As pet parents, we all fear losing our beloved canine companions. While many dogs age successfully without serious health problems, others suffer from chronic, debilitating, or terminal illnesses that reduce their quality of life. We inevitably come to the heartbreaking realization that our companions are nearing the end of their time with us.
One of the biggest questions pet parents grapple with is when is it too early to put a dog to sleep? Some pet parents wonder if it is possible to let a pet die “naturally” at home without medical intervention. Pet parents want this scenario to unfold peacefully, with their dog passing away peacefully in their sleep.
But in reality, a natural death is usually not peaceful, and terminally ill dogs can suffer from pain, nausea, and anxiety for several days as their bodies begin to shut down. This is why it is standard for veterinarians to offer painless and humane euthanasia to end your pet’s suffering.
Common signs that a dog is dying
There are many clinical signs that indicate your dog is beginning to weaken towards death. However, these signs can also be vague indicators of other health problems that are not terminal, so if you notice any changes or declines in your dog’s health or daily routine at home, see your dog’s doctor. It is important to consult a veterinarian.
Changes may appear as early as 3 months before death. These changes may be physical or behavioral.
1. Mental and behavioral changes
Changes in behavior can occur before death. This may include:
-
-
confusion
-
stirring
-
restlessness
-
anxiety
-
Increased adhesion
-
separation
-
stay away from humans and animals
-
Loss of interest in social interactions, activities, and toys
-
Aggression (usually caused by chronic or persistent pain, but can also be caused by a brain tumor)
2. Circulatory arrest
Dogs with heart failure may develop a cough due to weakness due to anemia and poor circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the body, as well as changes in the size of the heart and fluid buildup in the lungs.
3. Changes in breathing pattern
Your dog may begin to pant, cough, or have difficulty breathing normally even when at rest. This can be secondary to heart failure. respiratory diseases; cancer; or metabolic diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure, liver or adrenal gland disease.
4. Changes in appetite and thirst
As your dog’s organ systems begin to shut down, their appetite and water intake will gradually decrease. Dogs with underlying medical conditions such as kidney, liver, or gastrointestinal disease may exhibit nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
5. Loss of motor skills
One of the signs that a dog is dying is a loss of motor skills. This may be due to pain, loss of muscle mass, neurological conditions, lethargy, weakness, etc.
6. Weight loss
If your dog begins to lose weight, it may be due to not eating or severe muscle wasting due to a tumor or other disease.
7. Incontinence (urine and/or feces)
Both urinary and fecal incontinence are common signs of death in dogs. Your dog may be physically unable to get out of bed and go outside, or your dog may have a weakened musculoskeletal or nervous system that affects the urinary and anal sphincters.
How to assess your dog’s quality of life
If you’re looking for signs that it’s time to discuss humane euthanasia, the following questions will help you determine your dog’s quality of life.
-
Is your dog still eating and drinking? If they can’t eat or drink on their own, can you provide a way for them to eat and drink comfortably?
-
Can they still enjoy the same activities and social interactions as you and other pets in your family?
-
Is your dog comfortable in the house, able to move around to urinate and defecate, and rest without pain?
-
After all, do they have more good days than bad?
If the answer to these questions is no, it’s probably time to consider end-of-life care for your dog. Options include: Discussions about palliative and hospice care, humane euthanasia (at home or in a clinic), and how to memorialize your dog after it dies.
quality of life scale
Similar to the questions above, you can also use the Quality of Life Scale created by Dr. Alice Villalobos to assess your dog’s overall physical and mental health. Scale parameters include:
-
hurt
-
hunger
-
hydration
-
hygiene
-
happiness
-
mobility
-
There are more good days than bad days
Each parameter is rated on a scale of 1 to 10. A total score of 35 or higher suggests that the dog still has an acceptable quality of life and may benefit from palliative care options. A score below 35 indicates an unacceptable quality of life and the dog may need to be considered for hospice or euthanasia sooner or later.
“Natural” Dog Death Process
A natural death does not mean a peaceful death, and the stages of death can be very stressful to watch. This is why euthanasia is performed to give pets a painless and humane end of life.
