Page 2 | When to make the decision to pts

corinabride · 2025-05-08T15:46:01+00:00

I can’t get my head around putting to sleep my lovely 12 year old golden retriever. she’s a happy loving dog and still very much enjoys her walks and her food. BUT she’s lost the control of her bottom muscles so poos in the house daily. She pops in her bed every single night too. This has been going on for over a year now and it’s a lot to cope with. The vets have confirmed there’s nothing to reverse the muscle loss so either put up with it or pts basically. I feel immense guilt like I’m taking her life from her just because she can’t control where she poos. Please help!

Upandaneigh · 09/05/2025 18:59

corinabride · 09/05/2025 18:06

I suppose I’m looking for the reassurance the pts is the right decision.

I know my dog is still living some aspects of her life but I can see her legs hurt her even on 2 types of meds.
she sometimes falls over and takes ages getting up and lying down.
even tho I can list all her ailments I’m still devastated thinking about the end and the fact it lies in my hands.

I think that heartbreaking though it is, it's time to make the call op. I'm sorry, it is really hard and it's awful to have to be the one to make the decision but don't wait for an emergency to force your hand. That could be horribly traumatic all round. Plan a lovely last day, let her have all her favorite food and plenty of fuss. I would strongly suggest arranging for a vet to come to your home rather than going to the vets and let your dog slip away surrounded by love and comfort. I take a great deal of peace after each one knowing that i gave them a painless, calm and dignified end- it makes the grieving process slightly easier.

Letsgoforaskip · 09/05/2025 19:03

From what you say, I think it sounds like it is time. I know that’s so hard but it is the kindest thing you can do for her. Animals live in the moment and being in pain is exhausting and miserable. It is great that she is enjoying food and her walks but I do believe that when you start thinking seriously about it, then it’s probably time. I had an adored dog put down last summer and he looked great and still had happy times, but he often struggled to get up and there was just a change in his eyes. It was terribly sad but I believe it was the right thing to do. I’m sorry. I know it’s heartbreaking.

4kids3pets · 09/05/2025 19:04

Pooing, arthritis had to make this decision several times with rescues and no I would not let a dog of mine carry on like this.If a human can feel arthritis pain despite major painkillers then so does an animal.

Fennelseeds · 09/05/2025 19:14

corinabride · 09/05/2025 18:06

I suppose I’m looking for the reassurance the pts is the right decision.

I know my dog is still living some aspects of her life but I can see her legs hurt her even on 2 types of meds.
she sometimes falls over and takes ages getting up and lying down.
even tho I can list all her ailments I’m still devastated thinking about the end and the fact it lies in my hands.

I had to make the decision three weeks ago to have my boy pts. His symptoms were pretty much the same as you're describing. I've been wracked with guilt ever since but another poster further up has made me feel better. Don't wait until it's too late and they really are suffering.
My boy was 10 and he'd been on different meds but was still falling over, struggling to get up and walking like he was drunk. It absolutely broke me to do it and it probably was a little hasty but I couldn't bear to watch him deteriorate.

Im sorry you're in this position - it truly is heartbreaking.

carly2803 · 09/05/2025 20:04

corinabride · 09/05/2025 18:06

I suppose I’m looking for the reassurance the pts is the right decision.

I know my dog is still living some aspects of her life but I can see her legs hurt her even on 2 types of meds.
she sometimes falls over and takes ages getting up and lying down.
even tho I can list all her ailments I’m still devastated thinking about the end and the fact it lies in my hands.

this was a slight drip feed OP, i would absolutely let her go in this circumstance

its horrible, i know but you cannot let her suffer. She is clearly suffering now

YeOldeGreyhound · 09/05/2025 22:16

corinabride · 09/05/2025 18:06

I suppose I’m looking for the reassurance the pts is the right decision.

I know my dog is still living some aspects of her life but I can see her legs hurt her even on 2 types of meds.
she sometimes falls over and takes ages getting up and lying down.
even tho I can list all her ailments I’m still devastated thinking about the end and the fact it lies in my hands.

Have a frank and honest chat with your vet. Some dogs are on multiple meds and injections for arthritis.

It is an awful thing to have to go through, but we sign up to this when we get our dogs. If you and your vet are in agreement about PTS, then think it is best to let her go on a good day, as it means she will not have to go through another bad day again.

caringcarer · 10/05/2025 02:31

I have cats and dogs. When my cat was unwell I took to vet expecting they would find some medication to make him better. He was 18 and my teens cat. The vet told me son all his good days were behind him and from now onwards every would be a bad day for him. My DS and I were very upset but I'm glad the vet was blunt with us because it made the decision easier. OP do you think your dogs good days are all behind him, or do you think he might have a few more good days in the sunshine? Our cat was PTS on November 17th so had enjoyed a lady summer lying in the garden in the sunshine which he loved to do. He had arthritis but it was always better in the warmer weather. It got worse in the cold.

Callie247 · 10/05/2025 10:05

It’s horrible being the one to make the decision and we all struggle with the guilt. I was blessed with my old boy because he made the decision himself and went peacefully at home, but I was ready to let him go with love and had already booked the appointment when it happened. Being able to do it is the final act of love we can give them to take away their pain and suffering. Extreme example I know but I nursed my mum until the end. She suffered horrifically and I always said I would not want my dog to suffer the way she did. Don’t make the decision rashly but just weigh up where her quality of life is at now and how difficult her life will be if it were to get worse. It will never feel right because it isn’t a natural death but ultimately we have to do what is best for them and try to separate our own needs. Think perhaps about cremation when the time comes so that you can have her with you always. I find it a great comfort to have both of mine. They have their own special place at home.