How to Determine a Dog's Quality of Life

A Dog's Quality of Life

Owners who are questioning when their dog should be put down will often hear veterinarians discuss "quality of life." But what does that really mean?

Quality of life is about basic standards of health, comfort, and happiness. When determining what these are for your pup, many things are taken into consideration, including how much pain or discomfort he or she is experiencing.

Together, owners and veterinarians can assess how the dog's quality of life can be improved through medication, medical intervention, and tender, loving care—and when it's time for the owner to consider saying goodbye.

Humane Euthanasia for Dogs

When a dog's quality of life is poor, euthanasia is often the most peaceful and humane option. Euthanasia comes from the Greek word meaning ''good death"—and a good death is something to aim for when a pet's life becomes painful and distressing.

While a veterinarian may offer opinions about when a dog should be euthanized, it ultimately falls to the owner to make this decision. Owners know their dogs best, so only they can gauge their pet's quality of life. Veterinarians and veterinarian staff may direct people towards options, but in the end, it is the dog owner's decision—and it's one of the most difficult decisions they can face.

Everything You Need to Know About Euthanasia

The most common feelings affecting dog owners considering euthanasia are fear, insecurity, and guilt.

• Fear comes into play because it is normal to fear the loss of loved ones. Indeed, the death of a dog is one of the most distressing situations an owner may face.
• Insecurity takes place because dogs, having been spared the capacity to talk, must rely on their owners to interpret their signs of distress, and sometimes these signs are not easy to read. There is always the fear of misinterpreting the signs or making a bad decision.
• Guilt plays a part. Perhaps because in the corner of the mind of every dog owner, there is always space for the hope that the dog will miraculously get better.

Assesssing Quality of Life

To help pet owners facing this difficult decision, many veterinarians have developed questionnaires to help owners rationally assess their dog's individual quality of life. These questions can help dog owners see the larger picture of their pet's situation to make decisions or at least open up a discussion with their vet to see if more can be done.

How to Assess Your Dog's Quality of Life

These are the questions to ask yourself and to discuss with the vet in order to determine your pet's overall quality of life.

1. How Much Pain Is Your Dog In?

Is your dog in obvious pain? Has he been benefiting from pain relievers? Does she have trouble breathing? Pain is one of the main considerations when assessing the quality of life of an animal. While there are many effective pain relievers, they may not be sufficient, or the side effects may outweigh the benefits.

2. Does Your Dog Still Have an Appetite?

Eating is essential for life. Dogs that have lost their appetite need to receive nutrition. How well is your dog eating? Does he need to be force-fed? Can he eat on his own? There are some medications that may increase appetite such as steroids and some foods made for dogs that need extra nutrition (Hill's A/D, Nutrical). In severe cases, a stomach tube may be inserted.

3. Is Your Dog Drinking Water?

A dog needs water more than food, so not only is adequate hydration crucial, but dehydration is also a sign that something is wrong. Is your dog drinking enough? If you pull up the skin on the dog's shoulders, does it spring back quickly, or does it take time (or worse—remain lifted)? Fluids injected under the skin may help as a way to supplement water. Some dog owners may learn how to give fluids at home.

4. Can Your Dog Still Take Care of Its Basic Functions?

Are you noticing signs your dog is dying? Is your dog's coat dull, smelly, or matted? Is your dog's mobility affected so much that he lies in his waste after elimination? Can he control his bladder and bowel functions? A lack of hygiene is often seen in sick and debilitated pets and can significantly affect their quality of life.

5. Is Your Dog Still Getting Joy Out of Life?

How happy is your dog? Does he still walk? Does she still enjoy time with you? Is he still interacting with your family? Look for signs of joy and pleasure. Dogs that appear depressed, lonely, anxious, or fearful may be in pain or may have started to give up on life.

6. Can Your Dog Still Sit, Stand, Walk?

In nature, dogs that have lost their mobility will die. Dogs rely on their legs a lot. Unlike humans, they cannot use a wheelchair or a cane, although a sling, harness, or cart may be helpful in some circumstances.

Questions to ask are: ''How much can my dog get around? Is her mobility affected by seizures or other nervous system disorders? Can she get up to relieve herself? Dogs that have painful joints may be helped out with medications.

