How do you know when your pet's life is coming to an end?
Increasingly, we consider companion animals to be part of our families and society. We take care of them with more and more dedication and care, providing them not only with suitable environmental conditions, but also with veterinary care. However, we are not ready to say goodbye to our beloved pets and often avoid the idea of loss. For this reason, we will describe here the signals that can indicate the imminent end of a pet's life.
Can the loss of animals be expected?
The death of a dog can be associated with old age or illness, but also with random events such as being attacked by another animal or being involved in a car accident. In an emergency, we are unable to react, but in a situation of progressive processes, we can sometimes recognize signs that the end is near. This will allow us to respond appropriately.
Before death, the pet may change its behavior, seek contact with its guardian, become lethargic and lose its appetite. Other symptoms may include breathing problems, urinary incontinence, vomiting, seizures, and loss of balance. Whenever we have doubts about the health of our pet, we should go to the veterinarian, who will best assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment.
What signals can announce the approaching end?
Decrease and lack of appetite
A common behavior for a dog at the end of its life is either refusing to eat or being picky about food. This could be the result of illness or taking medications that reduce smell or taste. In such situations, it is possible to give the dog cooked homemade food, and after consultation with the veterinarian, he eats the recommended appetite stimulants.
Stopping Drinking Water and Dehydration
Some dogs may stop drinking due to lack of energy and feeling nauseous, and refusing to drink water for 2-3 days can negatively affect kidney function. The animal should then be given constant access to fresh water and, in some cases, try to give it water regularly. Switching from dry to wet food and consulting with a veterinarian, who may prescribe intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, can also help with rehydration.
Anxiety
Some dogs may become restless and irritable, constantly moving, unable to sit still. This can be caused by pain and discomfort, but also by changes in the brain related to disease or age (e.g. cognitive impairment syndrome in dogs). In such situations, it is worth consulting a veterinarian who, after diagnosis, will be able to recommend appropriate medications.
Respiratory problems
If your dog is experiencing difficulties such as stretched neck, breathing with an open mouth, avoiding changing position, or any movement that would increase their breathing requirements, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Chronic diseases and old age can be accompanied by heavier, deeper, or louder breathing. Simply moving, standing up, and walking to the food bowl can be more difficult for your pet, resulting in faster or deeper breathing. Water and food bowls should be placed near where the dog spends most of their time so that they don't have to travel long distances to get there.
Feeling of pain
Dogs may also experience pain before death, so avoid interacting with and touching the handler. They can lick excessively, whine, bark, or even be aggressive or agitated. At such a time, you may decide to administer painkillers after consulting your veterinarian.
Lethargy and fatigue
Older dogs sleep more and get tired more easily at the edge of life, in addition to a greater need for sleep. They may refuse to go for a walk and decide that they would rather spend most of the day in the den or no longer go to the door to greet the owner. You should monitor them closely to be able to determine when their quality of life declines so much that their life turns into suffering.
Poor motor coordination and reduced mobility
As your dog ages, his nerves and muscles slowly stop working. Problems with innervation and muscle loss lead to poor coordination, due to which all obstacles, stairs and slippery surfaces can become insurmountable for your dog. In such situations, it can be helpful to provide him with non-slip surfaces and help him move.
Urine leakage
Urinary incontinence in dogs can be related to problems with the kidneys producing increased amounts of urine, loss of bladder control, but also painful joint conditions that make it difficult for them to get up when they feel they should urinate. This also applies to bowel movements. Dogs should not be disciplined for this, as it can only stress them out. It is worth consulting a veterinarian about this problem to see if and how it can be corrected.
Significant weight loss
Weight loss is quite common in older dogs and begins long before the end of life. As the animal ages, its ability to digest protein decreases and, as a result, it loses muscle mass. But a properly balanced diet can prevent this from happening. The disease process also usually causes weight loss through a heavy load on the body or a decreased appetite related to malaise. Cancer cells get the energy they need to divide intensively from protein, leading to protein and energy deficiencies. In any case, nutritional adjustments should be adapted to the condition of the animal and preferably in consultation with a specialist.
Behavioral changes
Before death, animals may show behavioral changes. Some dogs may become restless and nervous, and others may not respond to stimuli that previously stimulated them to activity. Some animals find a secluded place at home or in the yard, others seek the company of their owners. Each dog can react differently, so it is important for us to assess how their behavior is changing.
How to help a dog at the end of its life?
Saying goodbye to your beloved pet can be very difficult, but it is worth trying to make it as pleasant as possible for him in the last moments of his life.
• It's a good idea to make a comfortable bed for your dog in a cosy place that he likes.
• It is worth taking care of his diet, giving him food that corresponds to his condition and what he likes (if it is suitable for him).
• Depending on his needs, it is a good idea to accompany him or give him peace and quiet alone.
• It's a good idea to stick to your pet's daily routine, and if they can't go out for walks, just stay with them.
• It is a good idea to discuss all symptoms with your veterinarian and administer appropriate therapy or even pain relief.
• If you are considering euthanasia, discuss it thoroughly with your veterinarian. It's also a good idea to consider burying your pet or choosing the type of cremation.
Veterinary care at the end of an animal's life
According to the American Society of Veterinary Surgeons (AVMA), end-of-life veterinary care provides owners with time and preparation for the impending death of a pet. The Association defines this type of veterinary care as care that allows a terminally ill animal to live peacefully at home or in a suitable facility, taking into account the comfort and quality of life of the animal, and includes the possibility of euthanasia.
A dog owner's hardest decision to make
The decision to euthanize may be the most difficult decision ever faced by companion animal owners. When considering this option, it is important to decide what is best for our animal, no matter how difficult it is.
No two cases are the same, so it can be very helpful to talk to your veterinarian, especially one who knows your pet. He will be able to answer unpleasant questions: whether the pet is suffering, whether his health can improve and whether further treatment makes sense. If it turns out that euthanasia is inevitable, professional advice will certainly help us choose the right time to break up with your beloved pet.
Final moments
In moments of certainty about the inevitability of loss, we feel that we have lost control over the fate of our pet. According to the guidelines of the British Royal Animal Welfare Society, it is better to focus on what we have influence on at this point. We can ask the veterinarian for a home visit and euthanasia at home, thus ensuring our pet's comfort and peace of mind and saving everyone additional unnecessary stress. At such moments, it is also worth considering the type of farewell to a beloved animal.
It is for our beloved pet that we must survive this most difficult period so that he can enjoy his last moments in peace, comfort, without pain and with the feeling of our presence. Be grateful for how much joy and happiness it has brought into our lives.
Bibliography as of January 2022:
- Pet bereavement – Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, online: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/bereavement
- Veterinary end-of-life care – The American Veterinary Medical Association, online: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/veterinary-end-life-care
- End of Life Care – The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, online: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care
- Leslie Brooks, DVM, Signs Your Dog Is Dying, Emergency Vets USA, online: https://emergencyvetsusa.com/signs-your-dog-is-dying/
- Kate Eldredge Basedow, LVT, How to Know If Your Dog May Be Nearing the End of Their Life, Daily Paws 01/28/2021, online: https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/end-of-life-care / signs-dog-is-dying
- GERIATRY OF DOGS AND CATS – S.C. Sala, Edra Urban & Partner, Wrocław 2017