Every dog owner faces this since it’s the reality of life. Your dog isn’t meant to be with you for your lifetime, but they promise to be with you for their whole lifetime. If your dog is exhibiting weird behavior, especially when they have a terminal illness or are old, then it’s a sign that they may cross the rainbow bridge anytime soon. As owners, you need to look out for these 12 signs that your dog is dying.
12. Weight Loss
You may notice that your dog’s body l. Weight loss in a senior dog can be a sign that your dog is nearing the end of their life. This extreme weight loss can be the result of your dog lacking appetite or a change in their metabolism due to an uncomfortable feeling. Meanwhile, weight loss in puppies or their less likely to eat can be due to pain that they’re currently experiencing.
11. Lack of Interest
As your dog’s health declines, they no longer enjoy the same activities that they once did in their prime. The lack of interest includes not playing with their favorite squishy toy or not responding to the touch of one of their favorite people. Another sign may be that they do not bark at the sight of a cat or a car passing by the road. Usually, you’ll see them slumped in a bored or tired expression.
10. Detachment
Even the clingiest dog detaches themselves when they feel that their time is near. Your dog would usually hide in the closet or in a corner of your house where no one passes. Why? They seek quietness to protect themselves from threats, especially when they know that they’re weak and can no longer protect themselves.
9. Pale Gums and Cold Paws
Pale gums and cold paws are usually a sign that your dog is nearing the end of their lifetime. These signs may be a cause of poor circulation in their body. It’s a sign that their heart is struggling to pump blood, which causes the paleness in their gums. This is especially true when your dog is currently in illness caused by heart and kidney disease.
8. Seizures
Imagine sitting down, relaxed beside your dog, and they suddenly shock you with a seizure episode. Likely, another seizure is bound to happen on any day when you least expect it. This is a result of metabolic changes, kidney failure, or problems in their brain. If seizure episodes are happening to your dog, then it’s a sign that something is wrong with their bodies.
7. Anxiety
While many dog has anxiety, a senior dog showing signs of it is something that owners need to watch out for. Like humans, it can happen to dogs, too, since they’re confused about the changes in their bodies. Observe your dogs if they are whining, pacing, crying, or panting. Sometimes, anxiety may be a worse experience for a dog, rather than pain.
6. Body Odor
Yes, body odor may be a sign that your dog is dying. Why? When an animal’s body stops functioning normally, the body starts to smell. This is due to kidney disease, metabolic changes, and dental diseases, among others. It’s a very strange and unpleasant odor to the nose than your dog usually has. Sadly, it’s the disease that causes the odor.
5. Incontinence
Incontinence is when your dog loses control over their bowel and bladder. Usually, you’ll find your dog no longer peeing or pooping in the same spots that you trained them to. This is due to depression or lethargy that your dog feels. Since they’re unable to get up to relieve themselves, they seek the help of their family to guide them.
4. Loss of Appetite and Decreased Thirst
It’s normal for dogs who are nearing the finish line to lose interest in food and water. Why? They’re experiencing nausea or pain. While in some cases, the loss of appetite and decreased thirst may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, and even vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Dehydration
Since your dog is experiencing decreased thirst, it could cause dehydration. This is also the effect of diarrhea and symptoms of other signs in this list. A sign of dehydration is when you see your dog panting a lot and having a dry nose or mouth. This may also be noticeable when you notice a change in your dog’s skin elasticity.
2. Lethargy and Changes in Sleep Patterns
If your dog is spending time alone in unusual spots while napping, then it’s telling you something. When a dog is nearing the end of their life, changes in their sleep patterns are common, and they may seem more lethargic than usual. If your dog isn’t in the mood for his favorite walks outside or they aren’t acting like themselves, then it’s usually a sign of their health affecting their mood.
1. Pain and Discomfort
Probably the number one thing to look out for is pain and discomfort. Pain is when your dog is trembling or panting. You’ll also see signs like irritability and aggression that they do not show in their usual selves. Meanwhile, discomfort is when they seek out new resting places for comfort. It may also be when they’re unable to settle down and rest, as something is keeping them awake.