As owners we all dread the thought of losing our four legged friends. While some dogs age gracefully and stay healthy others may face health issues or terminal illnesses that affect their well being. Eventually we come to the realization that our furry companion is approaching the end of their time with us.
A common dilemma, for owners is determining the time – is it too early? Some may ponder whether they should allow their pet to pass away naturally at home without intervention hoping for a departure as they drift off in their sleep.
The harsh reality is that natural death for dogs is often not peaceful; those with conditions can endure days of discomfort from pain, nausea and anxiety as their bodies start to shut down. That’s why veterinarians typically recommend an humane euthanasia to relieve a pets suffering.
What Are the Signs That Indicate a Dog Is Approaching the End?
There are signals that might suggest a dog is entering a decline, towards the end of life.
However these signs can also indicate health issues beyond just terminal conditions so it’s crucial to take your dog to their regular vet if you observe any changes, in their health or daily routine at home.
Symptoms may appear early as three months before the end. These changes could be physical or behavioral such as;
- behavioral shifts – This may manifest as sadness, confusion, restlessness increased neediness withdrawal from interactions, loss of interest in activities or toys or aggression (often linked to ongoing pain but could also be related to a brain tumor).
- Circulatory problems – Dogs with heart problems might develop a cough due to heart enlargement, weakness from anemia and poor circulation of oxygenated blood.
- Breathing pattern alterations – Dogs might exhibit signs like panting at rest coughing or difficulty breathing. These symptoms could be linked to heart failure; issues affecting their acid/base balance; cancer; or metabolic conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease or liver/adrenal gland disorders.
- Changes, in appetite or thirst—As a dogs health declines you may notice a decrease in their appetite and water intake. Dogs with kidney, liver or gastrointestinal issues may also experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Loss of mobility—Your dogs ability to move around may be affected by factors such as pain, muscle loss, lethargy or weakness.
- Weight loss—A decrease in weight could be due to reasons such as reduced eating habits or muscle breakdown from conditions like tumors or other illnesses.
- Incontinence (urinary and/or fecal)—Dogs facing incontinence issues may struggle to get up and go outside due to limitations. Musculoskeletal and neurological problems can also impact their control, over urination and bowel movements.
Assessing Your Dog’s Quality of Life
If you’re considering euthanasia for your dogs well being these questions can guide you in evaluating their quality of life;
- Is your dog still. Drinking adequately? If not are there ways for you to help them eat and drink comfortably?
- Are they still able to engage in their activities and socialize with you and other pets at home?
- Is your furry friend feeling comfortable in their space able to move freely for their bathroom needs and rest, without any discomfort?
- In the scheme of things do they seem to be enjoying good days than bad?
If the response to these inquiries is negative then it may be a moment to start thinking about end of life care for your dog. Options range from palliative or hospice care to considering euthanasia (whether at home or at a clinic) and discussing ways in which you’d like to honor your dogs memory after they pass on.
Assessing Quality of Life
In line with the questions you can also utilize Dr. Alice Villalobos Quality of Life scale as a tool to evaluate your dogs physical and mental well being. The components of this scale encompass;
- Pain
- Appetite
- Thirst
- Cleanliness
- Joyfulness
- Mobility
- Prevalence of days over ones
Each aspect is graded on a scale from 1 10. A cumulative score of 35 or higher indicates that your dog still enjoys a quality of life making palliative care options worth considering. Scores under 35 hint, at a quality of life signaling that hospice or euthanasia decisions may need attention.
Understanding the Natural Progression and Phases of a Dog’s End of Life Journey
When a pet dies naturally it doesn’t always mean a passing. The process of dying can be difficult to witness. That’s why euthanasia is sometimes chosen to give pets an compassionate end, to their lives.
Without euthanasia a pets breathing may become irregular. Dogs might develop a rattling sound in their chest due to mucus buildup in the throat. Their body temperature. Their limbs may feel colder.
Dying dogs usually can’t get up to relieve themselves. It’s important for pet owners to have pads and clean bedding for hygiene and comfort. Dogs typically lose interest in eating or drinking as they near the end.
