Physical Changes
As a dog nears the end of life, their body will start to slow down and show signs of decline. Some of the most common physical changes include:
- Lethargy – Dogs will begin sleeping more and moving less. They may have trouble standing up or simply not want to get up. It’s common for a dying dog to isolate themselves and sleep away most hours of the day.
- Refusing food/water – A dying dog will lose interest in food and drink. As the body shuts down, they may turn up their nose at food or even gag when attempting to eat. Dehydration often accompanies this lack of appetite.
- Labored breathing – Fluid can build up in the lungs or the lungs themselves can begin to shut down. This leads to noisy “rattling” sounds as the dog struggles for air. Their chest may move rapidly as breathing becomes more difficult.
- Loss of bowel control – With the body slowing down, a dog may lose control over their bowels in their final days. It’s important to clean up any accidents to keep the dog comfortable.
Owners should closely monitor their dog’s eating and drinking in their last days. Keep them clean and dry, and consider diapers if bowel control becomes an issue. While losing interest in food is normal, a vet may suggest introducing soft foods by hand if the dog is resisting all sustenance.
Behavioral Changes
As dogs near the end of their lives, their behavior often changes significantly. One common change is seeking isolation. Dogs that previously enjoyed being around people and other pets may start spending more time alone, hiding under tables or beds. They seem to want to be left alone in their final days and weeks. Dogs may even stop responding when called or growled when approached. Allowing dogs space and privacy as they withdraw is part of the dignity we can offer them.
Another behavioral change is following owners closely or staying intently focused on them. Dogs that once wandered and explored freely may start to shadow their owners from room to room. This is thought to be a bid for safety, security and reassurance. Owners can provide comfort with gentle petting, soothing voices and just staying near the ailing dog.
Hiding is another behavior change that signals a dog’s life is ending. Dogs sometimes seek out small enclosed spaces like closets or behind furniture, probably because they feel vulnerable. If a previously social dog starts hiding frequently, take it as a sign they need special attention and care. Be patient and allow them to come out when ready rather than forcing them out into the open.
While behavioral changes can be upsetting for owners, they are a natural part of the end of life process for dogs. Understanding what the changes signify helps owners know how to respond in their dog’s final days.
Emotional Changes
Dogs often display increased affection and attachment to their owners as they near the end of their life. They may follow you more closely, seek more petting and attention, and want to be near you at all times [1]. This is their way of soaking up as much quality time with you as possible.
Vocalizations like whining, barking, or howling can increase as a dying dog starts feeling restless or disoriented. They may pace anxiously or seem unsure of where to settle [2]. This reflects their growing discomfort and confusion. Reassuring them with calm petting and speaking can help ease their mind.
In their final days, dogs desperately want to remain close to the people they love. Shower them with affection, indulge their needs for closeness, and offer soothing comfort when they seem unsettled. This will provide solace and security during this emotional and difficult transition.
Making a Dog Comfortable
There are several ways to help keep your dog comfortable in their final hours. Soft bedding can help ease any pressure points and allow them to relax. Try using thick orthopedic dog beds, soft blankets, or pillows to cushion your dog. It’s also important to keep your dog warm by using blankets or a heating pad set on low. Soothing smells from lavender oil or chamomile can provide comfort too. If your vet approves it, you can give pain medication to help ease any discomfort. According to How to Make Your Pet the Most Comfortable at the End of Their Life, “If your pet is anxious or in pain, talk to your vet about anxiety medication or pain relievers that can make them more comfortable without excessive drowsiness.” The most important thing is staying by your dog’s side and offering gentle comfort during this difficult time.
Saying Goodbye
When the time comes to say goodbye to your beloved dog, it’s important to be fully present in the moment to comfort your pet and create lasting memories. Experts recommend petting, holding, and speaking softly to your dog during the final moments. Gentle petting can help ease any anxiety or pain the dog may be experiencing. Holding your dog close can provide a sense of security. Speaking softly will reassure your pet that you are there. You may want to reminisce about favorite memories or simply murmur words of love and comfort.
Many pet owners find it helpful to take photographs or video during this time to document the experience and have images to look back on later. Just the act of photographing final moments can help owners feel more engaged. However, don’t become so focused on capturing the right images that you lose focus on being present with your dog. A few photos may be enough. The priority should be providing comfort through physical touch and vocal reassurance.
While emotionally difficult, taking the time to thoughtfully say goodbye allows you and your dog to have closure. Staying connected during the last moments can bring comfort to you both and create meaningful memories during a sad time. With patience and compassion, you can ensure your dog feels safe and loved up until the final moments.
