Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

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

Original poster

In turmoil about whether to euthanise our dog

57 replies

moana1234 · 22/04/2025 21:35

She is a 13 year old springer. We’ve been told by our vets she’s got the worst anal prolapse they’ve ever seen most likely caused by a tumour & it can’t be operated on and the best thing for her would be euthanasia. This came as such a shock as i presumed it could be fixed. She does have periods of panting & restlessness & she keeps licking the area. The area smells pretty awful as well. However - She is eating and drinking like normal if not excessively. She is still keen for dog walks & running after scents. Am I right to feel like the worst most guilty dog owner ever putting her to sleep when she looks so healthy apart from
in that particular area??!

OP posts:
Wakemeupbe4yougogo · 23/04/2025 17:52

Thinking of you OP Flowers

Letsgoforaskip · 23/04/2025 17:59

I completely agree with @MontyDonsBlueScarf .
I'm so sorry OP. It is the hardest thing but the greatest gift you can give them, putting their feelings over your own.
Thinking of you and sending love 🥰

D0g · 23/04/2025 18:03

@moana1234thinking of you its such a hard thing to do but the right thing

pinkhousesarebest · 23/04/2025 18:29

I have tears in my eyes reading this. Will think about you tomorrow OP.

cressidahun · 23/04/2025 18:31

It’s the right thing to do, poor you OP, wishing you a lovely last day together

SnowSnow · 23/04/2025 18:33

Well done OP you have made the right decision. Lots of cuddles between now and then and some nice treats for her. Sending hugs.

Marmaladelade · 23/04/2025 18:42

It’s the final kindness well done you. When I had to do this my dog was wagging his tail and greeting everyone in the waiting room. Even the veterinary nurses were aghast and crying when I told them what we were There for.

It felt so unkind but the vet said they can get a rush of adrenaline and not to confuse it for he’s ok.

you really are doing the right thing and I hope it went ok.

dogs live in the moment. He had one happy life! Start to finish and you gave that good finish with your kindness 🥰

Hoppinggreen · 23/04/2025 18:49

It is pretty unusual for vets to advise PTS so you should really take their advice.
Its hard I know but you have to do it
edited to say i see you made the decison

IHateRain76 · 23/04/2025 18:51

@EdithStourton

IME vets very rarely advise euthanasia.

That is simply not true. My sister is a small animal vet.

Newpeep · 23/04/2025 18:51

It’s so so hard. I’m sorry. Vets rarely advise pts but can guide you. I’ve often asked ‘what would you do’ and they’ve always said they’d put to sleep when we’ve been at that stage.

We left it too late with our last dog and she died in distress after having multiple seizures. We knew it was time a few weeks before but we weren’t brave enough. It’s not a mistake I’ll ever make again.

IHateRain76 · 23/04/2025 19:01

It is so sad OP, but the final act of love to let her go with dignity and without unnecessary suffering. As others have said too early is much better than too late. Sending hugs

noctilucentcloud · 23/04/2025 19:14

@Marmaladelade "When I had to do this my dog was wagging his tail and greeting everyone in the waiting room."

I have an nearly 13 year old big dog who loves going to the vets. I hope this is how his last visit is when the time comes.

noctilucentcloud · 23/04/2025 19:16

Well done OP, it's an incredibly hard decision, but you've done the last most kind unselfish thing you can for your beloved dog. Enjoy the last cuddles and spoiling her.

Hopefulyear2021 · 23/04/2025 19:18

Hi.
I could not read this and not post.
We were in the same situation last Monday with out 13 year old springer. As far as we were concerned he was happy, was always eating and drinking and loved cuddles. He had arthritis for a number of years so sometimes struggled. He was taken for his regular vet check up and we were advised the best thing for him was to be PTS. This came as a complete shock to us and we made the decision that if the vet recommended it then it was the best thing for him. We made an appointment for later that day so that me and my partner could both be with him. Seeing him go so quick and looking peaceful we now know we made the right decision and like plenty have people said it is better for them to go a week too early than late. We miss him so much but we know he isn't in pain which helps. Sending hugs at this difficult time.

romdowa · 23/04/2025 19:23

It's the kindest thing to do to let poor ddog go. My mother drew out our family pets death to the bitter end and she suffered so much during her last few days, it was just pure selfishness.

fatimas25 · 23/04/2025 19:32

I'm sorry OP, it's so very hard but it is the right decision for your dog.