The final stage of death occurs when a dogs organs shut down breathing ceases and the heart stops beating. If breathing and heartbeat haven’t returned after 30 minutes following death owners can be sure that their dog has passed away.
After death there might be some slight muscle twitches, an exhale and loss of control, over bladder and bowel functions as the muscles relax.
It can be quite distressing to witness as you might mistakenly think your dog is still alive. It’s crucial to understand that this is a part of the end of life.
How Does Euthanasia Benefit Dogs in their Final Moments?
Unlike the painful process of death euthanasia has developed to provide a less stressful experience, for pet owners and a peaceful transition for pets.
The euthanasia procedure starts with staff inserting an IV catheter into your dogs vein for administration of injections. Your dog may experience discomfort during the catheter insertion.
Once the IV catheter is, in place a sedative injection will be given by the veterinarian to help your dog relax and enter a state of semi consciousness. Subsequently the final euthanasia injection will be administered, leading to death within minutes. Your dog may stretch out fully. Take a breath before completely relaxing. Their pupils will dilate breathing will. Their heart will cease beating.
The veterinarian will confirm death by checking for a heartbeat feeling for a pulse and listening for any signs of breathing.
If you suspect that your dog is, in distress it’s important to seek advice and bring any observations of declining health or changes in quality of life to the vet for discussion. Depending on the situation the vet may recommend care, hospice or euthanasia.
Palliative care focuses on managing pain and providing comfort as a pet reaches the stages of life. It’s an approach that may not be suitable for all pets those with complex medical needs like diabetes or heart conditions.
Consider factors like medication management and physical assistance your dog might need when deciding on care or euthanasia. It’s essential to assess what would be most feasible and beneficial for both your pet and yourself, in situations. Is it safe for you to provide care at home based on your dogs temperament?
Do your cultural or spiritual beliefs, about care alleviating suffering and end of life choices clash with the palliative care plan?
Considering the Option of Euthanasia
When medications and other efforts to provide comfort are no longer effective in ensuring a quality of life for an ill dog it’s important to consider the compassionate option of humane euthanasia. While this decision may be daunting and many pet owners grapple with it choosing euthanasia is an caring choice for pets nearing the end than allowing natural death at home.
As dogs reach their stages of life their bodily functions start failing leading to a buildup of toxins that cannot be expelled by the body. This can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sometimes seizures. Unbearable pain, from issues or tumors can also make it hard for the dog to rest comfortably in one place while hindering their ability to stand up eat, drink or use the bathroom. While respiratory and cardiac failure may not be processes they can cause distress as dogs struggle to breathe.If your beloved pet dog has reached a point where their well being and quality of life are declining it’s important to reach out to your vet to discuss options, for euthanasia. Whether the procedure takes place at the clinic or in the comfort of your home timely decisions are crucial to prevent suffering for your friend.
Caring for a Dog in Their Final Days
During this time ensuring that your dog is comfortable is paramount.
Provide them with supportive bedding, such as cushioned or orthopedic beds. Have disposable potty pads on hand to maintain hygiene. In cases of incontinence consider using diapers. Remember to change them to prevent skin irritation or infection. Additionally keeping items, like blankets, toys or clothing that carries your scent nearby can offer comfort when you’re not able to be present. Spending quality time with your dog not provides support but also allows you to monitor their well being closely.
Ensure that your dog continues taking any medications if they can tolerate them; this will help manage pain and anxiety
When some dogs are not eating well they might feel nauseous if given medications, on a stomach. It’s an idea to talk to your vet about adjusting the meds to ensure they provide the relief. If dogs are restless at night they may benefit from sedatives to help them sleep.
When its time for your dogs moments you might find it hard to witness their transition towards death. Despite the difficulty being there with them will offer comfort knowing their loving family is by their side.
Deciding whether children or other pets should be present during a pets passing should be based on each familys circumstances considering the childs age and the animals temperament, in the household.
While some experts suggest that children and other pets shouldn’t be involved in saying goodbye others believe that witnessing their companion after passing can bring closure and understanding that the pet has moved on.