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the process of ending a pet’s life humanely to relieve pain and suffering from a terminal illness or condition. The most common method used by veterinarians is an intravenous injection of a barbiturate drug, such as pentobarbital. This quickly induces a painless, peaceful death as it causes rapid unconsciousness followed by respiratory and cardiac arrest.
The euthanasia process typically begins with the veterinarian administering a sedative either orally or through injection to relax the pet. Once the sedative has taken effect, your vet will insert a catheter into the pet’s front leg and connect it to an IV line. Pentobarbital is then injected into the IV which flows into the bloodstream and quickly induces unconsciousness usually within 10-30 seconds. Respiration will slow down and then eventually stop, followed soon after by cardiac arrest. Your pet will drift into a quiet, peaceful death as they fall into a deep sleep before passing.
Many owners choose to be present with their pets during euthanasia to comfort them in their final moments. While this is emotionally difficult, being able to say goodbye helps provide closure. You may pet your dog and offer soothing words as the injection is given to reassure them. After your pet has passed, take as much time as needed before arrangements are made by the veterinary team for handling of the remains.
Signs Death is Near
As a dog nears the end of their life, there are some common signs that indicate death is close. One of the most telling signs is little to no response from your dog to stimuli like sounds, smells, or touch. They may have a distant, glazed over look in their eyes and seem unaware of their surroundings. Your dog’s jaw may become rigid and they will be uninterested in food or water.
According to carecredit.com, dull eyes and listlessness are some of the most common signs a dog is nearing death. Your dog may no longer respond when you call their name or pet them. Their jaw may clench up as their body starts shutting down. These are all indications that your dog likely only has hours or days left.
It’s important to make your dog as comfortable as possible when you notice these signs. Speak softly, pet them gently if they seem receptive, and limit disruptions to their rest. While it’s difficult to witness, understanding the signs allows you to be there for them in their final moments.
Moments After Death
When a dog dies, its bodily functions stop working. The most notable changes that happen in the moments after death are loss of heartbeat and breathing, as well as release of bladder and bowel contents.
The heart stops pumping blood, leaving it to pool and cause the extremities to cool and discolor. Respiration ceases as the lungs no longer contract and expand. This means oxygen is no longer circulated through the body via the bloodstream. The dog’s last breaths are usually slow and labored as the body begins to shut down.
Another common occurrence after death is the release of urine and feces. The sphincter muscles relax so bladder and bowel contents passively empty. This is a normal part of the dying process and simply due to loss of muscle control, not a conscious act.
These visible changes signify the dog’s passing. While this can be upsetting to witness, it is a natural part of death. Understanding what happens provides owners some comfort and closure.
Making Arrangements
When a beloved dog reaches the end of life, pet parents face difficult decisions about how to handle final arrangements. The three main options for dog body care after death are burial, cremation, and full-service pet aftercare. Each option has pros and cons to weigh when deciding what is right for both the pet and the family.
Home burial allows dogs to be laid to rest in a favorite spot in the backyard or on family land. Check local regulations first, as some areas prohibit pet burial on private property. Home burial costs little besides the burial plot itself. Some things to consider are selecting a peaceful spot protected from disturbance, digging a grave deep enough to prevent other animals from digging up remains, and placing a memorial marker.
Pet cemeteries provide a dedicated burial ground and services like transport, graveside ceremonies, memorial markers, and landscaping. Costs vary depending on services selected. While more expensive than home burial, cemeteries ensure remains stay undisturbed and provide grieving families a place to visit their pet.
Cremation allows families to handle remains privately or utilize professional pet crematory services. Private cremation returns only ashes from one pet, while communal cremation co-mingles ashes. Private cremation is more expensive but guarantees only receiving your own pet’s ashes. After cremation, ashes can be scattered in a favorite place, buried, or kept in an urn.
Coping With Loss
Losing a beloved dog is extremely difficult. Grieving is a normal part of the process when a pet dies. It’s important to allow yourself to fully experience your emotions, whether that means crying, looking at photos of your dog, or talking with friends about your loss.
Creating a memorial can also help the grieving process. Ideas include putting together a photo album or collage of your dog, planting a tree or flowers in your dog’s memory, or having a small gathering of family and friends to share stories and remember your pet. Take time to focus on all the happy memories you shared with your dog.
While the grieving process takes time, focusing on the joy your dog brought you can help the healing process. Consider volunteering at an animal shelter or making a donation in your dog’s name as a way to honor their memory. With patience and support, the intense feelings of loss will lessen.
Sources:
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-cope-death-your-pet