7. How Aware and Alert Is Your Pet?

One of the things veterinarians look at when they assess a pet's level of health is how alert the animal is to its surroundings. Indeed, a dog that is withdrawn and lethargic is not feeling well. Signs of energy and alertness can be seen is a dog's response to noises, lifting up the head, ear movements, tail wags, etc.

8. What Is the Ratio of Pain to Pleasure?

Is your dog having more good days than bad? This is one of the most important considerations to keep in mind. Of course, a bad day is characterized by suffering: lethargy, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, or simply pain.

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Good days are when your dog responds to you, is alert and active, and demonstrates a general willingness to enjoy life. Marking on a calendar how your dog feels each day may be helpful to see the overall pattern.

This is just one example of a typical questionnaire. Below, you'll find other ways to assess your dog's quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commons questions about a dog's quality of life.

1. What if My Dog Can’t Stand Up?

If your dog can no longer get up, you'll need to assess the situation carefully. Is this a temporary or permanent condition? Are there any devices or medications that might help? Does the dog just need a little help getting up, and can you consistently provide that help? Finding answers to these questions with your vet will help you determine the full scope of the issue.

2. What if My Dog Can’t Walk Anymore?

Slings, harnesses, or carts may be helpful in some circumstances, but an utter loss of mobility can be a huge obstacle, one that thoroughly affects a dog's quality of life. Still it is up to you, the pet owner, to determine how severe this problem is and how much it affects the dog's happiness in life.

3. What If My Dog Is Incontinent?

Although incontinence is a common sign that a dog is ready to die, it might also be a symptom of a number of other issues. Talk to your vet.

4. When Is It Time to Put a Blind and Deaf Dog Down?

At the end of life, complications can multiply, and issues can grow. When deciding when it's time to say goodbye to a beloved dog, it might be helpful to take account of the things your pet still takes pleasure in doing. If your dog is blind and deaf but still enjoying food, company, and naps in the sun, then perhaps his quality of life has not yet declined past the point of no return.

5. When to Euthanize an Old Dog?

It's so hard to know when to say goodbye to an old dog. Some age-induced complications are temporary, but some are permanent and will only get worse. It's up to you to respond if your dog is in chronic pain that can't be helped with medication or if they can no longer walk or eat by themselves. Use the questionnaire above to help you decide and talk to your vet.

Other Ways to Know if Your Dog Is Ready to Die

• One of the first most interesting and thorough quality of life scales is the “HHHHHMM” Quality of Life Scale, which was crafted by veterinarian Dr. Villalobos to help dog owners and veterinarians come to a decision, or at least have a discussion. HHHHHMM stands for Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Mobility, and 'More Good Days Than Bad.' Below is an example of this scale.
• Lap of Love offers a free quality-of-life chart that can be printed and filled out.
• Another interesting method for determining quality of life entails having two jars, one labeled "bad days" and the other labeled "good days." Dog owners can put a penny in the appropriate jar each day. If the jar of bad days fills much faster than the good, it may be time for a talk with the vet to discuss quality of life.
• Owners may also simply mark their calendars using a smile for good days and a frown for bad days. Keeping a journal may be helpful, considering that dog owners can look back and see how many changes have taken place and how they are affecting the dog.

An Example of a Quality of Life Scale

What's Best for Your Dog?

There are not many things in life as certain as death. As much as we want to postpone death and keep our loyal friend with us, eventually, that dreaded time will come to say goodbye to your beloved companion.

With your pet's comfort and happiness in mind, most owners can make the best decision for their dogs.

For Further Reading

• What happens during a pet's euthanasia appointment?
  Learn about what typically happens when you bring your dog in to be "put down" and get answers to your questions about the procedure.
• When to put a dog to sleep?
  A worker at a veterinarian hospital shares information and tips about this important decision.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2010 Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST

Comments

Barbara on August 26, 2020:

My dog is a 17-year-old terrier that has cataracts, incontinent, she can no longer hear, and her back leg with weak. All she does now is sleep and eat, she will walk but not far without heavy breathing; She can no longer climb stairs without breathing heavy or having a seizure. Is it time to consider putting her down?

