None of us are ever ready to say good-bye to our loyal, furry friends. For most, dogs become a part of one’s family and losing one is paramount to losing a beloved relative far too soon.
First, however, there are a few key symptoms and behaviors to keep any eye out for that are your dog’s way of letting you know their time is coming.
10. Balance Issues
If you notice that your dog, who normally is light on his feet and able to walk around without issues, is beginning to stumble more or is having a more difficult time moving about, there is a possibility that they are losing their sense of coordination.
Balance issues can stem from an underlying disease or other impairment that is a sign they may be dying. However, this symptom is also indicative of a possible ear infection or other balance-affecting condition.
If you are in any doubt, take your dog to the vet to make sure that he or she is not suffering.
9. Loss of Appetite
Most dogs have a healthy appetite: mealtime is one of their favorite times of day and they just can’t wait to get eating. Even if your dog is a less enthusiastic eater, you still recognize that your dog enjoys eating to an extent (as we all do).
If you notice that your dog is eating less or not at all, there is a possibility that he or she is showing signs of increased weakness as they near their end. Again, however, this could also be a sign of an unrelated illness or condition, so seek out veterinary care if you are in doubt.
8. Lethargy or Disinterest
It is normal for everyone–human and dog–to start slowing down as we age. Our bodies hurt or our energy levels are lower than they used to be, and we just can’t bring ourselves to run that marathon like we would have ten years before.
Old dogs will certainly be less active, but if you notice that your dog is primarily staying in one place most of the time (and they are lying around most of the time), there is a chance that he or she might be dying.
Dogs in this state will lose the desire to move about as they conserve what little energy they have left to deal with death.
Along a similar vein, you might notice that the toy your dog used to absolutely love or a treat that it used to beg for without shame no longer holds any interest for your companion.
Rather than get excited, a dying dog is likely to ignore whatever you are trying to bribe him or her with. Again, it is likely that the dog is conserving its energy as the end nears.
7. Lack of Coordination
A dying dog becomes very unsteady on his feet and has difficulty moving from one point to another. This might be due to physical weakness, impaired brain function or even a combination of the two.
In a dying dog, weakness is most likely due to not eating, severe diarrhea or blood loss. However, as PetMD explains, a dog that suddenly becomes uncoordinated may have a treatable condition such as an ear infection, so be sure to seek veterinary attention if in doubt.
6. Extreme Fatigue
A vomiting dog will have less energy and be less active even if the condition is not serious. However, when a dog is actively dying, he will show signs of extreme fatigue. He will most likely lie in one spot without attempting to get up anymore, and he may no longer even have the strength to lift his head. Again, this tends to be a slow decline and may be due to anemia, poor circulation or lack of energy. If his gums go white instead of pink, this can indicate anemia, which is a serious sign. Likewise, if his gums are pink but when pressed with a finger go white and stay white for several seconds, this is a sign of circulatory collapse which is a precursor to death.
5. Complete Loss of Appetite
The dog shows practically no interest in food or water. When he does eat, he often cannot keep food down. As death draws closer, he refuses to eat anything at all. Again, be aware that a dog that feels unwell may not want to eat, so interpret his lack of appetite as part of the bigger picture and seek veterinary attention where appropriate.
4. Vomiting
Vomiting is a general sign that can occur for many reasons from motion sickness to an infection or virus, or a more serious decline. For the dog with a terminal diagnosis, when the digestive system begins shutting down, undigested food in the stomach can make the dog feel nauseated. He may vomit to purge the contents of his stomach. Starting to vomit is a serious complication, especially as he may not keep water down and become dehydrated. However, for the dog that has been relatively well and suddenly starts to be sick, there may be options to make him more comfortable and buy him more time.
3. Incontinence
A dying dog progressively loses control over bodily functions as he may be too weak to get up and have accidents where he lies. Alternatively, as his body weakens, he loses control of his sphincter muscle as well as the muscles that control his bladder. Good nursing is crucial so that the dog doesn’t develop sores secondary to urine or feces in prolonged contact with the skin.
2. No Interest in Surroundings
Most dogs begin to withdraw into themselves as they draw closer to death. They no longer respond to what’s going on around them, and they may even cease to respond to their favorite people as their bodies begin shutting down.
1. Health Issues
If your dog is still eating, but he or she starts vomiting up the majority of the meal, there is a good chance that your dog’s digestive tract is no longer functioning as it should.
You will notice that the food your dog regurgitates is still whole in most cases, because his or her body is not capable of digestion.
Providing Comfort for a Dying Pet
As your dear companion reaches his or her end, there are steps you can take to try and offer what comfort you can in your dog’s final days. If you choose not to seek out euthanasia and keep your dog close at home, make sure that he or she has a warm, comfortable, and quiet place to sleep.
Make sure that food and water are always available, but if your dog shows no desire to partake, do not force him or her to eat or drink. Your dog understands what is happening perhaps better than you, and he or she knows that there is no reason to expend energy on eating.
Again, comfort is the primary concern that you should have when it comes to helping your dog in this heartbreaking situation.
If your dog is struggling to move and walk around, even to go outside, consider creating a washable space where he or she can go to the bathroom or investing in pet diapers so that your dog will not have to strain itself.
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