How to know if your dog is dying

(December 31, 2009)

Dogs are widely considered to be a man’s best friend because of their almost undying loyalty. A well treated dog will always do its best to do anything possible to keep its master safe and sound, even if it is in over its head. Given the fact that we outlive the animal by quite a few years, it is only natural for a number of dog owners to become increasingly nervous as the animal continues to age. The impending death of a dog can feel like your world has crumbled all around you, just as it would whenever you lose anyone close or from the family. While the dog continues to age, it will be affected by many medical conditions that continue to contribute to the entire breakdown of its internal system. Being able to correctly identify the symptoms that the dog will show when it is near the end of its life will help you detect the presence of any internal medical condition and treat it, or even make it’s last moments and death as comfortable as possible for the animal if there is no other alternative. Naturally, it is also essential that you ask the veterinarian to have a closer look at your pet in order to identify if any treatment will help in the animals recovery.

Some of the common symptoms that you are likely to notice when your dog is approaching the end include excessively runny eyes, a lack of interest in eating, loss of control of the internal organs such as the bladder and bowels and a considerable drop in the temperature of the body. Just like with people, a dog dying as a result of old age will start to experience a gradual shut down of most organs within the body. As a result, the animal will restrict any movement to the absolute minimum.
While in most cases, the only thing that can be done is to prolong the death, you can also do your best to make the passing as comfortable as possible for the pet. Sick dogs tend to dehydrate very fast, so it is essential that you make sure sick dog care is good and animal can access a bowl of water at all times. If the animal is too weak to lift its head to lap up the water, you should provide the animal with water using the help of a dropper. Companionship is essential during the last few days of the animal’s life. Continuously rub its fur and talk to it in a gentle voice as this has a soothing effect.