Jane dowling from Gateshead on August 22, 2020:

My beagle Ollie is 9 years old throughout the years has had times he loses control of bowel by urinating , had him at vets for UTIs but his sample Test results always came back diluted During lockdown he seemed to be in great pain and lost his control again , took him to vets and they tested him and gave him medication he was still no better we eventually changed vets as the original vets just kept asking for urine water tests we seemed to be getting no were for him , new vets urine sample came back diluted and she said when looking at his history they were all same she gave him medication but this not helped in the meantime Ollie was getting worse wearing pads and changing his bedding all the time and bathing him constantly he went off his food and water and now also had constipation veg said he had pain towards his kidneys and wanted to test him for Cushing before doing any further tests as until we can rule out Cushing there no point doing other tests and treatments the results came back inconclusive I was not happy with this as costs were mounting up as tests are not cheap , Ollie seemed to pick I himself up now vets want to test him all over again with water samples and scans for insepidous diabetes . I feel so guilty as I can not afford these tests and scans the test for Cushing was over £300 and never got a yes or no wether he has it , I am in such a state watching poor Ollie suffer all over again at present he crying in pain and lost control of bowels again . I just can’t afford more tests and am wondering if time to euthanise he sleeps all day constantly in his bed only to get up and go out to toilet . The poor soul is urinating constantly in his bed and he also has shallow breathing which is panting a lot

I really do not no what to do do I try and get a loan sio he can have further tests or do I seriously think about euthanise to put him out of his pain

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on June 20, 2020:

Hi Mollie, so sorry to hear about your Lab with seizures. Sadly, onset of seizures in older dogs can be due to waste products coming from malfunctioning organs building up and affecting brain chemistry and brain tumors. Being that your dog is on phenobarbital I assume her organ health has been already checked with bloodwork. I would talk with the vet and see whether more testing may be needed and if a change in drugs may help. If there are brain tumors, prednisone may be something to consider. Some dogs with seizures of unknown origin may benefit from a combination of phenobarbital and potassium bromide and some vets recommend valium given rectally when a seizure is not stopping. Ask your vet whether you have any further options to control those seizures.

Mollie Taylor on June 03, 2020:

I have a 14 year old Labrador, she has been having seizures for about 3 months now everyday, she has been on Phenobarbital for 5 days her side effects are awful and she’s at the point where she can hardly get up and has to be prompted to go out to the toilet and then when she does she usually has a seizure. She is still having seizures despite being on meds. Her seizures have decreased but when she is having one she takes up to 5 minutes to come out of it she looks scared. I don’t want her to suffer and I don’t want to be selfish either for my own benefit. She’s had such a good life and I don’t want her to end it awfully where she doesn’t come out a seizure. I’m at a loose end and I really really do not no what to do

John on May 27, 2020:

My dog has diabetes, bushings disease, blind and deaf. I am also seeing signs of neuropathy and she continues to have uncontrolled urination and has not not had a solid bowel movement in months. She sleeps probably 19 hours a day. She is also losing her hair and has ear infections and eye infections and simply smells. I think it is time. She is almost 14 years old. I think it is cruel. She is also on 13 units of insulin twice a day.

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on March 10, 2020:

This is always a difficult decision and there are many factors to consider. All in all, it may help to have the dog see the vet to determine whether there are any options to make this dog more comfortable. When these options are exhausted or no longer working, then we know that time is sadly running out.

stefmarks on February 26, 2020:

I am struggling with knowing when to put my 14 year old lab down. We are pretty sure she has a form of dementia and the vet feels the same way.

I have a pet sitter and she has told me that my dog just isn't herself. I got a text from her 2 weeks ago telling me she was wobbly when she was outside walking. Also, she doesn't meet her at the door everyday like she used to. She will find her lying in another room somewhere.

She's able to get up and down off her bed ok and she still lets us know when she needs to go outside to go the bathroom. So no accidents inside. Her eating has slowed down, she won't take treats from our hands anymore, she doesn't come running to the fridge when we open it like she used to. She lays on her bed and stares at the wall and she pants a lot. She seems confused at times, in the house and outside. Sometimes she forgets where I am and goes into a panic and starts looking for me. She will see my husband leave the room but when she hears him in the other room, she will start to growl and bark, like there's a stranger in the house. Then she gets right in front of me like she's protecting me. She also stumbles and trips more and more when she walks. She has a far off look in her eyes most days, but there are some days she prances around and I can see my girl is still in there. But those days are getting less and less.

