I have a 17 year old Beagle who has refused to eat for 2 days now and I am not sure if it is his time to go. He is not in any distress, does not have accidents but is deaf and blind in one eye, has good teeth but now refuses to eat. I don't want to put him down if he is just sick but I am afraid that the vet will tell me that it's time. Do you think he is giving up?

Your lovely pet has had a long life at l7, you have loved him all that time, if he is letting go, could be, let him go with dignity his own way. He will know you are supporting him in what he wants to do. You will know if he is suffering, and then will know its time. Be brave. We all must do this, and me too in the near future.

Tick

Old age comes to us all,even the pets we love..

The vet is not going to put him down just because he is old... if you think he needs to see a vet,perhaps you should bring him.

I agree with Redhead, if you take him to the vet he just may be sick and they can give you something to get him through it. But if it is not they will leave the decision up to you and do it on your terms when you're ready. But it is best to go to the vet.

old age comes to us all,even the pets we love..

the vet is not going to put him down just because he is old...if you think he needs to see a vet,perhaps you should bring him.

I don't know what taking his pet to the vet would accomplish. The vet will check him over, maybe suggest a change in food but if there is nothing wrong healthwise, there is nothing much that can be done, except a lot of poking and prodding, discomfort for old bones. If the end is near, then dignity is the key here. At seventeen, he is probably a proud old puppy.

Tick

I thought perhaps the dog might be dehydrated,and my suggestion to bring the dog to be seen was as much to ease the worry of the op..

I do agree that his diginity is important,it's a hard time for any pet owner.

Have you had the same vet for those 17 years? They are usually kinder to long standing clients and will even come to your home and do a consultation... or what is best for the dog, without putting him in any discomfort or dragging him to the vets.

Both Tickle and redhed are right... it it isn't fair on him to be poked and prodded when he is so old, and doing regirous tests on him would really be pointless, but if there is a chance that there is something that can make him more comfortable then go for it.

However, if you vet agrees that it is just age catching up with him then it may be kinder to put him to sleep.

My beagle is 17 too. She is having her old gal issues. Yesterday I noticed her urinating more then usual, and today the blood. Probably an infection. But, when I take her to the vet tomorrow a.m. I will decide what to do, not them. You mentioned your pup is not eating but you didn't say anything about any other health issues. So, maybe try a few meals of ground beef and rice or boiled chicken and rice. Maybe he had an upset belly. If the rice meals don't get him going, definitely get him checked. They will only do what you want and what you feel is best. You know your dog and you will absolutely know when it's time to let him go, as difficult as it will certainly be. Grab some tissues and we'll cry together.