we have a 13 year old black lab, he is having trouble walking etc. he doesnt appear to be in any pain, but finds getting around very difficult. when or how do you know when the time comes, that he has had enough. i know this is such a hard subject, but we do not want to see him suffer.

Talk to your vet. Talk to each other. Look at your dog you know him better than anyone.

Listen to what the vet says but you know your dog, when ours didn't move at the sound/sight of her lead or people coming home some days, that was okay because others days she was herself; but when the unusual becomes the norm and we could see she was uncomfortable no matter what we did (and we did loads of things to make her life easier) we took the descision as a family.

Hard yes, but now with time we find it easier to speak of her and the memories are all happy ones (even the ones where she ate my sisters 21st birthday cake on the night of the party,then proceeded to throw up all over the dress I was going to wear)

I don't know what else to say but don't let her suffer I know you won't because your asking the question.

Thinking of you and your dog what's his name?

Karen

Is he on any medication? some labs in old age need to be on some pain relief as they seem to suffer with arthritis they are like old people need help but if you think the quality of life is gone then you need to talk to the vet.
Someone once posted this poem and it seems to make a lot of sense i do hope he just needs medication.

If It Should be

If it should be I grow frail and weak And pain prevents my peaceful sleep

Then you must do what must be done When this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand Selfishness might stay your hand

But on this day, more than the rest, Your love and freindship take the test.
We've had so many happy years

That what's to come can hold no fears

You'd not want me to suffer So,
When the time comes please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend. Only stay with me until the end.

Hold me firm and speak to me. Until my eyes no longer see.
I know, in time, you, too, will see Its a kindness you do for me
Although my tail it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved
Do not grieve it should be you who must decide this thing to do

We've been so close, we two, these years....... Don't let your heart hold any tears

Author unknown

Hi I would get your vet to have a look at him and see if there is anything that can help.

At the nen of the day though you will know when the time is right. It will be a very, very hard thing to decide but it is in your boys best interest.

I had my beloved 14 and a half year old girl Lab PTS last August and I was devasted but I knew in my heart of hearts it was the best thing and the last show of love I could have given her.

Take Care.

Lucy
xx

My lab was very lame even though I tried all the vet advised. Then I put her on Devil's Claw available from health shops . She is now like a two year old. I too took this many years ago for arthritis and it worked wonders. Try her for a month.

We've all been there Guest, I feel for you.

Regards, John