A dog's passing is one of the most dreaded times any pet owner can face. We've been there and know just how much it hurts. No one wants to go through this ordeal. However, it is inevitable, and you cannot stop it. The best you can do is be prepared for it so that when the time comes, you are ready for saying goodbye. To help you do that, we have compiled a list of 10 signs of dog end of life.
In this guide, you will learn about 10 common indicators of your dog nearing the end of their life. We will help you understand their end-of-life process and discuss key symptoms that show signs a dog is dying. You will also learn about how to provide comfort to them, when to consider euthanasia, and how you can cope with the grief. We hope this blog will help you find the strength you need at this difficult time.
Let us begin.
Understanding the End-of-Life Process in Dogs
Just like us, dogs also go through various stages of aging. These stages of life can be categorized as senior, geriatric, and end of life.
Senior Stage
A dog enters its senior stage when it starts showing signs of aging. These signs include graying fur, reduced energy levels, and slower movements.
Geriatric Stage
In this stage, a dog may start developing health issues such as arthritis and loss of hearing and vision. It signs that the end is near.
End of Life Stage
This is the last stage of a dog's life, where they exhibit more severe symptoms. Signs may include loss of appetite, significant weight loss, and difficulties in breathing. When a dog is at this stage, the time to say goodbye is not far off.
There are some distinct differences between aging signs and end-of-life symptoms. For example, the former may include reduced activity and minor health issues. The latter, on the other hand, includes signs of pain and a noticeable decline in overall health and mobility.
10 Key Signs of Dog End of Life
When approaching the final days, a dog will show telltale signs. It will cause loss of appetite, weight, and mobility. It will also be more lethargic and show signs of deteriorating health. The following signs will help you notice if your dog may be nearing the end of life.
1. Lack of Appetite
Loss of appetite is a common sign that a dog may be dying. As older dogs approach the end of their time, their bodies start shutting down. This includes their digestive system. As a result, they might refuse to eat or be fussy with certain foods.
2. Extreme Weight Loss
Severe weight loss is a common sign that may indicate your dog is really sick. It can be directly related to lack of appetite and is a common part of the dying process. Elderly dogs can find it difficult to digest food and protein, which causes them to lose weight. As a result, their health deteriorates significantly.
3. Dehydration or Not Drinking Water
Dehydration or decreased thirst is another sign that shows a dog's life will end soon. Senior dogs can suffer from gastrointestinal problems as they age. This can result in dehydration or reduced thirst. Try giving your dog water through an oral syringe to help them get their necessary intake.
4. Lethargy
If your canine friend becomes lethargic, it might be a sign your dog is dying. Many dogs become less active and energetic towards the end of their lives. They start sleeping more and show less interest in going out for walks or participating in their regular activities. These are common signs that your pet dog doesn't have much time left.
5. Isolation or Becoming Extra Needy
If you notice your dog needs unusually high levels of attention or isolation, the time to put your dog down might be near. A dying dog may socially distance itself and start spending more time alone. It can also do the opposite and become unnaturally clingy or needy. These are signs that a dog is dying.
6. Decreased Mobility or Poor Coordination
Reduced movement or poor coordination can also be signs that a dog is sick or aging. As they get older and weaker, they start getting less mobile. They may start walking more instead of running and stumble more than before. They may even struggle to walk a few paces altogether. These inconveniences can occur due to arthritis or loss of vision. The conditions worsen as time passes and indicate a dog dying process.
7. Incontinence
Incontinence refers to when a dog loses control of its bladder or bowels. It is a common condition in senior dogs and worsens as they approach their end. If your dog starts soiling the house involuntarily when walking or sleeping, it might indicate they are close to death.
8. Irregular Breathing
Difficulties in breathing is a common dog behavior that indicates worsening conditions. As a dog approaches the end of its days, its respiratory functions weaken. This results in breathing difficulties, even when they are asleep. Abnormal breathing patterns, open-mouth breathing, and inhaling and exhaling at intervals are all signs of dying.
9. Trouble Regulating Their Temperature
Dying dogs will find it difficult to regulate their body temperatures. They lose control over their bodily functions and grow vulnerable to becoming hot or cold. If your dog shows similar signs, it might be time to start preparing for the final farewell.
10. Seizures
A dog that is near death can start having seizures. This can happen due to weakening organs and systems as the body starts shutting down. A dog might develop problems in its kidneys or brain at its last stage and display these conditions. If your dog starts having seizures, consult a vet immediately.
How to Provide Comfort During End-of-Life Care
You can take a few measures to keep your dog comfortable. For example, you can ensure physical comfort, provide emotional support, and ensure pain management and monitoring. It can act as end-of-life care for your dog during its final days.
Physical comfort: Adjust your dog's bedding and make it more cozy. You can also provide warmth and minimize movement to comfort a dying dog.
Emotional support: Spend quality time with your beloved dog. Talk to it and stay by its side. It can provide reassurance while your dog is still alive.
Pain management: You want to ensure maximum comfort if your dog is in pain. As such, consult a vet for medications or palliative care to help your dog pass away peacefully.
Monitoring: You know your dog best, so keep a close eye on it. Check for any changes in health and behaviors and stay in touch with a vet for guidance. They can use the quality of life scale to advise you on the next step for your dying dog.
When to Consider Euthanasia
It is important to notice the signs that show when your pet approaches its last days. It can let you know when it's time to say goodbye to your dog. Knowing the signs can also help you explain your dog's condition to a veterinarian expert. If things are too bad, you might have to consider euthanasia, which is a medical procedure to put your dog to sleep. It involves injecting your dog with a life-ending drug that lets them pass away peacefully, comfortably, and without pain. It is a humane way for vets to put your beloved dog to eternal rest.
Some vets offer dog euthanasia at home. This can often be the best way to say farewell to your beloved pet, as it will be surrounded by loved ones in a familiar location in its final moments.
Coping with Grief and Finding Support
Coping with the impending loss of a loved pet can be extremely challenging. Remember to look after yourself during this difficult time. You can reach out to family and friends for comfort after losing your dog. There are also pet loss support groups that can help you cope with your loss. Moreover, you can get your dog cremated and bring back the ashes with you. It can serve as your pet's memorial. You can also get another dog. It won't be able to replace the bond you had with your previous pet, but it can keep you company and help you get over your devastating loss. There are also lots of resources, such as books and guides, that can help you navigate this challenging moment.
Conclusion
Losing a dog does get incredibly difficult. You spend years together and create an unbreakable bond. However, like all living things, your dog will also perish one day. To lessen the pain as much as you can, keep an eye out for telltale signs that show your dog's health getting worse. Loss of weight, appetite, energy, mobility, and bodily functions are all signs that a dog may be nearing its end. Being aware of these changes can help you be prepared for saying farewell, and ensure end-of-life care and comfort for your pet. Consult a vet and consider euthanasia if needed. It can ensure a loving farewell for your pal. At the same time, look after yourself. Contact your loved ones for support and find ways to remember your deceased dog with fond memories. It can help make things easier, even if just a bit, and help you move forward.
If you need professional, loving, and compassionate pet services for your dying dog, contact Peaceful Veterinary Care. We can help you with palliative care for your dog and perform in-home euthanasia if you want. We are committed to improving your pet's life, no matter what stage it is in. Visit our website for more information or call us to schedule an appointment.