Yes. Photos of how they look now and notes on their little senior habits are all worth sharing. Some local governments in Japan even honor long-lived dogs and show their photos.
「He's getting old, so I spoil him more, and today he got carrots, rice cooked in broth and two dog biscuits.」
This is something to decide together with your vet. Your vet can explain how your dog is doing and what the options are. You do not have to decide alone.
「My old dog has a lung tumor and heart trouble. She's coughing and restless, and I'm thinking about stopping her meds.」
You can pick things they can still do and enjoy, such as a walk somewhere familiar. You can also take photos, keep a small lock of fur, or make a memory box. Your vet can advise on food and outings.
「The vet says my dog has only months left. I'm exhausted, feel guilty for saying so, and hope someone will help me say goodbye.」
Children's health and vet groups suggest simple, honest words like "died," not "went to sleep" or "we gave them away," and letting children ask questions and say goodbye.
「My old dog got worse for days and was put to sleep today, so how do I tell my daughter tomorrow?」
This is something to decide with your vet. At home, watch for changes in eating, drinking, coughing and walking, and tell your vet. Senior dogs are usually advised to see a vet at least twice a year.
「Suddenly my dog can't climb stairs and walks unsteadily. I wonder how long he can last without treatment.」
This is something to decide with your vet. At home, keep furniture where it is, lay non-slip mats, block the stairs, use night lights and keep a steady routine.
「Last week I learned my dog has dementia, and now I'm getting ready to care for him.」
You do not have to carry this alone. You can talk with your family and your vet about care you can keep up. Pet insurance age limits and coverage vary.
「My 16-and-a-half-year-old dog just had surgery. Vet bills for senior dogs are so high.」
This is something to decide with your vet. Slowing down is common in old dogs, but tooth loss can come from gum disease, and a sudden drop in activity can be a sign of illness. A vet can check the mouth and joints.
「My old girl is doing okay, but she can't climb onto the armchair without a cushion and needs help.」
This is a decision to make together with your vet. Older age alone is not a reason to rule out anesthesia, and careful checks before and close monitoring during anesthesia can lower the risk.
「My 11-year-old goes under general anesthesia for surgery tomorrow. I'm worried and unsure how to care for my dog afterward.」
This is something to decide with your vet. The UK charity PDSA says a dog that has eaten nothing for over 24 hours should see a vet quickly. What and how much to feed is also something to decide with your vet.
「My old dog has kidney disease and no teeth, so I spoon-feed him. The medicine made his appetite worse. It hurts.」
Disaster guides in several places list the same steps: pack your dog's medicine, records, food and water, ask whether nearby shelters take dogs, and find friends or family who could look after them.
「I bought a portable power station so her medical equipment runs in a blackout, and found a pet hotel.」
End-of-life changes are best looked at together with your vet. Eating and drinking less, sleeping more and responding less are common; a vet or hospice team can check whether they are uncomfortable and help ease it.
「My dog of many years died today. When his tail stopped curling last weekend, I knew time was short.」