Should I wait to get another dog if my senior has spinal stenosis?

There is no way we can predict this from the information available to us - it depends very much on Kona's general health, the speed the condition is progressing and how much mobility she can maintain. Unfortunately spinal stenosis tends to lead to progressively worsening mobility, incontinence and a reduction in the quality of life often necessitating some difficult decisions about her care and also possibly euthanasia. Physiotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care alongside conventional medications can all help to maintain her mobility

In all honestly, I would wait until Marley has passed before getting another dog. It sounds like she is the type of dog that prefers to be an only dog, and putting a puppy with her may be too stressful for her. I wouldn't want this puppy to get hurt either. It won't hurt you to have to wait a few years before getting another dog, but at least that way, you know the puppy will be safe. That would be my advice, I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Great question. I think this depends on how well they all get along. If you screen the new dog properly and do a meet and greet, and they all end up being great companions, I think it's a great idea and shows you are thinking ahead. A death of a companion can be very devastating not only for humans but for the other pets in the house. Having another pet around would hopefully distract from and provide some relief when one of your other dogs passes. I think if you are ready for another dog and are willing to take on the financial aspect of it, it's a great idea. Best of luck with you and I hope you have many good years left with all of them.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry that you are in this position. I would recommend that you consider going to your veterinarian before making this decision. They would be able to gather more information, examine him and determine what would be best to proceed with always considering his quality of life. They may decide to recommend something that may improve his quality of life and buy you both some quality time to spend together. Best of luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dexter. When discussing quality of life with owners, I like to have objective questions that you can answer to guide the decision making process. When a dog is elderly with a chronic condition, you can expect the pet to have bad days. However, the good days should outnumber the bad. The pet needs to have enough mobility to get to his food and water independently and to be able to go to the bathroom. He needs to still have the desire to eat and drink. His pain to be reasonably well controlled. Finally, he needs to have some joy in his life. It may be different from in his younger years, but he should still enjoy things. I know this is an extremely difficult decision, but I hope this gives you some information to consider. I cannot say without evaluating him myself, but I suspect the time is near based on what you have described. I hope this gives you some peace.

I'm very sorry you had to put your dog down, please accept my condolences for your loss. It sounds like Ginger may be grieving the loss of her companion, and when you feel ready, it's fine to get another dog. I would wait until you are ready to welcome another dog into the home, and there's no time limit on that. Whenever you feel comfortable. I hope this helps!

I'm so sorry you are facing this situation! How horrible to lose a beloved dog but to also have to worry about Bentley at the same time. Given that he does better with another animal, yes I would get another dog for the home. It's fine to get a smaller dog, and while it doesn't make a difference if you get a boy or a girl, I would make sure the dog is eventually neutered or spayed as soon as it's old enough. It might be a good idea to get one now so the transition for Bentley isn't as difficult when he loses his companion. I hope this helps!