Sad Old Dog

[heyjude]

So a few months ago the issue was some separation anxiety (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190395). Now it's severe. Our poor boy, who's going to be 13 soon, is beside himself pretty much every minute of the day. He stands there, or he paces, whining (the whining is new to the last month and very alarming to me). He's not sleeping much. He keeps me up all night. He's still eating, but not as much, and has been dropping weight (3 pounds in as many months).

We've tried lots of stuff, from sitting with him until he falls asleep at night to melatonin to various kinds of anti-anxiety drugs and pain pills (he has severe arthritis). I'd welcome any ideas.

Honestly, I think it's time to let go. The husband and the vet both disagree, though. They think if we just find the right drug, or if I am just a little more patient... then... what? I don't know. There's no turning back the clock. I love this dog with all my heart, and it kills me to see him this way. He's not happy. He and I are both sleep deprived. I'd be more sympathetic to the husband and the vet's POV if they had to deal with the dog all day and all night, but they only see him now and then (husband travels).

So. Advice and/or warm, sleepy thoughts welcome.

[sheadakota]

Oh jude- You know I can relate- I have to say I agree with you and am shocked your vet doesn't- He sounds like he is at the very least not happy and maybe even in pain. Perhaps the vet might agree to a stronger pain med- something to at least make him comfortable- I would plead my case again- or maybe get a second opinion?
My heart goes out to you- I miss my Husky/ lab mix every day and he has been gone for 4 years now and you know we just lost an elderly kitty- so yeah I understand :Hug2:

I hope you can give your old guy some peace-

[regdog]

I don't want to say it's time, but it may very well be. If his quality of life has deteriorated to the point he's suffering more than he's enjoying life than it is time. I know because I'm there myself. We want so much to keep them with us but it really isn't fair when they hurt so much.

Your husband and vet may both mean well but if you're with him most, you know how his quality of life is. :Hug2::Hug2::Hug2:

[Carlene]

It's so sad to hear this. Your poor boy is suffering and I think he's trying to tell you it's time to send him to the Rainbow Bridge. Your dog - your decision but I agree he doesn't seem to have a good quality of life. Vet's like all medical professionals, are sworn to keep animals alive, but at what cost? I've been there too many times but never let my babies suffer. We can't tell you what to do.... but I think your dog is.

Carlene, Mom to Duke and Tara, the world's largest Yellow Labs

[Haggis]

When it's time, you'll know and you'll do the right thing.

[heyjude]

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the thoughts. If it's not time right this minute, it will be very soon. (Okay, I really do think it's time.) The question is how to get hubby to see it. :(

[MaryMumsy]

A client of mine gave her arthritic dog osteo bi flex. On the recommendation of the vet. She said it helped a lot. You might ask, considering dosage etc for the size of the dog.

MM

[writernow]

I don't know if this is too "woo-woo" for you, but I have friends who have had great results getting reiki treatments for their pets.