I don't want her to suffer and I don't want to feel selfish, but how on earth am I supposed to know when the time is right to put her down? I had a 14 year old golden and he let me know when it was time. He couldn't get up and I just knew. But with my Lab, I have no idea. With the staring off and panting I feel she is in pain, but when I see the glimmer of her old self from time to time it breaks my heart to think of letter her go. And I certainly don't want her to suffer, but she just isn't herself.

What am I to do?

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on February 10, 2020:

Margie, so sorry to hear your dog is suffering. This is ultimately a very personal choice that varies based on many individual factors such as the dog's personality, the owner's ability to help the dog move around, how advanced the condition is, whether all options have been exhausted, etc. Talking with your vet may be an option to gain an insight, but even then, the ultimate choice is yours. With one older dog I had, her hind leg weakness was helped with a harness that helped her get up, she was still happy and eating and that worked well also because she had a very laid back personality and not very active. I also had the help of my husband who is stronger than me in helping her move about. If my other more active dog would have been affected, he would have likely been depressed and withdrawn and we may have had to make a difficult choice after trying everything and weighing in all factors.

Margie Tlapa on February 02, 2020:

I am in need of guidance. My 12 1/2 yr old lab slipped down the stairs 11 days ago. As a result, his hind legs are very weak, at times collapsing, and 75% of the time he cannot get up on his own. He is on Tramadol, Amantadine, Galliprant, and Glucosamine. He was on all these medications prior to the incident for elbow dysplasia and pain mgmt. He is currently being treated with acupuncture, cold laser therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and an Assisi Loop. We’re going to introduce CBD oil next week. Aside from the issues with his mobility, he eats and drinks well, is alert, and otherwise his normal self.

My question is this, I need an unbiased opinion as to when enough is enough. I’m too close to it and need to understand if loss of mobility is considered a situation that would make an animal unhappy or warrant other measures?

Lucy Polinak on January 17, 2020:

My Jack Russell mix just had cancer surgery of the mouth, he won't take his meds as it hurts and we can't force them in his

Mouth...tried to bite us which aha never happened before. He runs from us won't let us touch him, is bleeding from the mouth from the surgery. Now he won't eat. Is drinking water regularly though. He cries 24-7 whack is not good for him or is! We have had no sleep for 4 or 5 days . Vet said that the cancer is embedded deep and it did not look good. Is it time? He is 13 years old

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on November 21, 2019:

Hi Mandy, so sorry your dog is going through this. Your best bet is seeing your vet and determining if there's an underlying cause for the back legs giving out (advanced arthritis, spinal injury etc.) and what can be done. Sometimes, acupuncture can help.

Mandy on November 20, 2019:

Hi I have a 14 year old staff . She walking so slow . Back legs going. Poo and pee over the home . And even pee on my bed . What to do help plz

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on November 16, 2019:

It is always difficult determining a dog's quality of life especially when there are good days mixed with some not-so-good ones. I suggest always consulting with a vet to determine if there are more options for pain control and to reduce accidents for dogs with poor bladder control due to sphincter weakening. There are medications for that. When vets say it's time to put a dog down, it's ultimately the owner's decision. No vet can force an owner to put a dog down. Dog owners know their dogs best and should decide based on their own personal experience with their dogs and when all options for improving the quality of life have been exhausted.

Chris on October 31, 2019:

My dog is 10+ years old has an enlarged heart,has heart murmurs,possibly heart tumours(have not done ultra sound),has 4 stones blockage for urination(trouble peeing) and several more in the bladder,has coughing fits.Throws up food,and can not control bladder.The Vet is telling me to put him down.Thoughts?

samantha on October 25, 2019:

My dog is 14 years old and is going blind .... he is a min pin and has fatty masses on him as well as teeth problems he is going blind and urinates all over my house .... he still eats and drinks will play run in yard but can not see so good so barks at everything he has started walking into walls and falling down stairs i am not sure when to say that his quality of life is not so good anymore and put him down

Daniela Ramos on October 20, 2019:

