Why are people so reluctant to visit their vets with older dogs? Surely if having them put to sleep is best for the dog then you should not delay, but in many cases the vet is able to alleviate suffering and the dog will come home again even if only for a short while. It is cruel to withhold treatment and I get very annoyed when people make this comment. After fifteen years of giving you loyalty and love you should be thinking of the poor dor and not your other half. And if its it 'time' then better a day too soon than a minute too late. Having said that vets are not in the business of killing dogs for the sake of it, keeping them alive if they are able is what they are trained to do, and of course, how they make their living. As Milvus said, call your vet now!