Buddy

I’m so glad this group exists, and I hope it’s okay to ask this here…but I need opinions and a fresh set of eyes in our situation.

I have a miniature dauschund who is 14.5 years old and I am having to make the decision on if I need to let him cross the rainbow bridge.

Overall, he’s as healthy as a dog his age can be I suppose. Mild heart murmur, bad back, chronically dry skin. Severe anxiety which he has had since he was a puppy and has just gotten worse as he ages. Recently he has started losing weight despite eating normally. Having accidents daily in the house. Regressing and doing things he wouldn’t usually do like eating food off the table, getting into the trash etc.

He has severe canine dementia which has progressed in the last year. He’s 90% deaf, can’t see great either. He stares into space, gets stuck in places around the house. If I let him outside he forgets where the house is and will run the opposite way. He has always been attached to me but it’s been to the point he’s on my heels all day long now, will not leave my side. It’s obvious he’s stressed. Constantly licking the carpet and floor, his bed, anything. I cant let him run outside because he won’t be able to move or walk the next few days.

He is supposed to be on a myriad of pain meds and trazadone for the back/neck issues and anxiety. If I don’t give him them he paces all night long all over the house and will not sleep. If I do give them to him (even at low doses) he walks around tail tucked and even more confused and stressed and has accidents inside.

Writing this all out it seems maybe obvious that his quality of life isn’t great anymore but on the outside he can still get around (back legs getting weaker though) and is eating. Still wants treats. How am I supposed to know when to let him go? I’ve had him since he was 10 weeks old. I’m at a loss. Kind responses appreciated.