Euthanasia for senior dog with digestive issues
My cockapoo is 14, will be 15 in a few days. Generally healthy all his life, 2 months ago he stopped eating for about 2 days and became very lethargic. Took him to the vet where it was discovered he has severe anemia and impaired kidney and thyroid function. At around this time his stool became bloody (like very bright red). Vet prescribed appetite stimulate as well as a course of antibiotic/anti-inflammatory, thyroid meds, kidney supplements.
Over the next few weeks he made great improvement though we had to switch his dog food completely to high value human food (he refused dog food). His stool were still very blood and very frequent (like 10x a day), though half the time nothing came out or was very small. During a follow up vet visit his anemia had improved to almost borderline acceptable and his thyroid was close to normal. But he was still have issues with a weaker appetite and bloody frequent stool. For a few weeks he then seemed ok, with regular stool and energy level. Vet thinks he either has cancer or a severe gastro issue, in either case he would need further testing and aggressive treatments but at his age we figured we should not put him under further stress.
Last weekend he was great, super energetic and hungry, then he ate come corn which I think triggered a flare up. Stopped eating, looked to be in pain and had very bloody stools. Took back to the vet for more appetite stimulate and antibiotics/anti-inflammatory. Seems to work a little but not as well as before. Has refused almost all high value food and poops blood constantly. What is hard is despite all this he still has decent energy, loves his walks, drinks water, still is mobile and despite his frequent poops he will make his best effort to go outside each time (only has accidents at night when we are sleeping so he find a corner to go in). So he keeps himself clean.
I know he likely will need to be put to sleep soon, it is just hard as his mind and spark and body (except his digestive system) are still there. Yesterday was the best day he has had in a week, walked for almost 2 hours and he actually ate a good amount of meat and donuts. However for most of the week he only had a few nibbles here and there. Last night had an accident in the house with bloody stool again.
My family would like to put him to sleep today or tomorrow while his health is still "up" so he doesn't suffer. I don't disagree but also it hard when he is starting to act "normal". But I also don't want him to suffer another huge crash. I think I know the answer, just sucks when their mind and most of their body still seems ok.