Symptoms Of A Dog Dying

A dog is a man’s best friend and rightly so. But what happens when your dog fades away, is weak and refuses to eat anything? This article will outline the characteristics of a dog dying, along with preventative measures.

Many people don’t know that it’s possible for dogs to choke to death. This fact, coupled with the lack of knowledge regarding the symptoms of a dog dying, can be fatal. That’s why we’ve written this guide to dog first aid and hope that you never have cause to use it.

You may be wondering if your dog is dying. If so, you’re not alone. The signs of a dog dying can be hard to recognize. Here are some symptoms to look out for:

  1. Lethargy and loss of interest in food and play
  2. Loss of appetite
  3. Difficulty breathing
  4. Loss of weight or muscle mass
  5. Depression or anxiety

It can be difficult to determine when a dog is dying. Some dogs show no symptoms at all, while others experience a number of different symptoms. The following are some of the most common symptoms of a dog’s impending death:

-Lethargy and weakness

-Vomiting or diarrhea

-Sunken eyes

-Loss of appetite

-Whining or crying

-Shaking, shivering, or twitching

Symptoms Of A Dog Dying

Your dog will benefit from your presence during this stressful time, so be sure to stay close.

Furthermore, you’ll want to be there to help your canine reposition or take potty breaks as painlessly as possible. 

Your canine may also go downhill rather quickly, so you’ll want to be around when that happens. If possible, plan to be at your dog’s side for at least a few days. 

If you can’t be there for whatever reason, ask a family member or friend who is familiar with your furry family member to spend some time with your pooch.

You don’t want to have a stranger watch them, as this may stress your dog out, and that’s the last thing you want to do. 

Your buddy has been there for you during trying times for years, and this is your chance to return the favor. 

Limit New Activities

While you want to continue old routines and activities for as long as possible, new activities should usually be avoided.

Your dog probably won’t be able to do much anyway, and new activities may cause more stress than they are worth. 

Any significant changes to your home or surroundings should be put off as well. You want to keep everything as normal as possible, so you don’t cause unnecessary stress. 

Two Important Decisions: How Will It All End & What Happens Afterward?

how dog euthanasia works

As you get close to the end, you’ll need to make two very important decisions. We’ll discuss each — and try to provide a bit of guidance — below.

Decide Between Euthanasia and Natural Passing

You will eventually need to make a decision on euthanasia vs. natural passing.

You won’t always have the option to make a choice, as your dog may go downhill too fast to make it to the vet’s office.

However, in the situation that you can make a decision, you’ll want to be prepared beforehand. 

Also, understand that your decision may not always be cut and dry, and you may change your mind as circumstances change.

For example, you may decide to let your dog pass naturally,  but then change your mind when your dog’s suffering stretches out for weeks. That is okay.

The main advantage of euthanasia is that your pet’s passing will likely be quick and painless. Your pet will lose consciousness very quickly during the procedure, so he won’t feel anything.

However, you will likely need to drive to the vet’s office, which may be unreasonable if your pet is in a lot of pain. 

Fortunately, some vets will make house calls for euthanasia, so be sure to ask. Euthanasia will cost money, but it typically isn’t very expensive. 

Natural death can happen in the comfort of your own home, but it can be a drawn-out process. It can also be hard to watch.

Some pets die in their sleep in very little pain, but many do not. There can be less guilt associated with this method if you feel uneasy about euthanasia.

However, there may also be some guilt about not ending your pet’s suffering beforehand. 

The truth is, there is often no easy answer, and making this decision is often a huge struggle for pet parents.

Animals that are having trouble breathing, obviously stressed, and in severe, unmanageable pain benefit most from euthanasia. Euthanasia can be the most compassionate choice in many other situations as well. 

The decision is completely up to you. 

Be sure to take into account your dog’s personality. Some don’t mind going to the vet, while others hate leaving home. Some may be in a lot of pain, while others will have their pain managed pretty easily with medication.

There is no “right” answer, so you’ll need to just try to make the best decision on behalf of your pet

Cremation or Burial: What Will You Do Once Your Pet Passes?

While it might be hard, you should also consider when to do after your pet dies. The two most common choices are burial and cremation.

personalized-pet-cremation-urn

If you have land and your dog is smaller, burial is probably your best option. 

However, pet cremation is also available in many cases. This option is a great choice for bigger dogs, where burial might be difficult.

Some owners find the act of burying their dog very upsetting. You may want to consider a cremation facility in this case too.

If you decide on cremation, there are many different things you can do with your dog’s ashes to create a lasting memorial.

You may want to consider spreading them in a flower bed, burying them beneath a memorial stone, placing them in an urn, or placing a portion in a locket or other piece of memorial jewelry.

Many owners scatter the ashes at locations that were special to their pets as well

The Very End: What Happens at the Vet

If you decide on euthanasia, and a home visit from your vet isn’t possible, you will need to take a trip to the vet’s office.

This can be upsetting, so you may want to bring a support person.

Larger dogs may need someone to hold them in the car, which can make a support person very valuable. 

Euthanasia is often very quick and will be painless. But you will need to call ahead and make an appointment.

