My beagle

JJDaughterz64 · ‎06-23-2012

Hello
I need some additional advice. We have 4 indoor dogs of various breeds and ages. Skippy, our 18-19 year old beagle.. Not sure of his age. We got him 8 years ago at humane agency. They guessed him to be 10 then. Any way, none of our dogs are healthy. They've been rescued somehow, and that has taken its' toll on them. He had been losing weight, but we overlooked it. He needed to lose weight. He was still eating. Friday, he stopped eating. Just lays in a spot beside the couch we made for him. He's had issues with his hind legs before. He got hit by a vehicle before we got him, and previously, we took him to a doggie chiropractor. He doesn't stand or anything. My fiancé, my daughter, brother-in-law, and myself feel like he's trying to die. This would be hard, but what if he could be helped by the veterinarian? Should I just let nature take its' course or what? Asking for opinions thanks.

Gram W · ‎01-22-2013

Many many years ago we got a beagle rescued from a hugh flood in the NY southern tier. We had to wait a month in case his owners came for him. We we told he was 10-15 by the SPCA. The old buys face was almost white from age they said. Eventually he got arthritis and could hardly move. The vet had us give him a baby aspirin a day. If he saw a rabbit he forgot his problems and ran after it. He did not last long but he tried and he dragged back to the house happy. They had to be wrong he was with us 18 years and died in his sleep. He had vet visits at least yearly to make sure he was comfortable. Years later we purchased a beagle breed for trial competitions. My husband became disabled before she turned 1 so there went her competing and she became his caregiver while I worked. She lived to be over 20 and was healthy except for her arthritis. I would take Skippy to a good vet to have him checked. It could be as simple as arthritis in his hips makes it to painful to get up. At least hopefully you can get some answers. I know none of you want him to be in pain. Skippy has no way to let you know how he feels. I was lucky both of my beagles passed in their sleep but each time they had their wellness visit I worried I would have to make that haunting decision we all know sometimes has to be made. Skippy is is surrounded by love and you have given him a great life. Hopefully you can get answers for your peace of mind and can plan how to proceed in a manner best for all. Thank you for being a great doggie parent.

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

I agree with @Gram W- take him to the vet and find out what is wrong and then decide what to do at that point. It could be something very simple but to assume that the dog is "trying to die" seems a bit premature and extreme. You can't make the best decision for him if you don't know what it is wrong. When we adopt a pets and take them into our family, it is our responsibilty to give them the best care possible. Please do right by him and at least give him a chance by finding out why he isn't eating anymore,why he was losing weight and why he's having trouble standing. And no, don't let "nature take its course"- you may be causing your dog to unduly suffer and that is never okay.

JJDaughterz64 · ‎06-23-2012

Thank you.

JJDaughterz64 · ‎06-23-2012

Thank you

K9buddy · ‎03-09-2010

Take him to the vet, but at his age, I don't think heroics are in order. There's "comfortable" and there's quality of life. My vote is for quality of life. Bless you for giving dogs a second chance.

MercysMom · ‎07-21-2016

I'd take him to the vet. I had a similar experience with my elderly golden retriever. One morning, he just would not get up. We managed to get him to the car and I was sure it was the end, but they kept him for about 4 hours and gave him a cortizone shot. I sat by the phone waiting for the dreaded news, but when they called they said I could come pick him up. He walked to me with his tail wagging. He stayed on oral meds for a week and he was up and around and did not seem to be in any pain. It gave us another year with him that I was so grateful for! Let the vet look him over for your peace of mind.

While I breathe, I hope - - South Carolina

tends2dogs · ‎05-08-2010

@JJDaughterz64 I agree with all the above posters about taking your pup to the vet. It could be something simple or perhaps not, BUT you need to know for HIS sake and YOUR peace of mind. This is just one more aspect of pet ownership.....not always the best part, but it is part of our committment.

There was a post above about quality of life versus comfortable. This is a matter of opinion, as this poster said. I don't see anything wrong with "comfortable" in the last stage of life. That, to me, means no suffering. If your pet wants to be around you, his family and is not not suffering, there is still a quality about that. This is a personal opinion. Sometimes things that go on at the end of a pet's life are not convenient......I don't mean this as snarky. If one is able to be there with the pet (not working, etc) and can do the extra care that is often required, this is a gift for both the pet and guardian.

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

I agree with the other replies that you need to take him to the vet immediately. Tests may be needed to determine what is wrong with him. If he can't be made comfortable, I believe the kindest thing you can do for your dog is to let him go. I've always euthanized my pets when they could no longer eat (and couldn't be helped to eat) or were in pain. You'll never know until you go to the Vet though. He'll surely die otherwise, and perhaps painfully.

I'm sorry you're going through this. It souinds like your beagle has had a good life with you.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

HappyDaze · ‎06-13-2012

@tends2dogs wrote:
@JJDaughterz64 I agree with all the above posters about taking your pup to the vet. It could be something simple or perhaps not, BUT you need to know for HIS sake and YOUR peace of mind. This is just one more aspect of pet ownership.....not always the best part, but it is part of our committment.

There was a post above about quality of life versus comfortable. This is a matter of opinion, as this poster said. I don't see anything wrong with "comfortable" in the last stage of life. That, to me, means no suffering. If your pet wants to be around you, his family and is not not suffering, there is still a quality about that. This is a personal opinion. Sometimes things that go on at the end of a pet's life are not convenient......I don't mean this as snarky. If one is able to be there with the pet (not working, etc) and can do the extra care that is often required, this is a gift for both the pet and guardian.

Great post @tends2dogs.