By Salvatore S. Randazzo on July 11, 2023
As dog owners, it’s hard to say goodbye to our dogs! While many dogs age gracefully without significant health issues, others may suffer from chronic, disabling, or terminal illnesses that diminish their overall quality of life. As a result, anxious dog owners often wonder if their dog is at the end of its life.
To help dog owners identify the warning signs that their dog is dying, we’ve put together a list of daily canine habits that you can spot in your dog’s daily routine.
Signs that your dog is nearing end of life
Below are some signs to identify that your dog is at the end of its life. However, it is essential to consult your veterinarian about your dog’s health and behavioral changes.
Has difficulty controlling body temperature.
Sick, elderly, or dying dogs may struggle to regulate their optimal body temperature. So make sure your dog has enough access to water and a shady place to live if you live in a hot area. However, if you live in a colder region, make sure your dog has a warm, comfortable bed and blanket or a nice place in the sun to sleep.
Weightloss
A loss of appetite is usually the cause of weight loss, which is a specific aspect of aging seen in senior dogs who often have difficulty digesting protein. If you notice this problem in your dog, it is advisable to reduce the amount of food you give him. Consider feeding the dog proteins that are easier to digest, such as eggs, poultry, cattle, lamb, and proteins produced from organs like the kidneys, heart, and liver.
Lethargic
Another common symptom you will observe in your dog is lethargy. Your dog will generally sleep more and show less interest in walking or doing regular activities later in life. In this situation, you should support your little friend by providing him with more dog beds, comfortable places to sit around the house, and his favorite blankets and toys.
Lack of appetite
When a dog begins to refuse food or becomes picky about specific items, this would be a sign that he is nearing the end of his life.
Your dog may lose his appetite if he is sick and taking medication that impairs his ability to taste or smell. Giving your dog food with strong aromas or heating the food to intensify the smell will help stimulate his sense of smell. You can also give your dog smaller portions of food to keep him motivated and engaged with his diet!
Difficulty breathing
Another typical dog behavior seen in dogs before death is abnormal breathing patterns or signs of difficulty breathing (even at rest). You may notice that your dog’s breathing has become shallow and there are unusually long pauses between his breaths.
Dehydration issues
It could be a sign that your dog is at the end of his life if he is no longer interested in his water bowl. You can maintain your dog hydration switching to canned foods or adding a small amount of water to their meal. Sometimes you may need an oral syringe or spray bottle to give your dog water. But remember to use a clean bottle that never contains chemicals and pour a small amount of water at a time.
Incontinent
Your four-legged friend may lose control of his bladder and bowels and become incontinent if he is nearing the end of his life. They may also need extra help from you or other family members to stay potty-trained, as they can’t get up to relieve themselves outside. You should do your best to keep your dog’s bed dry and tidy and have him lie down on a waterproof pad so he can sleep comfortably, or you can also consider wearing a diaper for your dog if necessary.
Depression
Depression is a very common symptom in emotional support dog when he nears the end of his life. This can also be seen in normal dogs, where they begin to feel lethargic and show no interest in games, toys, or people they once loved. Depending on these symptoms, you can consult your veterinarian, who can prescribe antidepressant tablets that you can give to your dog to fight depression.
What to do after knowing that your dog is at the end of its life?
After recognizing changes in your dog’s behavior, immediately consult your veterinarian and speak with family members if you suspect your dog is near the end of life.
It is very difficult to say goodbye to our four-legged friend, but our dogs may feel more pain as their life draws to a close. The last gesture of love you can do for your dog is to arrange a peaceful passage for him before he reaches the final phase of his end-of-life journey. Don’t wait until the last minute, because planning your dog’s end-of-life journey will help you, your family, and your pet through the process.