Is it time to PTS?

[Grotbag81]

We have a 10 year old Pug, rescued when he was 6.

He can no longer climb the stairs by himself, struggling on his back legs and extremely slow when out for walks. He used to be able to run faster than me and was such an enthusiastic, busy bee.

He's also over the last 2 weeks, pooing in the house, he has always been a very clean dog. He goes and hides out of embarrassment, even though I've never shouted or punished him, so I think he's upset at himself.

I couldn't bear to think of him suffering & read, many owners leave it far to late.

I think perhaps a check up and conversation with the vet would be what I would do. Although I am an advocate of a week too early than a day too late, your vet, who knows you and your dogs history is probably better placed to advise. I am sorry though, been there and it’s heartbreaking.

Thank you.

Poor wee fella 😪. God, they just break your heart don't they?

Have you had him to the vet for a checkup recently? The reason I ask is that my oldest dog is nearly 12 and was struggling on walks, not wagging her tail as much, peeing in the house sometimes too, so I took her to the vet for him to have a look.

Turns out she has cervical spondylosis, basically nerve damage in her spine. She's on gabapentin and loxicom and it's made a big difference already, although it's early days. She's certainly much happier and we've had no more pees in the house.

I send you all the best anyway. If you do have to have him PTS it is indeed better a week too early than a day too late.

God, sorry, I took so long to type mine!

If you haven't already, it's certainly time to take him to the vet to see if there's an explanation and possible treatment. It might well be something like the PP's dog has.

Fwiw my dog is now 16 and like yours 'He can no longer climb the stairs by himself, struggling on his back legs and extremely slow when out for walks.' ... he had surgery for a slipped disc nearly 2 years ago, but made a pretty good recovery. Sure, he's no longer the long distance walker and hill climber he was, but he's still himself and enjoys life.

It might well be time. No pet is happy to soil inside your home, so he is clearly struggling.
No judgement here, by the way.
It's definitely time to have a chat with your vet, to find out what is going on, and what treatment options you have.
Then you know what your options are.
I hope it all works out for you and for him.
And, if it's time to PTS, that's a kind choice if his quality of life isn't good .

Thanks everyone, he has been gradually slowing down over the last 2 months it's really the last 2 to 3 weeks it's become more noticeable. He caught his nail so initially I thought it was due to that.

I've booked him in to the vets so fingers crossed. I really appreciate the positive stories, & perhaps it's not the end, it's heartbreaking to to think about it. 💐

Once they start losing bladder and bowel control, it's time.

My ddog had back/hip issues that were treatable for years with meds and acupuncture, she recently crossed the rainbow bridge aged 17 but had been on meds for at least 5 years at that point, so might need a similar course of action. When they start soiling it can be more serious though so prepare yourself for a potentially tough conversation x

You deffo need to talk to the vet- our dog is 19 this year and can’t do stairs, Also some incontinence. He is blind, bad hearing. We are on the fence over ‘when the time comes/is it now’.. but he still enjoys his walks and is keen to go. When he has lost his spark for life I will take him but whilst he still has some enjoyment- loves a sniff and a walk in the sun, loves a cuddle, loves his treats… I feel it’s too soon. So hard isn’t it! X

It's time to find out if it's due to some treatable condition. It may be 'the time' but not inevitably.

Not necessarily.

Many medical conditions cause continence issues but medication can help and hugely improve quality of life.