10 Critical Signs that Indicates Your Dog is Dying

Losing a dog would probably be the worst nightmare come to life for many pet owners.
In this video, we will talk about 10 critical signs that indicate your dog is going to die.
00:00 - Introduction
00:28 - Signs Your Dog is Dying
6:29 - Saying Farewell
Incontinence
Dogs often lose control of their bladder or bowls as they age.
Some dogs may poop or pee in their sleep, while others may dribble urine as they walk without seeming to notice. Loss of bladder or bowl control can be upsetting for our canines because they naturally don't want to soil the house.
Your dog doesn’t want to go outside
As a dog nears death, they will become less mobile. Their legs may start giving out and the pooch may even stop wanting to go out for walks.
It will gradually progress to not being able to jump on the couch, struggling with stairs or slippery floors, and having trouble getting up after a nap.
You can help your canine by making sure their water and food bowls are easily accessible.
Loss of Interest
When a dog nears the end of their lifespan, they can begin to lose interest in the world around them, and they may stop caring about the things they normally busied themselves with.
Their favorite toys will gather dust, and they may no longer have the energy to jump up to greet you at the door, or wag their tail when you tease them with a favorite toy. This is because your dog is likely to feel more tired than usual, and it may also be painful for them to move around too much.
Social Detachment
Some dogs may become clingier when they near the end of their lifespan.
However, most dogs seek out solitude and separate themselves from the family instead of seeking comfort. They may hide somewhere, or move to a secluded corner of your home, and seem way less social than usual.
In fact, it isn’t uncommon for dogs to go under beds before they die and hide there.
Odd Breathing
When a dog is very close to death, their normal bodily functions may begin to shut down. This can cause them to breathe in an odd way.
Your dog’s breathing may be very fast or very slow. They may also simply have to work hard to move air in and out. They may breathe heavier or deeper than usual. More often than not, this is one of the last signs that develops when a dog is dying.
Right before their death, dogs will exhale one last big breath.
Loss of Appetite
Lack of appetite is common at the end of life. Your dog may start eating less and may have a hard time finishing their daily portion. A reduced appetite may also be a consequence of certain cancer treatments or terminal illnesses.
Healthy dogs want nothing more than some yummy treats. But when a dog nears the end of their lifespan, even the tastiest treat won't be interesting to them.
This is because their organs are starting to shut down, and your pet doesn't feel the need to drink or eat.
Weight Loss
As a consequence of not eating enough, you will notice a decrease in your dog's weight. But weight loss can also be commonly seen in senior dogs, and it will start well before the end of life. This is because as dogs get older, their body becomes less efficient at digesting protein.
Drastic weight loss can also be indication that your dog is suffering from cancer.
Behavioral Changes
As you might expect, your beloved pet probably isn’t feeling their best in the end of their lifespan. They could be in pain, sick, uncomfortable, and going through a lot of changes all at once. This can lead to them behaving differently, becoming irritable, growling or snapping at you when they would never do that before. Just like people get cranky when they are in pain, your canine will have the same reaction.
Reduced Body Temperature
As things progress and death inevitably approaches, your dog’s body cools down and they lose the ability to control their own body temperature. Owners often notice cold paws and cooler breath.
Their Gums Change Color
If your dog’s organs are no longer functioning properly, their gums may change color.
Blue gums can indicate that there’s not enough oxygen in a dog’s blood.
Bright red gums can be a sign of heatstroke. White or pale gums can be a sign of blood loss. However, each of these colors could also be a sign that a dog is close to death.
As your dog is preparing to cross the rainbow bridge, the time you have left with them is as precious as it is limited.
It's important to remember that if the dog is suffering from a lot of pain, assessing the option of euthanasia is humane.
If your dog hates going to the vet, look into at-home pet euthanasia services to provide a peaceful end-of-life experience for your beloved pooch.
Another tough decision is what to do with the body of the animal. Some owners make arrangements for their dog's cremation or burial.
Many vet clinics or animal funeral homes offer these services.
Alternatively, if you want to keep your dog close to your home, as well as your heart, you can choose to bury them in your own property or backyard.