Need opinions
Hi community!
For context: I’ve never had a dog so this is literally all new to me and I’m trying to navigate the situation.
I’ve been living with my partners family for just over 2 years now. They’ve had their little poodle for 12ish years (could be 10 or 15 years). When I first moved in the doggie was lively. They would jump up on the couch, greet you, bark, run fast, eat well, etc etc.
In the last 12 months they’ve really slowed down. No more jumping on couch / bed, they physically cannot get up. Eating has been on and off, they’ve tried a diet changed which has helped. They don’t seem as excited as they used to be. Responsive yes but definitely not like in the past. In the last 6 months they’ve started weeing/ pooping inside which they never used to do. It started small but now, everyday there’s at least 1-2 wees.
For extra context as well, apparently he’s never enjoyed walks, he’s always been hesitant so instead just playing outside in the backyard was enough for him? - again, I’m unsure if this is normal especially for a smaller dog like him.
I’m starting to worry about him a lot but I’m not sure if I should be. One time the parents went on holiday for a week and it was like the dog got depressed. Stayed in bed all day, hardly ate, hardly responsive to cuddles etc.
I’m worried because in a few weeks the parents are going on a 6 week holiday and I’m scared he will pass away while they’re gone.
As awkward as it is to say, how do I have a conversation about the dogs health? I’m not saying ‘put him down he’s too hard’ but I am asking, at what point do you know their time is too hard to be alive? I’m starting to feel guilty that he’s alive and struggling but at the same time i feel so guilty in the fact that I’m not his parent and I don’t have responsibility/ the relationship with the dog? Does that make sense? I want the best for him but I don’t know what the best is… please comment your advice.