My pet is a shih tzu, somewhere between 13 and 14 years old, quite a few months ago she started losing strength on her back legs, but it seemed to not be such a big problem as she could still run and jump and go up the stairs. A month ago, we has to take her to the vet because she was in pain and all swollen, they said it might have been an allergic reaction and gave her an injection, but they noticed that she had ovarian cysts and that we might want to consider removing them for her to live longer, although the operation itself would be a risk. We decided not to have the operation. The last three days, whenever we carried her she cried out, as well as when she was sleeping. Today I noticed that her front legs are now slipping to the sides when she's standing and even fell over twice, but quickly tried her best to stand up again. I don't know if this is just because of her age or if there is something we could do for her. We have really been avoiding the thought of putting her down, but are these signs that it might be time?

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on August 27, 2019:

Scott, if you can afford to have your dog see the vet or even better a board-certified veterinary neurologist, you may have some options if the underlying cause can be found. Perhaps there are meds that can help if it's too painful to stand on that leg. If there is pain, there is some hope considering that lack of pain may suggest some neurological issue that may be difficult to treat. So this may be worthy of discussing with your vet also to help you make a decision based on his/her findings.

scott Kansol on August 26, 2019:

My 12 year old Maltese Max had basically drop foot on his left front leg. Just last night he couldn’t stand on his left back leg and whined when he tried. He cannot stand to use the potty. I’m going to see if I can help him and support him so he will be able to relieve himself. Any procedure is not an option due to his heart. He still will eat some food if I put it in front of him but he can’t stand. My thoughts are that I’m going to hv to put him down. Am I right in thinking this

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on June 02, 2019:

Leanne, if you are considering euthanasia, you can call a vet to perform euthanasia at home so to not create anxiety in your dog and not need to worry about carrying your dog in the car. If you are debating over it, Lap of Love offers hospice and end of life consultations in many cities nowadays. So sorry your dog is breathing fast and has collapsed.

Leanne on May 24, 2019:

My 15 year old dog has shallow breathing very fast, has collapsed and looks like shes had enough what do i do

Truered on May 16, 2019:

My Yorkie is 9 years old and she wasn't feeling well, very sluggish and not herself, I thought it was something she ate so we brought her to the vet and they said they have to run tests, so they did blood work and a xray of her stomach, they called me in and said she has a golf ball size tumer in her stomach by her spleen and liver and her anemic level was 30 and that she was bleeding internally, they told me in order to see it better we would have to have a ultrasound done, so they called in the specialist they did the ultrasound and said the tumor is inside of the left liver lobe and covering it and also there were some on her spleen, something called: hemangiosarcoma, they gave me 3 options, surgery which she may not make it through because they would have to cut half of her liver out and there are blood vessels, do nothing and see how she responds which will not be long before she goes into shock or dies, or put her to sleep. I know we all love our pets as they are our children and how do you make a decision like this, yes we do not want them to suffer, right now the vet said she isn't suffering or in any pain, at the moment I decided to take her home for a few days and see how she is and at the moment for today she is herself, so am I wrong to wait and have her with us for a little longer?

Rodneyanthonh on April 03, 2019:

Hello sir my dog is suffering with paralysis can my dog will cure

Dayglowed on March 24, 2019:

No one will ever tell you that its time as long as they can get a few more dollars. I have seen this over and over again. We look to our vets to help us with a tough decision but most won't do it.

Chivonne Elsenpeter on March 07, 2019:

My dog Scrappy is 16 years old. He's been such a great dog. We are putting his sister down tomorrow and are determining whether we should put him down as well. Sadie is in really bad shape so I know for sure it is her time, but Scrappy I am struggling with. He lost his site about a year ago and has been in diapers for about 4 months. He cannot find his way to the door anymore, but can still manage to find where his food and water is. He sleeps constantly and we have to watch when he does get up so we can take him outside. He just pees right on the side walk. He will walk to the grass to poo but will get lost if we don't bring him back. When I bring him in the house he does wag his tail and gets super excited, but then will look for his bed or our bed. This is all he does. I am super scared to make the decision because he is not in any pain, but I feel like he's just tired and may want to go. Can you please just let me know what you think. I know you cannot make this decision for me, but I would appreciate some feed back.

