10 Signs That Your Dog Is Dying And How To Act Fast
Dogs are amazing companions who bring play, joy, and laughter into our homes. But the sad reality of sharing our lives with dogs is knowing our time with them will not last forever. Death is an inevitable part of life, as pet owners, we must realize that it isn’t a part that we like to think about very much, but sadly it’s one that we all must eventually face.
When it comes to our dogs’ passing, there are plenty of articles out there that are designed to help you understand the process of death when it comes to “Euthanasia”. The word ‘euthanasia’ is derived from Greek, ‘EU’ meaning good and ‘Thanatos’ meaning death; put together it means “good death”. It is further explained as the hastening of the death of a patient to prevent further suffering.
When your canine companion cannot communicate in words about his distress, fear, or pain, it is up to you to recognize the early signs of dying in your dog. Your early observations can reduce the amount of time your beloved dog is in discomfort, allow you to comfort him with medication, treatments, and ultimately, dignified euthanasia.
Taking cognizance of the signs a dog is dying is a subject that is difficult for every dog owner, but it is important to learn how to recognize the common signs that an aging dog or one with a terminal illness is dying. It is an unfortunate fact of life that our dogs don’t live forever. How long a dog life varies based on several individual factors such as breed, size, the impact of the environment, and genes.
We ultimately owe it to our dogs to learn more about the natural death process since they have filled our lives with so much joy for so many years. We can learn how to best help our dog transition by offering proper end–of–life care and love and support through a difficult time.
Witnessing a pet’s death unfold is a very difficult thing, but it’s best to be informed. Since dying is a process, it means that dog owners can actively take several steps to help their dogs through these changes.
Described below are the generalized early signs that a dog is dying
- Decreased appetite: There is loss of appetite which includes disinterest in food, eating small portions, eating less regularly, demonstrating a preference for certain foods.
- Weight Loss: This includes a gradual or rapid reduction in weight accompanied by wasting. As your dog gets older, his body becomes less efficient at digesting protein which causes him to lose muscle mass. Illness can also cause weight loss, either due to a poor appetite from not feeling well or due to increased strain on the body.
- Social detachment: This includes isolation; physical and social distancing. They frequently lose interest in things they love to do such as wagging their tails when you tease them. They retract into their solitude because they are not able to do things again.
- Incontinence: This results in soiled bedding, the loss of control of the bladder/bowels is a common occurrence in older dogs. This could happen for a reason
- Behavioral changes: This results in visible discomfort, restlessness, unresponsiveness. He could be difficult to handle due to pain and disorientation. Some are often a wanderer, some seek quiet corners and some seek the comfort of their owners.
- Labored Breathing: This is often accompanied by irregular breathing patterns. Your dog may start showing signs of abnormal breathing patterns with his respiratory rate fluctuating up and down even when he is at rest. He may stop breathing periodically and then resume again. Signs of this may include open-mouthed breathing, stretching out his head and neck while the rest of his body is still, or moving his abdomen in and out as he breathes.
- Decreased Thirst: Water is of extreme importance to your dog’s health. This includes disinterest in water and food.
- Reduced Mobility: This is a symptom of old age; there would be difficulty in getting up and effortful movements. This could be due to arthritis or other old injuries. This could results in a dog trotting after a ball instead of running after it, not being able to jump like the way it used to
- Lethargy: This includes sleeping more, apathy towards the usual activities, poor hygiene, and seeking solitude. Your dog would get worn out towards the end of his life. He may opt to stay at home on his dog bed instead of going on strolls like he used to.
- Poor Temperature Regulation: Their body temperature fluctuates, hence making their body hot or cold easily.