Without humane euthanasia, your pet’s breathing patterns will continue to be disrupted, and you may hear a “death rattle” in your dog’s chest as mucus builds up in its throat. Your body temperature may begin to drop and your extremities may feel cold to the touch.
A dying dog is usually unable to get up to relieve himself, so pet parents should disposable pads and replaceable bedding To maintain proper hygiene and comfort. Dogs usually show no interest in eating or drinking at this stage.
The final transition that leads to death occurs when the dog’s organs stop functioning, breathing stops, and the heart stops beating. Pet parents can be sure their dog has passed away when breathing and heartbeat stops for 30 minutes after natural death.
A natural death does not mean a peaceful death. This is why euthanasia is performed to give pets a painless and humane end of life.
After death, the muscles may briefly spasm, and at the end, with a deep exhalation, control of the bladder and bowels may be lost as the muscles relax. It is especially important to understand that this occurs as part of a death, as this can be very disturbing to see as the dog may mistakenly believe it is still alive. .
How does euthanasia help dying dogs?
In contrast to the long and painful process of natural death, humane euthanasia has evolved to provide a much less stressful experience for pet parents and a fear-free experience for pets.
The euthanasia appointment begins with your veterinarian inserting an IV catheter into your dog’s vein to facilitate all injections. Your dog may experience brief discomfort when the catheter is inserted.
After placing the IV catheter, your veterinarian will inject you with a sedative to help your dog relax and become semiconscious. A final euthanasia injection is then given, which usually results in death within minutes.
Your dog may stretch his entire body and take a deep breath before his body completely relaxes. Your pupils dilate, your breathing stops, and your heart stops beating. Subtle muscle spasms may become apparent after your veterinarian pronounces your puppy dead. These muscle spasms can be confused with normal breathing, but they usually last only a few seconds.
The spasms will stop when the muscles throughout your body relax, but you may notice some urine or feces being released, which is all normal.
The veterinarian will confirm death by listening to the heartbeat, feeling the pulse, and listening to breathing. Doctors may also gently touch the surface of the eye to make sure there is no blink reflex.
What to do if you think your dog is dying
If your dog shows signs of declining health or scores in any quality of life area, bring this information to your veterinarian to discuss your options. Your dog may be eligible for palliative care, or they may recommend hospice or euthanasia as soon as possible.
How to comfort a dying dog
The kindest thing you can do for your dog during his final days is to make him as comfortable as possible. Here are some tips:
-
-
Some dogs may tolerate it diaperHowever, to avoid skin irritation and infections, diapers should be changed frequently and urine and feces should be kept away from the fur and skin.
-
If your dog has a favorite blanket, toy, clothing, etc. that smells like you, keep them nearby for reassurance.
-
Spending as much time as possible with your dog will not only give them the emotional support and comfort they need, but you can also be on the lookout for signs of discomfort or anxiety.
-
To minimize pain and anxiety, continue all prescribed medications if your dog can tolerate them. Some dogs with poor appetites may feel nauseous if given the medication on an empty stomach. So, talk to your veterinarian about adjusting the medication for maximum relief.
-
If your dog is restless, it may be helpful to use a mild sedative to help him sleep through the night.
When your dog’s final moments arrive, you may feel conflicted about watching your friend die. Although it may be difficult, knowing that their loved ones are by their side can be a great comfort to them.
The decision to allow children or other pets to be present at the time of death should be decided on a family-by-family basis, taking into account the age of the children and the temperament of other animals in the home.
Although some experts believe that children and other pets should not be included in the final farewell, meeting your pet’s companion in the moments after death can bring a degree of closure and help ensure that your pet has passed away. Some people find it helpful in understanding things.
References
American Veterinary Hospital Association certified course. Active dying module.
Larkin, Malinda. American Veterinary Medical Association. Research investigating causes of death in dogs. May 2011.
Reidsville Animal Hospital. How do I know when my dog is going to die? June 2016.
Michelson Found Animals Foundation. Say goodbye to your dog: how to know when it’s time. December 2016.
