How do you know when the time is right to PTS?

lapetiteanglaise

It's a horrible time for you and I really do feel for you.
Like ItchyFeet, I had an elderly cat with kidney failure. I knew the time had come when he stopped eating and drinking and just seemed to be not enjoying life anymore. About five days before I made the decision, he came to sit on my knee, but didn't purr like he used to - I think I knew then that I was going to have to make the decision, as it was so out of character for him.

I also paid extra for the vet to come to the house, but it was worth every penny to not have to put him in a box and drive him to the vets. In the end, I picked him up, cuddled him and then had to sit him on a blanket on the kitchen floor while the vet did what she had to do. It probably doesn't sound very peaceful, but it was. Tibs could look out over his garden, he was in familiar surroundings and I was there holding him.
Looking back now, over two years later, I know that I did the right thing at the right time. However, I did beat myself up over it for ages afterwards - but you mustn't. If you know in your heart of hearts that you should do it, then I believe that sadly the time has come.
It's a horrible decision to have to make, but it's the very last kind thing that you can do.
Good luck.

tankgirl1

It is the last great act of love we can show our beloved pets... we can't talk it through with them when they are in pain - they live for the now.

It is a heart wrenching decision, but I think you know deep down when the time is right.....

Better a week too soon than a day too late xx

Fire_Fox

tankgirl1 wrote: »

It is the last great act of love we can show our beloved pets... we can't talk it through with them when they are in pain - they live for the now.

It is a heart wrenching decision, but I think you know deep down when the time is right.....

Better a week too soon than a day too late xx

I ask my vets to tell me straight when it's time; that meant my Noah being PTS within an hour diagnosis. It was horrific not saying goodbye properly, but it is so so so much worse knowing he had been in pain. Quality of life can be measured by a person or animals favourite activities, when pleasure in one or more of those is gone then it's time. Pain will unfortunately impact all favourite activities, from what I know of codeine/ morphine painkillers (pharmacy trained) I wouldn't put a pet through that in their last days. Tankgirl1 is spot on IMO even tho I am crying typing this.

creditcarddebt

Thanks for all your replies..Just like HRV, we have days where we think, ok the time is right, and then he perks up! Like I said yesterday, he was out in the garden all day and seemed content. But today again he looks so sad, there are days when he shakes, and I don't know if it is because he is now so thin and weak and he is cold or if it is something else. Anyway, he has been shaking this morning. He has not eaten anything today, but he was happy to go out for his walk this morning. It is so hard, yesterday morning we had kind of decided that it was time this week, and then yesterday after he seemed to be happy in the garden we changed our minds! I just don't think either of us are ready to make to call to the vet, and thats really selfish of us.

I totally agree that it is better to do it a little early rather than leave it too late, but I can't help thinking what if we are maybe a few months too early....even though I know deep down he would not likely survive another couple of months.

We should take comfort from the fact that the vet has said he has not treated any boxers that have lived to 13, so I know he has had a long happy life.

HRV

Creditcard debt- just read all your replies and Im sobbing (doesnt help being 31 weeks pregnant too). We too had a good day yesterday- she sat in the sun in the garden, came to the living room and let the kids stroke her, even decided to steal peas and sweetcorn off my DSD plate ( I had to let her as I cant tell her no anymore). She's only 3- vet thinks she's prob had lukemia sine she was a kitten prob from her mum ( she was vacinated against it when we got her).

It's been nearly 2 months since they gave the sad diagnosis to us but I have found it easier now we have made a plan as to what to do when she does go (wanted to bury her in garden but its not nice at the moment as we're renovating and it upsets me to think of her in a horrible garden) we've decided to have her cremated and then bury her ashes once garden is sorted- making these decisions have really helped me feel less worried about it and in control.

I know its coming close to the time (like you) my thoughts are with you- enjoy the time you've got xx