some (not terribly expensive) solution, you could give it a try. But I think mostly they are going to say “it’s time” or “it’s really getting close to time.”

I’m so very sorry. These things can be gut wrenching. But with time it will get easier.

[Anonymous]

Euthanasia is not a bad thing. It’s much nicer than sending an old incontinent dog to the shelter.