About Dogs
Lenin Mussolini Sotto
Blog Writer
Content Writer
Google Docs
Grammarly
Hemingway App
21 Alarming Signs That Your Dog Is Dying (2023)
Dog lifespan depends on the breed.
Some breeds live longer by up to 15 years.
While some have shorter lifespans of 10 years or less.
Regardless, the quality of time you spend with your furry one matters the most.
Unfortunately, every pet owner faces this one dreadful day in their lives – losing a fur baby.
Here’s a list of things to look out for when your dog is dying.
21 warning signs that your dog is dying.
Meaningful ways to comfort your dying dog.
And so much more…
21 alarming signs that your dog is dying
#1: Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is one of the most common signs when your dog is dying.
You may observe sudden changes in their appetite, such as:
Time.
Amount.
Frequency.
Eagerness.
However, your dog’s loss of appetite shouldn’t be directly attributed as a sign of death.
That’s because dogs who are unwell or sick may also show the same sign.
Nevertheless, this is something to look out for.
Especially when your furry one is about to cross the rainbow bridge.
#2: Weight loss
When you’re dog loses their appetite…
They’ll reduce in weight.
And this could also be due to changes in their metabolism or digestive processes.
While this may get difficult to avoid, you can gently encourage your furry one to eat whenever you can.
You can try to offer them their favorite treats or food to ignite their interest to eat.
#3: Pain and discomfort
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to identify what dogs are feeling inside.
Or the pain they endure.
As a result, dogs may show uneasiness or weird behaviors.
Despite this inevitable situation, it’s best to let them feel that they’re not neglected.
You can give them their favorite bed, toy, or space to rest comfortably.
#4: Uncontrollable urge to pee or poop
When your dog’s body organs start shutting down…
They can no longer control when and where to pee or poop.
The best thing to do at this point is to clean their dirt right away.
And to keep your dog’s space clean and dry at all times.
#5: Body odor
When your dog is dying, you may notice a strong or foul body odor coming from them.
This happens due to the following:
Fur oil-buildup.
Less grooming.
Body organ failure.
Changes in metabolism.
Poop or pee residue on their fur.
When this happens, you may try the following to keep them clean:
Clean their space or favorite spot.
Wash their bedding and toys from time to time.
Wipe your pooch’s face with a soft, damp towel.
Give their fur a gentle brush or use a dry shampoo.
Note: Pay attention to their body temperature or behavior before grooming your pooch.
#6: Dull eyes
While this is a common sign of old age in dogs…
Dull eyes can also be attributed as a sign when your dog is dying.
You may notice the following conditions in your dog’s eyes:
Cloudy.
Troubled eyesight.
Weary or drooping.
#7: Body temperature
When your dog is dying, you may notice temperature changes in their body.
They can start to feel cold or warm in a matter of time.
This happens due to the changes or failure of the organs in the body.
As a result, your dog experiences difficulty in regulating their temperature.
When this happens, it’s best to give your pup a comfy space to rest.
Also, be sure to take note of their body temperature whenever you can.
#8: Extreme weakness
Dying dogs lie in an unusual spot or space at home.
They sometimes lie in the same spot for longer periods.
Lethargy or extreme weakness can also be attributed to when a dog is sick.
However, a prolonged period of your furry one’s alone time is already a warning sign.
#9: Loss of interest
When dogs are dying…
They’ll show little to no interest in any physical activity anymore.
You may notice your dog ignoring or barely acknowledging you or your family members.
Even their favorite treats, toys, or other pets at home.
They’ll act differently than they used to.
Unfortunately, this could be your dog’s way of telling you they’ll be gone.
#10: Poor grooming
Dying dogs generally lose their energy as time passes by.
As a result, they’ll stop grooming themselves, too.
You may notice your dog’s coat beginning to feel or look dry and unkempt.
This is common when their bodies begin to deteriorate.
#11: Vomiting
Vomiting is a common reaction when dogs are sick or have eaten something bad.
But in some cases, dogs also vomit when they’re dying.
Especially when they’re forced to eat or take medicine.
This happens when their digestive system no longer functions normally.
Their bodies begin to reject food or anything that they’ll ingest.
#12: Diarrhea
In addition to vomiting, dogs may also experience diarrhea when they’re dying.
This is a result of their failing organs in the body.
Especially their digestive system.
