My beautiful German Shepherd just turned 14. Pretty good for a dog that was 130 lbs in his prime. He is down to 95 but still happy and very alert. We have been lucky that his hips have held out so far. Our problem is that he was diagnosed with a degernerative neuropathy in his hind legs last year and it has been slowly taking toll. We bought a low rise XXL doggie door that he can still get through but he draggs his back feet quite a bit. Also, with the arthritis, it is hard to get up quickly like he used to. This obviously makes it hard for getting out the doggie door in time for potty. The vet has him on Deramax now but i'm not quite sure if it helps with the pain. He is happy all the time so it is hard to tell if his arthritis is really taking it's toll. We have now confined him to the living room where the doggie door is (and all hardwood which makes it easier for the clean-up) but it is getting hard to clean up poop 1-5 times a day. I don't want to resort to having him stay outside all day/night because he has always been an indoor dog. I just don't know what to do. I don't want to put him down because he is so alert and alive and the thought of putting a dog down because he can't get out in time to poop makes me sick. I've had my baby since he was 6 months. Any suggestions?

Don't they have doggy diapers or pads that dogs can go on? That might help a lot.

There's always the doggie wheelchair option, if it works for you, and you feel the cost is equal to him and you living a more comfortable life.

Here is a link:

http://www.k9carts.com/

You're not alone. Many people can live with alot, but incontinence is usually the last straw. It is what convinces most pet owners it's time. Diapers are an option, but unlike people, dogs have fur, clean up several times a day would be a nightmare. An inside dog suddenly forced outside at the end of his life, probably isn't going to be a happy one. I have heard stories of incontinent senior refusing to go inside because they don't want to mess inside, but these are dogs who usually spent a lot of time outside anyway.

It's a very hard decision, and one only you can make. He's making it hard on you by still being in good spirits. If you feel you can go on a little longer, you might try covering the floor with pads to make cleanup easier. A few months is a long time for a senior animal, perhaps the decision will be easier to make several weeks down the road. My condolences to you and your family.

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions and support. We do have doggie pads but he drags his back feet a little which means he drags the pads all over . The wheelchair probably wouldn't help becuase he doesn't have a problem walking once he is up. He is just...slow to get up. So, if he is sleeping, and then has to go, he goes before he can get up all the way. And, yes, long hair and diapers would be worse We are very lucky to have hardwood floors, and then we found some rubber mats for him to sleep on (they are soft to lay on but easy for clean up). My husband and I will just keep going the way we are until we feel that he is uncomfortable. We have a 10 month old as well so I guess a little more poop isn't going to make much difference. It just seems a little overwhelming at times. For now, we will keep him outside during the day ( we work anyway and live in CA so it's nice out) and then have him in in the evenings and at night. Thanks again for the nice words. It really helps more than you know.

BTW - thanks angeeleeta, we looked at those doggie wheelchairs and we're going to get one; it will help him be able to take longer walks with the family

Your problem is so difficult. I empathize with you. In November we lost my 12 yo collie. He had similar problems this past year. He had arthritis in his spine, herniated disc, and was dragging his feet at times. I was also cleaning up more messes. However, his quality of life was made immensely better by the following: Acupuncture, physical therapy, and treadmill water therapy. He was also receiving adequan shots and we gave him pain pills when needed. His pain was reduced by the acupuncture (I was a complete skeptic) and he was able to stretch and get his muscles moving again with the non-impact water therapy. Here is a video of my Cody on the treadmill:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jksdPveNp2Y

I don't know if you have access to any of these, but I wanted to pass on the information. I am now starting the water therapy with my 5 yo who has elbow dysplasia.

Good luck and my thoughts are with your sweet boy.

Jan
How to Love Your Dog
http://loveyourdog.com

i feel u!!i have a german shepard named wiskey and he has problems with his back legs 2!!and even though he almost 13years old he is still him self...well maybe a little slower