Thanks

Chivonne

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on February 04, 2019:

Debbie, only you can really make this decision. You know your dog best. Is she still having quality of life? or is she miserable most of the time? Does she have more bad day than good? Have you exhausted all venues to alleviate the coughing and manage the heart failure?

Debbie robbibs on February 03, 2019:

My 13 year old Yorkie is coughing a lot and gagging. We we're told it is congestive heart failure.she has cataracts can't hardly see or hear. Should I have her put down so she won't suffer.

Sally on October 17, 2018:

Hi there,

It is so sad to even think that the day will come that your favorite and loving friend and Pet will no longer be with you! I lost my brother to complications of Lou Gehrigs Disease, and after his burial, I came home and my 16 year old Maltese Nina, my Princess, has stopped eating, she is not going up to her water bowl, and she has been falling all over the wee wee pad. I started giving her water to keep her hydrated, and also made her some bone broth with Turmeric soup, along with organic goats milk for dogs. She is taking the water and the bone broth warm from the dropper, but will not eat, since I am letting her go at home, and I have taken a sabatical to mourn my brother, since I was also an advocate for him and worked very diligently to support him, Im just very sad! .

My Nina is a Great Girl, and I will continue to support her here at home, and keep her hydrated, and prepare a small bowl of her favorite food blended, just in case she miraculously gets up or takes it from my hand feeding. As long as she is not in pain or any discomfort, I will continue to keep her hydrated, and comfortable!

Im sorry for all us Doggy Mommys that have to go through this inevitable loss. These animals are our loving companions, and I am going to cry the day she goes! My only consolation is that, I do believe that your animal has a soul, and I do believe she will sit on my brothers lap and will give him company along with the other furry Angels!

Many Blessings!!

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on October 16, 2018:

If the issue is not taking the pills, you may have several options. Have you tried pill pockets? Sometimes compounding pharmacies can turn nasty pills into wondefully tasting treats. There are also liquid medications you can give, for example Metacam which requires a prescription by simply squirting into your dog's mouth of mixing with canned food. I would suggest having a mobile vet come to your home to assess your dog. Sometimes, trouble walking can be due to a slipped disc in the back or vestibular disease, both things that can be managed with rest and medications. Acupuncture has also sometimes proven helpful in some cases. Sometimes, dogs just need help getting up and once up they are mobile, if that's the case, you may need to place a rolled blanket under her to help her get up or use a harness like "help em' u" and help them move out to potty. Of course, these are just ideas. Only your vet can determine what can or cannot be done so follow a vet's directions.

Maria Ward on October 15, 2018:

My Stuffy is only 8years old and alreadu suffering a lot with arthritis and now is unable to move cant walk or get up she just lays there and urinates on the fllor where she lays. Both back legs and front left leg. what do i do??? She's had arthritis for a while now but she refuses to take her medications we have to force it but than she doesn't swollen it.

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on August 19, 2018:

Katherine, if possible, I think it would be best to delay the move.

Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA, Dip.CBST (author) from USA on August 18, 2018:

Rockyroo, so sorry for your situation. Fear of noises indeed can have quite an impact on a dog's wellbeingl. You are on the right track with calming aids, but your dog needs behavior modification. Here is my "hear that' method that may help: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Dog-Noise-Sensitivity-...

rockyroo08 on July 29, 2018:

I am worried sick about my beautiful 11 year old Jack Russell.

He has always been fearful of noises, but about 6 weeks ago we were walking down the road and an idiot on a big motor bike sped past us on 2 wheels showing off and it was so loud it terrified my little dog. Since that day I cannot get him to go for a walk, he will not go out of the house. Even in the house if he hears a bike in the distance he has full blown panic attacks, shaking violently, panting, eyes popping and there is nothing I can do to comfort him, he is not interested in treats etc, and it take hours for him to calm down. This is happening daily and I feel his quality of life has changed so much, he used to love his walks until this incident. Now he seems to have no interest in anything. It is like he is expecting loud noise all the time.

I have took him to the Vet's, she said physically he is a 100% in very good health, but it is his mental health and severe noise phobia.

I have tried every calming product going, thunder jacket, and nothing helps. Beside this, he is a loving affectionate little dog, he is my life. I am so very sad to see his life is no fun for him anymore. Dont know what to do now

Nicole on July 28, 2018: