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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

The dog is on his last legs. Practicalities?

31 replies

TaggieCampbellBlackFriday · 24/11/2012 16:13

emotional wibbles aside.

He is very wobbly. Some days worse than others. Today is a bad one. Although with a bit of coaxing I gott him out for a poo.

But I think we are getting to the point where he is having more wobbly days and today I think he's not happy.

So. If we get to the last trip to the vet I can deal with that. I can arrange for DH to get him in and out of the car. But if he takes a downturn and DH is at work how do I get him to the vet on my own? Do vets do home call outs?

And afterwards would the vet take him? Is it weird to want dog ashes back?

And how much does it cost? Being PTS and cremated.

Off for a little weep but any advice appreciated.

OP posts:
BeerTricksPott3r · 24/11/2012 16:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
TaggieCampbellBlackFriday · 24/11/2012 16:26

He just leapt up and chased a cat into the kitchen and looks quite perky.

How on earth can you tell when to make the decision?

Thanks.

OP posts:
SpicyPear · 24/11/2012 16:28

Blue Cross have a support line for emotional and practical support. Will bump thread with link. ((Hug))

BeerTricksPott3r · 24/11/2012 16:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Selks · 24/11/2012 16:33

It's not weird to want his ashes back. My dog passed away about three years ago (died at home although was just about to take her to be PTS). She was cremated and I received her ashes back - cost around £80. I was impressed by the service I received from the pet cremation people - her ashes came back in a specially engraved little urn (no extra charge) with a condolence card.

We buried her ashes under a tree in the garden, with her favourite toy, her doggie blanket and some bonio biscuits Smile

Floralnomad · 24/11/2012 16:35

My mum had one of her dogs PTS at home and the crematorium man came and collected him about an hour later , we didn't want the vet to deal with the cremation as we had used the crematorium place before for our horses and like the service they provide. Cremation costs generally varies by size of dog . Hope your dog keeps chasing cats for a while yet.

orchidee · 24/11/2012 16:43

It's a sad time, sorry you're going through it.

Yes the vet will come to your home and do anything that's required. You can phone the vet's office staff or ask next time you're there about arrangements, costs etc for cremation if that's what you want. Basically, you can have your pet cremated with others or individually. If individually, you can have the ashes returned for scattering or in an urn or other decorative container.

Talk to the vet about your concerns and ask about signs to look out for that your dog is in pain etc. I had good trust in my vet and we talked about quality of life ahead of times, so the vet knew I was getting ready emotionally too, and guided me well. Also, be honest about what you can and can't commit to. Toward the end my girl couldn't be home alone at all- fortunately we could meet that need.

Original poster
TaggieCampbellBlackFriday · 24/11/2012 17:06

I'll phone on monday and ask.

Thanks all.

OP posts:
higgle · 25/11/2012 14:54

sorry you are going through this difficult time. We had to have our rescue Staffie PTS when he became very ill with leukaemia earlier this year. I agree it is best to have the vet come our. We arranged it for about he time he always had his morning nap and he was snuggled up when she arrived. He was really pleased to see her and then he just drifted off, she was brilliant, carried him out snuggled up in a blanket, talking to him still. We didn't have the ashes back, I didn't see any oint to it ( tink the same about people too).

SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 25/11/2012 23:13

Taggie, you will know. He will tell you.

Labradorlover · 26/11/2012 09:24

I had old Lab PTS at home a couple of months ago. Was so much better than having to take him to the vets. This was arranged the day before.
He's buried in the garden, mainly because I got confused over the cost of cremation, but I'm glad it worked out that way as we able to cry over him in our own time and it helped DD get her head round it all. After asking on here, I was advised to make the grave approx 4 foot deep.

