When your dog gets old, it is only natural to wonder how much time they have left. After all, no one wants to see their pet suffer unnecessarily. However, recognizing the signs of old age and imminent death can be tricky. Some dogs are so stoic that they seem almost invincible. Even if you know them well, it’s not always easy to tell when something is off. Even with the best intentions, sometimes dogs will surprise you by making a fast exit. Here’s how to know when your dog is dying and what you can do about it.
Watch for changes in behavior.
Dogs are social creatures and have a tendency to withdraw from human company when they are sick and afraid. Some dogs become depressed and stop eating or drinking, and even those who eat and drink well may still go for long stretches without socializing. All of these are signs that your dog is not feeling well, and you may have to act quickly if you don’t want their passing to be painful. Likewise, if your dog has always been easy to handle, but suddenly becomes aggressive or otherwise unruly, you should look for signs of illness. Dogs who are in pain or otherwise not themselves may bite or otherwise act out in ways they have never done before.
Look out for common signs of illness.
If your dog is old, it is likely that there are a few conditions that you will have to keep an eye out for. There is a chance that your dog could experience any one of these, of course, but if you have reason to believe that they have been struggling with one or more of these conditions for a while, you may have cause to think that they may not have much time left. Heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, and joint diseases like arthritis are all common ailments in older dogs. If your dog has been diagnosed with one of these conditions, it is a good idea to keep track of how they are doing. If you notice that they are struggling more, or that their condition seems to be worsening, it might be time to let them go.
Have a game plan before making a decision.
Dying is an inevitable part of life, but it is not something that you should rush through. If your dog seems to be struggling with a terminal illness and you have decided to let them go, it’s important to be prepared. Even if your dog has always been healthy and you have no reason to believe that they will go any time soon, it’s a good idea to have a game plan ready in case it happens. You will have to decide how you want to care for your dog as they transition from life to death. Do you want to take them to the vet to end their life as humanely as possible? Or do you want to be at home with them as they pass?
Don’t be afraid to let go.
Dogs are wonderful creatures, and they deserve to live their lives to the fullest. If they are suffering, however, you owe it to them to let them go peacefully. When you decide it’s time to let go, you don’t want to be caught off guard. Be ready to help your dog go peacefully. If your dog is healthy enough to eat, you may want to give them a last meal. Consider giving them a favorite treat or meal as a last gift. If your dog is thirsty, you may want to give them a final drink. You may want to give them water, milk, or another beverage that they have always enjoyed.
Dogs have a very different lifespan than humans, so it can be difficult to know when an old dog is dying. Watch for changes in behavior and keep an eye out for common signs of illness. Have a game plan ready if your dog is suffering from a terminal condition. Don’t be afraid to let go when the time is right.
