As dogs age or become seriously ill, their bodies slowly begin shutting down as part of the natural dying process. This article will provide an overview of the common signs a dog’s body shows when it is preparing for end of life. We will cover changes associated with old age, chronic disease, acute illness, appetite loss, fatigue, labored breathing, unconsciousness, and the final moments before a dog passes away. Understanding these signs can help dog owners come to terms with their pet’s condition, provide comfort during this difficult time, and identify when it may be time to say goodbye.
Old Age
As dogs age, their organs gradually deteriorate and lose function over time. According to Kenel to Couch, chronic kidney disease is one of the most common age-related conditions in senior dogs. The kidneys act as filters to remove toxins from the blood, so as they decline with age, toxins build up and make dogs feel ill (Source). Kidney failure in particular is typically caused by degeneration associated with aging according to RAETC (Source). Other organs like the liver, heart, and lungs also degrade as part of the natural aging process.
As organ function declines, dogs experience a gradual shutdown. VCA Hospitals notes that symptoms like loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and bad breath are seen with advanced kidney failure (Source). Older dogs become weaker and often lose interest in food and water as their body systems slow down. It’s a natural part of aging, but loving owners can keep their dogs comfortable through this process.
Chronic Disease
Chronic illnesses like cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, and heart disease can cause a dog’s body to gradually shut down over time. As these diseases progress, they impair the function of vital organs and systems that keep the dog’s body working properly.
For example, chronic kidney disease is one of the most common chronic illnesses in older dogs. As the kidneys fail over time, they are unable to filter out waste products from the bloodstream. This causes toxins to build up and lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss, and fatigue (VCA Hospitals).
Similarly, chronic heart disease like dilated cardiomyopathy weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Fluid can back up in the lungs or build up in other areas of the body, causing fatigue, breathing difficulties, and other signs of heart failure (Flat Rock Veterinary Clinic).
As the body’s vital functions decline, dogs with chronic illness become increasingly frail and struggle to maintain normal activities. Their quality of life diminishes as their symptoms worsen. Eventually the cumulative effects of chronic disease can cause the dog’s body to shut down.
Acute Illness
Sudden illnesses like poisoning, trauma, sepsis, and kidney issues can rapidly shut down a dog’s body functions. These acute conditions happen unexpectedly and can lead to organ failure if not treated quickly.
One example is acute kidney failure, which occurs when a dog’s kidneys stop filtering waste from the blood. This can happen from ingesting toxins, severe dehydration, or a bacterial infection called leptospirosis [1]. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, and rapid breathing. Without treatment, toxins build up and organs start to fail.
Traumatic events like being hit by a car can also cause acute organ failure. The physical trauma leads to bleeding and reduced blood flow, depriving organs of oxygen. Sepsis, a body-wide inflammation triggered by infection, can have the same effect. Without quick veterinary treatment, these conditions can rapidly lead to multi-organ failure.
In acute illness, a dog’s body shuts down rapidly as essential systems like the kidneys, liver, and circulatory system fail in quick succession. Immediate veterinary care is necessary to try to stabilize the dog and reverse the failures before permanent damage or death occurs.
Loss of Appetite
One of the first major signs a dog’s body is shutting down is a loss of appetite. Healthy dogs have a strong appetite and desire for food. But when a dog stops eating or drinking altogether, it is a clear indication something is wrong. According to experts at Junovet, refusal to eat or drink is typically caused by three main reasons – an underlying medical condition, emotional factors like stress, or a change in environment.
When a dog enters the late stages of its life or has a chronic or acute illness, its appetite will progressively decrease as the body begins to shut down. The dog may initially stop eating its normal food, but still take treats. However, as their health continues to fail, the dog will refuse treats and human food altogether. According to Bondvet, even a healthy change like incorporating wet food when they previously ate only dry food, can cause a senior dog to stop eating. A dog that isn’t eating or drinking will quickly deteriorate without intervention.
Some owners try tempting their dog with different foods, but it’s important not to force-feed a shut down dog. The kindest thing to do is speak with a vet and ensure the dog stays comfortable. A dog refusing both food and water is one of the clearest signs their body is shutting down.
