As we know, dogs live an average of ten years. But when they reach the end of their lives due to age or illness, it's not always easy to spot the signs of impending death. To give your faithful companion dignified end-of-life, here's how to know when it's time for him to go.
Summary
1. He sleeps all the time
2. He isolates himself
3. He smells bad
4. He doesn't eat anymore
5. He has trouble moving
6. He breathes with difficulty
7. His heart is beating slower
8. He changes his behavior
9. His temperature drops
10. He is digging
1. He sleeps all the time
To help your dog get through the last few moments of his life with peace of mind, you need to know the signs that he is about to die. Most of the time, dying dogs start out sleeping more than usual. They lack energy and show no interest in the things they used to do, such as going for walks or playing.
2. He isolates himself
In addition to becoming completely lethargic, the dying dog tends to isolate himself. He seeks solitude and no longer responds to daily stimuli such as the sounds of meal preparation. In this case, don't force him to come to you and make sure he can rest in the quiet.
However, some dogs react differently when they are about to die and instead seek contact with their owners.
3. He smells bad
Poor hygiene, especially in older dogs, is a sign that the animal can no longer take care of itself and that the end is near. If he also becomes incontinent, you will have to redouble your efforts to keep him clean (baths, brushing...).
Credits: iStock4. He doesn't eat anymore
It's well known that dogs are natural foodies. But if your dog is showing a distinct lack of interest in food and water and is getting thinner by the minute, it may be a sign that his time is coming. As your dog moves toward death, his ability to swallow gradually diminishes. To keep him feeding, warm up his meals, hand-feed him, or give him only soft foods.
Be careful, however, because the loss of appetite is often due to illness (kidney failure, diabetes, etc.) and can usually be corrected with proper nutrition or appetite stimulants.
5. He has trouble moving
If your senior dog seems to be in pain when he gets up, walks, or sits down, it means that it will soon be time to say goodbye... To help him, don't hesitate to set up a small comfortable corner with his favorite blanket, his bowls, and newspaper to relieve himself so that he doesn't have to move around.
6. He breathes with difficulty
When the respiratory organs are affected, the dog may have difficulty breathing or be out of breath at the slightest effort. In this case, and only if you notice that each breath is real suffering for him, euthanasia can be considered.
7. His heart is beating slower
A dog at the end of its life usually has a decreased heart rate. His heartbeat is slower than usual.
Credits: iStock8. He changes his behavior
In addition to isolating himself or becoming a real pain in the ass, your dog may be prone to mood swings in the days or weeks leading up to his death. It may even lead to aggressive behavior. Signs of anxiety may also appear panting, barking, excessive licking of the paws...
In any case, always take care of him and make sure he doesn't lack anything.
9. His temperature drops
A dog's normal temperature is between 38 and 39°C. If your dog's temperature drops below 38°C, it's not a good sign.
This is because as death approaches, blood flow decreases and the body cools down. Owners often notice that their dog's paws and breath are colder. This is normal as the body temperature drops and blood pressure drops before death. To warm your dog up a bit, feel free to place a blanket on his back.
10. He digs
Just before they die, some dogs, especially those with access to the outdoors, behave strangely: they try by all means to dig a hole in the ground. Is it a will to bury themselves in order not to be devoured by predators once dead? Mystery...