I agree with DaySleepers. I've had four old dogs that lost most of their vision due to cataracts or 'old age,' and for the most part they adapted, enjoyed running outside and playing with friends that weren't too rough. One dog even lost most of his hearing, but he could still smell liver treats (!!!), and could hear a loud, piercing whistle.
BTW, sometimes a dog that is not totally blind can still see motion pretty well, so if something is not moving, he may not see it, but if it is moving, he may be able to come to it or steer clear as needed.
Some people say that incontinence is a signal for end of life, but in my experience, if you stay on top of it, can clean up the mess easily, and can keep the dog clean all the time, it may not be 'an issue' unless the dog is suffering.
I consider that part of the decision - Not 'is it inconvenient' and Not 'is the dog in pain", but is the dog's quality of life declining and is the dog suffering. A dog with minor pain can still love treats, walks, and visiting with friends. If possible, I strongly recommend taking your dog for a walk or a hobble [ ;-) ] everyday or twice a day, if possible, letting him sniff at his speed and for as long is comfortable. I think that extends his life ... rather than prolonging it.
At some point, inconvenience for you may be a decision point, and I think that one reason that incontinence is a decision point, is because the work involved can be too much for some people in some situations. Incontinence for me was not a problem, but if it had been diarrhea, the required care and cleanup would have been too much.
Finally, I made the decision because my dog was "showing" possible symptoms of a nerve degeneration problem that can occur in German Shepherds and other breeds, which starts in the hips and moves forward to vital organs. It is painless, and was difficult to diagnose conclusively, but based on ongoing discussions with my Vet and continuing painless hip collapses during walks, in addition to incontinence in his sleep without waking up, we finally made the decision while the dog was happy and in good spirits.
I don't know if your dog has nerve degeneration as well as arthritis, that may be something to ask the Vet. I don't know if dachshunds get that type of problem. But, as long as she has a good quality of life, which is not in significant decline, keep doing what you've been doing and follow the advice of your Vet.
BTW, sometimes a dog that is not totally blind can still see motion pretty well, so if something is not moving, he may not see it, but if it is moving, he may be able to come to it or steer clear as needed.
Some people say that incontinence is a signal for end of life, but in my experience, if you stay on top of it, can clean up the mess easily, and can keep the dog clean all the time, it may not be 'an issue' unless the dog is suffering.
I consider that part of the decision - Not 'is it inconvenient' and Not 'is the dog in pain", but is the dog's quality of life declining and is the dog suffering. A dog with minor pain can still love treats, walks, and visiting with friends. If possible, I strongly recommend taking your dog for a walk or a hobble [ ;-) ] everyday or twice a day, if possible, letting him sniff at his speed and for as long is comfortable. I think that extends his life ... rather than prolonging it.
At some point, inconvenience for you may be a decision point, and I think that one reason that incontinence is a decision point, is because the work involved can be too much for some people in some situations. Incontinence for me was not a problem, but if it had been diarrhea, the required care and cleanup would have been too much.
Finally, I made the decision because my dog was "showing" possible symptoms of a nerve degeneration problem that can occur in German Shepherds and other breeds, which starts in the hips and moves forward to vital organs. It is painless, and was difficult to diagnose conclusively, but based on ongoing discussions with my Vet and continuing painless hip collapses during walks, in addition to incontinence in his sleep without waking up, we finally made the decision while the dog was happy and in good spirits.
I don't know if your dog has nerve degeneration as well as arthritis, that may be something to ask the Vet. I don't know if dachshunds get that type of problem. But, as long as she has a good quality of life, which is not in significant decline, keep doing what you've been doing and follow the advice of your Vet.
