It’s the thought we all wish we can avoid forever, but one we may be forced to reckon with sooner or later. Is your dog dying? Knowing the signs ahead of time could give you the time to appropriately say goodbye to your fur baby. Or, in some cases, get them the help they need before it’s too late.
That said, these are the 7 most common signs your dog may be leaving you forever. Take note, however, this is simply a guide. It’s still important to consult with your vet if you notice any of the signs we talk about below.
1. Their appetite changes
If you’ve had your dog for long enough, you may be used to your dog eating a certain way and at a certain time. A change in appetite is always alarming, but if that change is coupled with sickness or a debilitating disease, then it can also be a signal that the end may be close.
So what should you do in this case? If you have not already seen a vet about the issue, do so as soon as possible. But for most people, all you can do is continually offer food and water, and comfort them in this sad time.
2. They lose their appetite completely
For some dogs, it is not simply a matter of their appetite changing, but disappearing completely. As sick dogs become sicker, their digestive system will often be the first to go and will thus stop signaling hunger and thirst in the dog.
It is important that even as you continue to offer your fur baby water, food, and their favorite treats to get them to try to eat, you should not – at any point – force them to eat. This will only cause distress that can further make their situation worse.
3. They’re extremely tired all the time
Just like us human beings, sick dogs seem to be tired all the time. This can sometimes mean they’re recuperating from an illness. But if your dog only wants to stay in a dark place all day, then that could mean the end is near. At this stage, comfort and love may be the only way to let your fur baby know you are there for them.
4. They’re not interested in the things they usually love
The quickest way to get a positive reaction from your fur baby might be with their favorite toy or treat or even just by playing with them. But a dog that is close to death will not show any interest in the things they usually love. This is usually the hardest thing for fur parents to see when their dog starts to get worse. Because we are so used to seeing them happy and excited, it can be painful to see them ignore their toys or treats.
You should remember that this is not because your dog doesn’t love you anymore, but is simply a result of them losing their brain function. What presents as disinterest is actually their brain starting to forget and detach from the world.
5. Their breathing does not sound right
No matter the age of your dog, a change in their breathing patterns should always be a sign to bring them to the vet. It may just be a sign of illness, but if your dog is old and has already been diagnosed, then a change in their breathing could be a very strong sign that your dog is nearing the end.
So what kind of change in breathing should you watch out for? If they are suddenly panting and cannot seem to catch their breath, or if their breathing is very shallow, or if they seem to be gasping for air – these are all signs that their breathing function is starting to slow down.
6. They cannot control their bladder
As dogs start to go closer to death, their normal bodily functions will start failing either one by one or all together at once. An obvious sign of this is when dogs simply cannot control their bladders anymore and will pee and poop wherever they are, even if they’ve already been potty trained.
Being patient with your sick dog is vital as the loss of bladder and bowel control will already cause quite a lot of stress for them. Ask your dog’s vet about possible solutions for this problem to make things easier for both you and your dog.
7. They cannot balance or walk properly
Another alarming sign that your dog could be dying is if your once agile and active dog suddenly cannot stand without shaking or cannot even walk a straight line.
You can check for their ability to walk with an at-home dog treadmill. This can also manifest in being unable to control drool or shaking even when they are just sitting or laying down.
This sad loss of coordination is a major sign that your dog is starting to die and it is important that you make their last days as comfortable and safe as possible.
Try to remove any obstacles that they could run into or trip over and give them a comfortable space on the floor to rest.
My dog is exhibiting these signs – what should I do?
If your dog is only showing one of these signs, then there may be time to save them or at least prolong their lives. Bring your dog to the vet as soon as you can to get them the care that they need.
But if your dog is showing multiple – or all of these signs at once – that could mean that their bodies are slowly shutting down and that the end could be right around the corner.
Asking for medication to make their passing easier can help lessen their pain as well as yours. Remember, just like humans, dogs want comfort, love, and care in their last moments. So, try to give them that as much as you can and prepare your goodbyes for when the inevitable happens.