Justlovedogs · 23/04/2025 19:32

@moana1234you are so wrong in feeling guilty, I can't even put it into words. You DDog is 13 years old, has no doubt had a fabulous life with you and has now reached a natural end. I made this same decision with one of mine when he was aged 8 and a half. To the outside world, he looked like there was nothing wrong but it was time. Let her go with your love and blessing. Sending hugs Flowers

YourWinter · 23/04/2025 20:04

You’ve made the right decision. Better a week too early than a day too late. Better let her go while she still has dignity, she’ll go to sleep on your lap, loved and comfortable.

It never gets easier. My much valued vet has helped me through so very many goodbyes, and always makes it his last appointment so he has all the time I need to talk. Hugs OP, cry over photos, smile at the memories. You’ll never forget her.

CrazyAboutFurBabies · 23/04/2025 20:14

I have tears just thinking about this, what an awful situation to be. I am usually in the minds of keep them alive as long as humanely possible if they seem pretty good in themselves, eating drinking walking etc, (have you got a second opinion from another vets by any chance?)

I can’t imagine the suffering and pain she is in , pelvic/anal prolapse is so horrifically uncomfortable bless her so the best thing to do in my opinion, is give her the best day of her life tomorrow, treat her, take her to her favourite place, let her eat a McDonald’s or some chocolate and lots and lots of cuddles and kisses.

So sorry OP I can’t imagine how your feeling tonight my heart breaks for you X

Munnygirl · 23/04/2025 20:27

D0g · 22/04/2025 22:28

I always think id rather a week too soon than a day too late. Its awful, we lost our springer at 5 she had, had and survived Alabama Rot as a young pup it was devastating to say goodbye after all that but equally I know it was the kindest thing. i was grateful for the happy times.

Spend a lovely couple of hours with her in her fave place if she is up to it, feed her her fave foods and cuddle her whilst you say goodbye knowing you have done the kindest thing for her animals dont show pain and discomfort like us theres a poem that helped me, i will add it below. If you feel its trite please do ignore but it certainly touched me
If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep;Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can’t be won.
You will be sad, I understand;But don’t let grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,Your love for me must stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years;What is to come can hold no fears.
You don’t want me to suffer so
The time has come, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they’ll tend,
But please stay with me ‘til the end
To hold me close and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.I know in time you will agree,It was a kindness done for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,From pain and suffering I’m saved.
Please do not grieve that it was you
Who had this painful thing to do
.We’ve been so close, we two, through the years;Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

Edited

Thank you for the beautiful poem. Even though I’m in floods reading it, it’s lovely beyond words

Letsgoforaskip · 24/04/2025 17:23

Thinking about you all today 💐

Toomanydogwalks · 24/04/2025 18:24

If you’re anything like me you will need to hear: ‘you’re definitely doing the right thing’.

I'm very firmly in the camp of ‘better to go a little bit early than a moment too late’, but it’s still incredibly hard.

Dogs are the best. The create so much love.

Original poster
moana1234 · 24/04/2025 19:02

Thanks again all for your beautiful messages & for sharing your own stories I have read them all thoroughly & they have all meant so much. The poem was beautiful.

Layla passed away peacefully after enjoying a final mr whippy from the ice cream van and a walk in her favourite place. She fell asleep with muddy paws which is exactly the way it should be 🥹 We are utterly heartbroken & already missing her so much but it helps knowing she is at peace now 💔

It’s clear from all your messages that if love could’ve saved them they would’ve lived forever ❤️❤️❤️

OP posts:
tattychicken · 24/04/2025 19:13

You gave her a Good Death @moana1234. Sounds like a great way to go. It's one of the hardest but the most important things we can do for our animals. Hope the pain eases for you.

You should acknowledge to yourself that you did a good and brave thing.

noctilucentcloud · 24/04/2025 19:27

That sounds a lovely last day x

Swipe left for the next trending thread