2975. INTERN. A 17-year-old Shih Tzu barks all night long

Aug 25, 2015

The parents and the young adult son came in to euthanase this 17-year-old Shih Tzu who barks all night long. The parents have to work and have no rest. They used to bring the dog down the apartment to the grass to pee at 5 am and 10 pm but now, they had to do it at 2 am.. The dog would not pee at home even at 17 years of age. He was kept in a very good condition although he had difficulty standing up.

Vet 1 had prescribed heart, liver and joint disease medication. Most likely, Vet 1 did not want to put the dog to sleep.  The frequent night barking led to this decision to euthanase as the parents have to work.

"Take time to think about euthanasia," I do not advocate euthanasia for dogs that can eat. Is there another solution?

I advised:
1. No water after 6 pm so that the dog does not need to go downstairs.
2. Antibiotics for possible bladder infection due to holding of urine for long periods of time. No urine test is done to lower medical costs. 
3. Medication. Sleeping tablets adjusted for effect at 10 pm.

The owners decided to accept the medication and the dog barks less. The dosage is being adjusted and it is only 3 days since I saw the dog. This family loves this old dog very much to undertake this solution.