Original poster
TaggieCampbellBlackFriday · 26/11/2012 09:29

Thanks all. He seems a bit perkier yesterday and today. It isn't time yet.
I'm working up the courage to phone the vet to ask about doing the deed at home and what to do afterwards.
The garden is 3cm of topsoil then flint and chalk.
I think it is a bit wierd to want him back in a box but tough. I like the idea of having him around. I think I'd do the sane with DH Grin

OP posts:
Ephiny · 26/11/2012 11:34

Sorry you're going through this. I know how it is to be near the end and wondering 'is it time yet?'. You just have to take it a week or a day at a time. I think we knew when it really was time though.

We got OldDog's ashes back, I think we're going to scatter them in the forest he loved (we don't really have enough garden for any kind of burial). I don't think it's weird - well, no more than it is for people.

TaggieCampbellBlack · 26/11/2012 17:41

Taking him to the vet tomorrow. Sad maybe theres something he can have to keep him more comfortable for a bit.

dottygamekeeper · 26/11/2012 23:48

I know just how you are feeling, but when the time came for our old German Shepherd we arranged for the vet to come out to us. It was a lovely sunny day so we carried the dog outside to his favourite spot on the lawn by the back door and all sat round with him - he did just drift away and it was all very peaceful. The vet took him away and he was cremated - we had his ashes back in a box with his name engraved on it, and my DS keeps the box and his collar in his room.

TaggieCampbellBlack · 27/11/2012 07:40

He can't get up this morning.

FuckingWonderwoman · 27/11/2012 07:55

I'm so sorry.

FuckingWonderwoman · 27/11/2012 07:57

I had my old cat PTS at home. It was much better than a visit to the vet (which she found traumatic - she used to pee everywhere at the sight of her carrier). She was lying on a blanket on the kitchen floor and I was stroking her. She was purring - she hadn't purred for months. It was all very peaceful.

ratbagcatbag · 27/11/2012 08:00

Really sorry, hope the vets can do something to help.

Regarding ashes, I know someone who has 11 of her dogs ashes that she's ever had on the top of her wardrobe and her mums too (at mums request) , when she goes she wants her kids to mix her ashes in with that of her mums and all the dogs, then go on a favourite walk of hers scattering all the ashes as they walk.

TaggieCampbellBlack · 27/11/2012 08:03

He's up! Just. Quite cheery and waggy. Vet this evening.

Principality · 27/11/2012 08:07

Good luck.

It's is so hard. We had ddog pts in September. I still regularly have a cry...

Thinking of you

messtins · 27/11/2012 08:11

Has he had any treatment for his legs, Taggie? If the problem is arthritis there is lots that can be done medically, if it's nerve damage that's harder to deal with. Talk your options through with the vet this evening. We charge about £40 for euth, £40 for a home visit, cremation varies on the size of the dog but is in the region of £40-50 for communal cremation without return of ashes and £150+ for individual cremation and return in a casket. If you want to scatter the ashes you can get them back in a scatter tube which is a bit cheaper. If there is a local pet crematorium they will often come and collect him from your home if you prefer that.

TaggieCampbellBlack · 27/11/2012 08:12

Thanks all.

Jayne266 · 27/11/2012 08:18

Hi I have just seen this thread I am a vet nurse and I hope the below answers your questions.

Of course the vet can come to yours and put your dog to sleep if that's what you want ( just be aware on the vets own policy some may take longer to get to yours for many different reasons you may want to check this before the day arrives)
Once it's done the vets use a separate company who deal with private ashes. Some of them will collect your dog from your house (if you need more time) or collect the dog from the vets.
Also if you wanted to go to the vets there is a pet ambulance service who can take you and your dog there.
Costs are all different with different practices and cremation companies I would advise you check this out again before the day, the last thing you want is a unknown bill at this time.
At the moment keep your dog on thick comfy bedding and when the dog can't get up anymore to go the toilet ( that was when I felt my dog had to be put to sleep) then be aware if your options
And if you have any questions ask advice off your vets that's what they are there for..

PuddinAforeDinner · 27/11/2012 11:31

So sorry to read this, you have my sympathy.

We lost our DDog 1 on 10 Nov and I'm still coming to terms with it.

We have his ashes back in a beautiful hand carved wooden box that we will bury at some point.

You will know when the time has come.