Is it okay to rehome my old, blind, arthritic dog when moving house?

Poor Boi! Arthritis can feel worse in cold weather, which is likely why he won't leave the dog house. If possible, I'd bring him inside. He'd be warmer and more comfortable in the house. I'd take him into the vet to check out that sore on his butt, the fact he's getting weaker, and he can't put on weight. Those last two things make me think he is sick, and that should be checked out by a vet promptly. Best of luck.

As pets get older, we do need to start evaluating the quality of life. Being blind is not generally a problem. Older pets need more frequent vet visits to check for things like arthritis and to know when certain medications need to be started to help maintain quality of life. This link also has good information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-assess-your-pets-quality-of-life/ I hope this helps.

Hi there. Is there an option to keep Wags inside and out of the rain? Perhaps a garage or inside your home would work to keep him out of the rain. He may not be feeling very well and trying to cool off. Strange behavior in any older dog we worry about-it may be time for a trip to your local veterinarian. Hope this helps!

Without an exam, it would be hard to provide suggestions. If Marley is having trouble with jumping, ramps or doggy stairs onto objects can help him get up and down without worsening any pain or inflammation. You can also try using a sling or towel to support him to see if it helps with his mobility at all -- if it does, looking into a wheelchair may be a good option then.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend starting with an exam by a vet for both dogs. The problems you describe for Ruby can sometimes be treated. It sounds like she may have some arthritis pain which can be managed by medications from your vet. Also, they can discuss getting her teeth cleaned and determine if she is blind. Being blind does not decrease her quality of life- blind dogs can adapt very easily. If it is determined that Ruby should be euthanized, I would not jump to euthanizing Hagrid at the same time. Some dogs understand when another one dies and can continue on without them. They don’t always act like they do when one leaves the house. Good luck and kisses to Ruby and Hagrid!

I'm sorry to hear that both you and Valentino have had to deal with these challenges over the past few years. Dogs can usually adapt fairly readily to a loss of either vision or hearing, or a minor decline in both. Complete loss of both hearing and vision can be quite challenging and many dogs can experience a good bit of associated anxiety associated with this dramatic change in their lifestyle. I agree with you in that it sounds as though Valentino's quality of life is likely poor as a result of these changes. Deciding when to euthanize is an exceptionally difficult and personal decision because there are so many factors to consider. If Valentino still seems to enjoy your company and is able to do his normal things (e.g. find the water bowl on his own, play a bit, navigate your home without too much difficulty, etc.), then it may be worthwhile to give him a bit more time. However, if he seems overly anxious, fearful, seems afraid to move around too much, repeatedly bumps into things, or has trouble finding his water bowl, then it's likely in his best interest to consider humane euthanasia. I've included a link to a guide that I personally find quite helpful in helping to decide when it's time to euthanize my own pets, as it helps me to think about things more objectively. I'm really sorry that you and Valentino are in this situation and wish you both the best. https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/default/files/import/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry to hear Sammy has been declining. From your description, I sounds like Sammy may have several medical issues going on. It is hard to get a good idea of what all the issues may be without examining Sammy first and I would encourage that an exam be done on Sammy with his veterinarian soon to fully discuss and evaluate Sammy's conditions. Perhaps he has osteoarthritis, other degenerative joint or neurological dysfunction of his hind limbs making walking difficult and painful for him. It also sounds like he may have some vision loss or visual deficits making navigating around challenging. Lastly, the walking around in circles and defecating in the house may be related to canine cognitive dysfunction (canine dementia). He may also be experiencing some incontinence as well. Aside from the incontinence he may have from older age, there are medications and other holistic treatments that can help with the possible dementia as well as joint pain that may help make him feel a bit better and improve his quality of life. I think a good evaluation and discuss with Sammy's veterinarian would be a very good idea at this point. I hope this helps and I wish you and Sammy the best.