Fatigue
Extreme fatigue and lethargy are common signs that a dog’s body is shutting down. As a dog nears the end of life, they will begin to sleep much more and lose interest in their surroundings and daily activities. This is because the dog’s organs are failing and unable to keep up with the work of daily living. The dog will become too weak and tired to move around much or engage with their environment (Signs A Dog Is Dying).
Where the dog once was excited to go for walks, play, or eat, they now barely have the energy to lift their head. You may notice them sleeping up to 20 hours a day or more. They may turn down food, treats, or walks due to exhaustion. As a dog’s body shuts down, all their energy goes towards basic bodily functions, leaving them too fatigued for normal activity. It’s important to let them rest as needed. The extreme fatigue is their body’s way of conserving energy as it gets closer to the end of life.
Labored Breathing
As a dog’s body begins to shut down, one of the most noticeable signs is changes in their breathing patterns. Labored, shallow, rapid, or irregular breathing can indicate that a dog is in distress and nearing the end of their life. This happens because the dog’s vital organs like the heart and lungs are failing and unable to function normally. According to Agape Pet Services, labored breathing in dogs is one of the clearest signs that a dog is actively dying and may only have hours or days left to live.
Some specific breathing changes to look out for include:
- Fast, shallow “panting” breaths
- Breathing with an open mouth or extended tongue
- Nostrils flaring with each breath
- Making rasping or wheezing sounds
- Taking irregular pauses between breaths
As a dog’s condition declines, they may switch between rapid shallow breathing and extremely slow, labored breaths. Their breathing may speed up to compensate when organs fail, then slow as the body weakens. All of these patterns indicate distress and a shutdown process. According to ToeGrips, increased respiratory rate and difficulty breathing are some of the clearest shutdown signs you may observe in a dying dog.
Unconsciousness
As a dog’s body begins shutting down, they may become unresponsive or unconscious as death nears (Source). When a dog loses consciousness, they become unresponsive and don’t react to stimuli or voices. Their eyes may be open but there is no recognition or response. Unconsciousness happens because there is not enough oxygen circulation to the brain for the dog to be awake and alert (Source).
Some signs a dog is unconscious or unresponsive due to their body shutting down are: lack of reaction to stimuli, odd breathing patterns like agonal breathing, glazed over or fixed eyes, loss of bowel or bladder control, and lack of response to voices or commands. As death nears, the dog’s organs begin to fail and eventually the heart and lungs stop functioning. Once breathing and heartbeat cease, the final transition to death occurs (Source). Understanding the process can help owners know what to expect as their beloved pet reaches the end of life.
Saying Goodbye
One of the hardest parts of caring for a dog at the end of life is making the decision to say goodbye. It can feel like you are losing a member of your family. However, it is important to keep your dog’s quality of life as the priority.
When determining if it is time to euthanize your dog, look for signs like severe pain that can’t be managed with medication, immobility that leaves them unable to move around or care for themselves, or loss of bowel/bladder control. Many vets suggest considering euthanasia when bad days outnumber good days for your pet.
Focus on providing comfort, spending quality time together, and helping them enjoy their favorite activities and treats. You may want to plan a special last day, with a nice meal, walk, or trip to a beloved park or beach. Lavish them with love and affection.
When the time comes, stay with your dog during the euthanasia process. Your presence provides comfort. Some clinics allow you to be present during the actual procedure or invite you back shortly after to say goodbye. Grieving takes time. Don’t feel rushed. Make a plan to memorialize your pet.
Making the decision to say goodbye is grounded in compassion. While painful, humanely ending suffering is the final gift of love you can provide your dog. Seek support from your vet, pet loss hotlines, or support groups.
Sources:
https://www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/preparing-to-say-goodbye-to-your-pet
https://happydogtraining.info/advice/saying-goodbye-to-your-dog/
Conclusion
In summary, a dog’s body naturally begins to shut down as it nears the end of life due to old age, disease, or acute illness. This shutdown process is gradual, starting with symptoms like loss of appetite, fatigue, and labored breathing. As the dog becomes increasingly weak and unconscious, it is important for owners to focus on quality of life and say goodbye before the dog experiences any awareness or suffering at the very end. The natural shutdown process allows the dog to pass away peacefully when the time comes. Owners can find comfort knowing they provided their loyal companion with a dignified, painless transition.