Usually, the appointment will be late at night or early in the morning when the office is not busy. Most vets will build time into the appointment for you to say goodbye to your pet, once the injections have been administered. 

is dog euthanasia the right choice

The procedure itself is very simple. Your vet will likely give your dog a strong sedative, which will make him very sleepy and calm.

Then, the vet will inject pentobarbital. This is a medication used for anesthesia, so your canine will drift off to sleep. 

In this case, the dosage will be much higher than is “safe,” so it will halt your pet’s breathing.

Your dog will fall asleep and experience a loss of consciousness before this happens, so he will not feel any pain or know what is happening. This individual process takes about 10 to 20 seconds, and you will likely be able to hold your pet throughout the entire thing. 

The only pain your pet will feel is the prick of the needle, which does not hurt more than your average shot. After that, they will drift off to sleep and just not wake up.

It is a very peaceful process and happens very quickly. Many will lose consciousness within seconds, just like you would when given anesthesia before surgery. 

Your pet may twitch after the procedure, but this is just leftover nerve activity and reflexes. Rest assured, your buddy will be at peace.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

end of life dog care

Losing a pet is always hard.

No matter how your pet’s life ended, you will likely be struck with grief. So, be sure to take care of yourself during this turbulent time

Keep the following things in mind as you grieve your lost pet:

  • Understand that the grieving process comes in many forms, and you may experience many different feelings during this time. That is okay. Accept your feelings and understand that they are natural parts of the process. 
  • Express your grief through whatever is comfortable with you. If you enjoy writing, you may write about it. Some also find creating photo books or commissioning a pet portrait helpful during the grieving process.
  • Lean on your friends and family. Discussing your feelings with loved ones is a great way to process your emotions. There is no right way to express them, but you will likely heal faster if you deal with your grief in an active manner
  • Reach out to others who have lost a pet. There are pet loss hotlines, forums, and many Facebook Groups where you can share your feelings with those who have recently gone through the same thing. There are also non-profit organizations dedicated to helping people cope with the loss of a pet.
  • Rituals can be particularly healing, so embrace them. You may want to consider having a funeral when you bury your pet or some sort of similar ceremony when you spread their ashes. Doing a ritual that creates some sort of memorial, like planting a tree, can be particularly helpful to some people. 
  • Attempt to maintain your normal routines as much as possible. This will provide some normalcy in your life, which can be extremely helpful during this time. Furthermore, if you have other pets, keeping a normal routine will prevent them from feeling any unnecessary stress. 
  • Take care of yourself physically. Eat a healthy diet, get some exercise, remember to take showers, and drink plenty of fluids. This will help you feel better. 

Signs Your Dog Is Dying FAQ

Coming to terms with end of life care is challenging. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers that will hopefully help you find some clarity.

What are the first signs of a dying dog?

Every dog is different, but some of the clinical signs that a dog is dying include a reduced appetite, weight loss, and a loss of interest in regular activities. If something is out of sorts with your canine companion, it’s important to go to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

What are the last signs of a dying dog?

You might see more drastic physical changes like rapid weight loss as your dog approaches death. Dogs approaching death may experience behavior changes like loss of interest, confusion, lethargy, or avoidance or extreme attachment to their families.

How do dogs act when they are dying?

Dying dogs act in a variety of ways, but they generally act in out of character ways due to the pain and confusion that comes as you dog nears the end. Your dog may lose interest in the activities and company he used to adore.

How do I know if my dog is dying or just sick?

The only definitive way to check on your dog’s health is to go to the veterinarian. Some clicincal signs that indicate that your dog is due for a visit include changes in appetite, behavior, lethargy, and loss of interest in your dog’s usual routine.

My dog is dying; how long does it take?

There isn’t a standard amount of time for dogs to pass. Some dogs decline rapidly, while others are able to manage their compromised state for days or weeks. It’s entirely up to you whether you opt for natural passing or euthanasia.

How can you make a dying dog comfortable?

You can help your dog feel comfortable with end-of-life care practices like pain management, limiting new activities, and keeping familiar routines. You know your dog better than anyone else, so stay close and cherish your time together. Keep your veterinarian up to date on your dog’s status.

Losing a pet is incredibly difficult, but we promise you that time does help.

It may takes weeks or months for you to begin to feel better, but there will – eventually – come a time when you can think of your beloved pet with more joy and less sadness.

K9 of Mine Dog Loss Resources

We understand that the loss of a pet can be overwhelming. In fact, K9 of Mine was started, in part, as a grieving project when the founder lost a particularly beloved pooch.

Fortunately, there are a variety of resources available to help you through this challenging time.

Some of the following articles may help you remember or memorialize your pet, while others will hopefully help you cope with the heartbreak you’re currently experiencing:

Losing a pet is challenging, but we hope the information and tips above help make the process a little easier for you and your pooch to endure.

Just be sure to trust your instincts during this difficult time, as you try to make the transition as easy as possible on your pet. 

Have you lost a pet before? Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

For that matter, feel free to share some of your favorite memories, or anything else that may help you feel better or provide some solace for others dealing with this difficult issue.  

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