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Hi everyone

We have just been camping and took the dog with us. She's an 11 years old staffie on steroids for her skin and "happy pills" for her arthritis.

1st day took her for a couple of really short walks (literally 5 - 10 mins) and when we got back she could hardly get up one leg at the back seemed to be giving way!

All weekend we have hummed and ha'd over are we being selfish keeping her going or should we let her go!!

Daughter been in tears but saying its awful watching her struggle.
Then last night took her in car to a little cove and she trotted along quite canny, knackered afterwards though.

What do you do, as some days she seems ok but others so miserable???

Help!!!

Sounds like the acrucia ligament trouble. Our staffy has the same problem, diagnosed the same time as her hip displacia!!! [:(]
If she goes on a walk longer than 10 mins she limps all the next day and has trouble getting up....she's only 5.....
If you're really worried about her standard of life take her to the vets and see what they say,
xx

Hi Ang

As a dog owner myself I know how heartbreaking it is to see a much loved pet suffering - especially when their legs go. My 14 year old Yorkie gets quite stiff sometimes, but then other days will spend all day leaping around the garden just like a pup.

Dogs can be real homebirds, and when they get older they do not like being taken out of their natural habitat - and can sometimes object by being a little stubborn (especially when they know they are getting all the attention - bless them!).

I recommend lots of short walks for older dogs rather than one long one each day. My little one goes out about six times a day with "Dad", just around the village green which is about 30 yards from our house.

And do take your vet's advice - you will know when it is time to say goodbye, but from what you are saying it sounds as if she is OK and just getting a little elderly. Hope it is not more than that.

I know it breaks our hearts then she seems to be ok?/
we were with friends who haven't seen her since last summer and they couldn't believe how rapidly she seems to have aged. She seems to have a young mind but a body that doesn't match it??

Hubbys got to pick her steroids up on wednesday so he's going to have a word with the vet!!

ang

we have 2 dogs aged 5 and 6 and i dread the time when they get ill or old and like you say we have to let them go!

your dog - bless her sounds like an old woman who has good and bad days, like melanie says i think you will know when you have to let her go but in the meantime carry on treasuring the time you have with her!

barb x

its breaking my heart either way I think about it!! thats what hurts, just don't know what to do for the best!!

I've always had a dog, and hubby thinks that we can't get another as its cruel we both work!!

i know what you mean ang you get so attached to them!

we both work and have jack and wilma but hubby does noons and i do days so half of day someone is in with them! having said that we had a dog years ago and we were both out at work, i used to come home at lunch then though. It is difficult.

its awful you have to make the decision if it is kinder to keep her a while longer or let her go but like you said the vet will be honest with you on wednesday.

thinking of you

barb x

I agree with everyone else. You will know when it is time. You won't need to ask anyone you will know in your heart.

We had a labrador she is lovely. My mum looked after her whilst we had some work done on the house and also when we went on holiday. She got really attached to her as she is at home all day. We too both work and my mum convinced us we were really cruel lol! (She can't help it she's not that well really).

We had a long discussed regarding the dogs welfare and the fact that she seemed to be helping my mum recover slightly (she's bi polar). The dog was a positive distraction. Anyway the dog now lives with my mum, we miss her getting under our feet and greeting us when we come home but we see her often and know she is just so spoilt.

I'm sure you little treasure has many happy years left. xx[:)]

I had to take my tiny little toy poodle last august, she was fourteen. You will know when the time is right there wont need to be a decision, you will know, I thought for quite a while as you was I doing the right thing as she went downhill over a month or two, but I went out that day and knew when I got home it was not fair anymore, she was poorly and suffering and we took her in the middle of the night. Very sad and I still miss her terribly, even my two youngest grandchildren still ask for doodles, but I know it was right. Enjoy every moment and stop worrying she will let you know when she has had enough.

Ang xx

My mum had to take her little dog a couple of years ago and it was awful. Cindy was 18 and I'd grown up with her but she'd had a good life and we knew when it was time. As the others have said you'll know when it's time. Hopefully you'll get some guidance from your vet x

Ang, you will know when she is not getting quality of life and the time has come. It is an awful decision but, as everone else has said, be guided by your vet.
I have always asked them 'What would you do if it was your dog?' and am guided by that.
Maybe they can give some stronger medication for the leg xx

Our dog is the same, she is 14 and sometimes is so slow and has a few problems with her back end but other times she bounds round like a four year old! Several times we have taken her to the vet with what turned out to be minor ailments, but each time thought it would be her last journey. Her heart and lungs are fine, so as long as she is in no pain, she will keep going. We do have a younger one as well who I think gave her a new lease of life. Hang in there, you'll know when the time is right.

hi everyone.. she seems fine today.. still stiff but not as bad. we're wondering weather cold and damp at tent didn't help much. we'll have to wait and see.

thanks for you support you all are great

Hi Ang

Cold and damp conditions will defo affect arthritis, she may just have been feeling the affects of this.

Try to always get her to sleep on something soft and not on any tiled, wooden or hard floors as this will help also.

Don't know about the costs but at the homeapathic vet my dog went to with skin problems they have a hydo therapy pool for animals and this is supposed to help with arthritis and joint problems

Emma x

Oh Ang, I cannot imagine what you're going through, it must be so tough, but as others have said you and only you will know when the time is right and I always quote 'rather a day too early than a day too late' and never feel guilty.

Bless ya and thinking of you, so long as her good days outweigh the bad I'm sure she'll be good for a while longer yet xx