Anonymous wrote:Has he lost interest in people/ your family? Our personal philosophy on pets was once they declined enough to lose their desire for things they loved, we considered euthanasia.

He is definitely reclusive and does not like to be disturbed. The poop thing is killing us. My husband isn't ready yet.

Has he lost interest in people/ your family? Our personal philosophy on pets was once they declined enough to lose their desire for things they loved, we considered euthanasia.

It was probably time 3 years ago. Most GD's don't even make it past 9-10

It's time. Step into someone else's shoes and respond to the same question you've just asked us -- you would tell your friend it's time.

It's like the story about the frog in the pot of water -- the heat inches up and becomes the new normal until it's boiling. You're in that situation where one thing goes, and another, and another, and it's the new normal for him (and you) but if you step outside the situation it's not normal at all. Sometimes it takes a pair of fresh eyes to see that.

My best friend is a vet and she will always tell her clients that it's better to take action to end their suffering a week too early than a day too late. Please call and find someone like Laps of Love who will come to your house so you don't have to take your dog to the vet.

Anonymous wrote:If he has zero quality of life, it sounds like it's time. Years ago, when I had a 16 yo dog in decline, the vet suggested that we choose three things that were most important to quality of life. When those things were gone, it was time. And he was right.

This is a wise approach and it has me thinking.

My 12 (almost 13) year old dog has been having issues standing for the past 4 or 5 months (we have to help her up). She's gotten sort of grouchy in her old age (maybe some dementia) and every now and then we find poo on the floor. It's a rough stage.

She still likes to eat and she has her moments when she's more like herself but we don't kid ourselves that she's the happy go lucky pup that we used to know because she's not. It's sad.

If he has zero quality of life, it sounds like it's time. Years ago, when I had a 16 yo dog in decline, the vet suggested that we choose three things that were most important to quality of life. When those things were gone, it was time. And he was right.

Yes, it sounds like time. I can't believe he made it to 12! I think average life expectancy for a Great Dane is 8-9 years.

Anonymous wrote:How are you treating your dog's arthritis? Have you spoken to your veterinarian about this? I ask because my dog was beginning to experience fecal incontinence and we now give a weekly shot for arthritis and it has really improved the dog's mobility and decreased the frequency of accidents. All that said, my dog's quality of life is still otherwise high. Has his vision and hearing, wags his tail, enthusiastic about eating, etc.

adequan shots and gabapentin. neither are helping. he's a f*cker in trying to get pills in his mouth, too. even with food.

How are you treating your dog's arthritis? Have you spoken to your veterinarian about this? I ask because my dog was beginning to experience fecal incontinence and we now give a weekly shot for arthritis and it has really improved the dog's mobility and decreased the frequency of accidents. All that said, my dog's quality of life is still otherwise high. Has his vision and hearing, wags his tail, enthusiastic about eating, etc.

12 years is 50-100% longer than a Great Dane's normal life expectancy. You gave this pup an amazing life. Now it's time to give him the gift of an easy passing.

If he has zero quality of life then of course it’s time.

Sorry for your loss.

Anonymous wrote:Diapers?

then it is squished all over his fur. that won't work.

Oh honey, yes it's time. I'm sorry.

Diapers?

We have a rescue Great Dane (he's 12). He had a very rough start and never recovered from the abuse. He's always scared and introverted. We've had him for the last 10 years.

Over the last few months he has been experiencing fecal incontinence, he is completely blind, arthritic. You can imagine how gross it is to clean up Great Dane poop in the house several times a day.

Is it time? He's eating and drinking. But I feel that we'd be putting him out of his misery. He has zero quality of life.

My husband doesn't think it's time yet, but is so disgusted with the poop.

What do you think?