So, my Chihuahua is 16 years old. I have had him since he was 6 weeks old and he has been with me through all of life's journey thus far. He has aged and has lost some weight. He does have arthritis. Recently, he has begun to lose control of his bladder. We put him outside and he will come in urinate. Last night,he woke us up around 2am and my wife tried to get him go outside. He would not go. He went back in his bed and urinated in it and laid back down. My wife thinks it it time to put him down. I love my dog and think he may be able to make it a tad bit longer. However, I don't want him to suffer. He eats and drinks. He is still has attitude but, I do see him aging. I don't know how to approach this situation...should we put him down, let him hang on, or what??? Anyone experience a similar situation?? Advice please????

It should be about quality of life. If his is not so great then yes, it's time. It's a really hard decision to make and very painful.

I can understand how frustrating having an incontinent dog can be...but they actually have dog diapers. Maybe try that when he is in the house and only take it off when he does out? If he is eating and seems ok, maybe try something like that first...?

JustErin said:

Thanks so much for the response. This is hard as he has been with me through ALOT. But as you said it is about quality of life. I am defintiely torn. I knew this day would come but it does not make it easier. He is not so great but then again he is not that bad. I have a hard decision. Agian, I do appreciate your thoughts!

fec06 said:

What does your vet say?

ernestsewell said:

Have not done the vet yet. He does not do well after the vet visits. The last annual checkup, he was good to go. But, that was about a year ago. I think I will make an appt. to seek advice there. Thanks for the question.

speak to your vet they will give you some good sound advice
good luck

You want some advice? Here's some advice:

Start picking every underdog on the road each week in the Pick 'Em pool. Otherwise, I will NEVER CATCH YOU.

And on your dog: Best thing I can think of is take him to your vet for advice. That's what I did with the dog before this one. The vet will know if the dog is in pain or not.

Good luck, I know this is very tough.

If it's just the peeing, I'd find out if Doggy Nappies exist before putting him down.

RodeoSchro said:

Nice!!! Gave me chuckle!

I just talked with my wife regarding Set Doggy Dog and we are going to take him to the vet and seek advice. Thanks for the support!

he may just have a urinary tract infection. Take him to the vet. Keep us posted
good luck to your doggie

my aunt's dog is around that age, with big ole cataracts, arthritis, she will pee and poo in the house on purpose, also refuses to go outside.....and is still lively and full of spunk and vigor, eating like a damn horse with her 6 teeth, and still tries to bite me when I cut her nails Every day I'm like "could this be the day?"....here this heffa go, running around like she's a damn puppy.

You will know when it is time for your pet. It's not really your vet's decision to make. Some annual bloodwork is never a bad idea too and a check up.

My first dog let me know when her pain was too much and it was time. It was in her eyes. Best dog ever!! I still miss her

butterfli25 said:

Good idea. Take him to the vet for a thorough examination and tests. See what the vet says and take it from there.

In situations like this I ask myself what I would do if it was my father


Get rid of him!

PANDURITO said:

Note to self: If Pandurito ever asks me to adopt him, say "No".

BklynBabe said:

I hear you that sounds like my dog. Still mean as hell!

it's the chihuahua in her! mean ass dog!! and sneaky...

it's the meanness that keeps her going, I swear!

I wish I could say that we even had love for the dog, but not really.

Now my dog on the other hand is such a good boy, listens, quiet, obedient.
The cat is hella annoying! But she can be sweet, bless her heart.

Still better than children though

when it's time it's time....you wouldn't put grandpa/ma out the house for wearing Depends, wouldja?

RodeoSchro said: