putting down my dog

This week we put down our shih tsu. She was blind, deaf ,had some artheritis and pottied in the house more than outside. The vet that put her down also said she exhibited signs of doggy alzheimers. I am feeling guilty. Did I do the right thing?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Your dog lived to be 18 years of age!  That is wonderful,  and you should be congratulated by helping her live that long!  

If your dog had cognitive dysfunction (doggie alzheimer's) she may not even have been aware of you or her surroundings, that is not a very good quality of life.  When the quality of life is that diminished it is the right decision.

[ireneo]

I'm so sorry you had to make such a difficult decision. All of us who have animal companions worry about that day. It sounds like your dog lived a long life and was having some serious age related problems. You lived with him/her all these years and knew him/her the best (sorry- your info says male but you refer to the dog as she). I'm confident you could tell whether the dog was not living a full, comfortable life as you would hope. Letting them go peacefully is a gift. Not easy for you but a gentle release for your little friend. Take care.