#13: Depression
When dogs are depressed, it could be due to the following reasons:
Trauma.
Boredom.
Rehoming.
Social isolation.
New companions.
Sickness or injury.
However, dogs get depressed when they’re dying, too.
Moreover, dogs aren’t necessarily aware of their depression.
But it’s a psychological result of them being unwell.
#14: Anxiety and confusion
In addition, dying dogs may experience anxiety and confusion along the way.
In some cases, you may notice the following reactions from your dogs when they’re anxious or confused:
Crying.
Pacing.
Panting.
Whining.
Moreover, you may also notice your dogs wandering in the house or in the backyard looking lost and clueless.
They may sometimes be unable to recognize people around them, too.
#15: Breathing problems
Breathing changes or difficulty is a major symptom of an illness or pain in your dogs.
However, this could also be another warning that your pup’s life is nearing an end.
You may notice your dog breathing either slowly or rapidly.
At times, they may also breathe loudly or quietly.
This happens when your dog is having difficulty moving air in and out normally.
Unfortunately, this is usually one of the last things to happen before your dog dies.
#16: Seizures
Dogs experience muscle twitching as they grow old.
This may also be a sign of an illness or pain.
However, seizures or severe twitching can also signify that your dog is dying.
This could be due to the following conditions:
Organ failure.
Metabolic changes.
Brain dysfunctions.
#17: Loss of coordination
Followed by deteriorating eyesight, dying dogs usually get clumsier than usual.
Loss of coordination or movement in dying dogs can also be associated with dehydration.
This occurs when your dog no longer eats food or drinks water.
Or when they completely cut down their source of nutrition.
#18: Irritability or aggression
Dying dogs feel unwell.
And they’ll usually become disinterested in almost anything.
However, pay attention and always be careful when your dying dog disassociates from you.
They could show aggressive behavior or irritability when you intrude on their space.
While you want to comfort them at their worst…
Be mindful of their body language at all times.
#19: Clinginess
Dogs act differently especially when they’re dying.
In rare cases, they’ll seek comfort from your presence.
Some dogs even follow their owners all the time.
As heartbreaking as this may sound…
Dogs seem to comfort their fur parents even when they’re dying.
#20: Emotional detachment
Opposite to the previous item, dogs can shut you down completely.
Or hide from you when they’re dying.
In most cases, dying dogs seek solitude by wanting to spend time by themselves.
And in an unusual spot at home.
The best thing you can do at this point is to still provide them the comfort they need by:
Putting their favorite toys near them.
Assuring their space is clean and dry.
Supplying them with some fresh water.
Putting a bowl of their favorite treats or food.
#21: Changes in gum color
When your dog’s organs are failing…
One thing you may notice is when their gums turn blueish.
This means that there’s an insufficient amount of oxygen in their system.
Moreover, white or pale gums are often associated with insufficient or abnormal blood flow.
While bright red gums indicate that your dog is suffering from heat stroke.
Unfortunately, this isn’t only associated with illnesses in your dogs.
This could also be an indication of your dog bidding their last goodbye.
How to comfort a dying dog
The death of a furry one is an inevitable circumstance every pet owner faces.
However, it’s not too late to make them feel loved even at this painful moment in their lives.
Here’s a list of ways how to comfort a dying dog:
#1: Staying close to them
Dogs behave differently when they’re dying.
Some dogs show their affection and need for comfort to their pet owners.
While some prefer to distance themselves.
Whenever you can, try to show them that you’re there for them.
You can try the following tips to comfort them:
Pet them gently.
Sit next to them.
Talk to them in a soothing, calming tone.
#2: Keep your normal routine together
Dying dogs usually show disinterest most of the time.
You’ll see them lying for longer periods and unresponsive to your cues.
However, you can still show them some encouragement, such as:
Showing their favorite toys.
Offering to take walks in the backyard.
Furthermore, be sure to pay attention to their body language as they may show aggressive behaviors.
#3: Respect their space
In some cases, dying dogs prefer to be alone.
Avoid introducing strangers or animals to them as much as possible.
Chances are, dying dogs can also show signs of depression and anxiety.
They may also show irritability when they’re dealing with pain and discomfort.
#4: Seek your vet’s help
As a general rule of thumb, pet owners should avoid second guesses or personal instincts whenever they can.
Always seek your professional vet for advice.
Especially at this stage in your dog’s life.
Sources: