Death is a part of life. As pet owners, we don’t like to think about this aspect very much, but sadly, it is one that we will all eventually have to deal with. There are a lot of articles online that are intended to help you understand the process of death when it comes to euthanasia, but very few that address the subject of natural death when it comes to our dogs passing. Although natural death does not occur frequently, we at Leesville Animal Hospital believe that pet owners should be prepared for it.
Even though natural causes of death in dogs are uncommon, if you have an older dog, you might be wondering what to expect if yours is one of the rare ones.
There are some indicators to look out for if you own a dog in hospice care because they could mean that your pet is transitioning from life to death. Although these symptoms can also indicate illness or other changes, when they co-occur or show a general sense that your pet is getting ready to die, you can almost always be sure that the end is near. It is always worthwhile to visit your family veterinarian or request that they make a house call to check on your dog if you start to notice these symptoms. Your family veterinarian will be able to confirm your suspicions and assist you in understanding how to make your pet more at ease with the process of passing on because they will have grown to know your pet over time.
The following are indicators to look out for in an elderly dog or a sick dog receiving hospice care:
You will start to notice some of these symptoms weeks before your dog passes away. Most frequently, these symptoms resemble the following:
As pet owners, we dread the realization that our cherished pets are moving on without us, but it’s crucial to remember that our pets do not feel the same way. While they will undoubtedly sense any sense of dread we may have, they do not fear the act of dying itself. For them, dying is as natural as living; it is something that “just happens.” Therefore, it is our responsibility to provide our pets with the solace and assurance they need for their own peace of mind. By giving them a warm, cozy place to rest (it is best to make sure your pet is on a blanket that can be moved), our company (or solitude, if that is what they prefer), and our assurance that it is ok to move on, we should do our best to make them as comfortable as possible.
Many people will testify that their cherished family pet clung to life right up until the moment they allowed it to let go. We can’t help but see this as a continuation of the enduring loyalty that our pets show us. Without the assurance that we will be okay without them and that their task is finished, our dogs are unable to move on. We owe it to our pets to provide that reassurance despite how much it may hurt.
When the time comes for our cherished dogs to pass away, many people are concerned that they won’t be able to tell whether their pet has truly passed away or what to do next.
There are several indications that your pet has left their body when they have passed away. The body will completely relax, and your dog will no longer appear tense; instead, they will “let go,” which is the most obvious sign. “As the last breath leaves their lungs, you will notice a slimming of the body, and if their eyes are still open, you may notice a lack of life. You should now check for breathing and a heartbeat. You can be certain that your dog has passed on if there is no longer a heartbeat and no breathing coming from him after 30 minutes.
The first thing you may decide to do if your pet passed away with their eyes open is to gently close their eyes once they have left this world. Many pet owners want to clean up after their pets after they pass away because they may have lost bladder or bowel control. To do this, they can use baby wipes, a wet facecloth, or a wet towel. The most crucial thing at this time, though, might be to take your time and spend the final moments with your pet. Take as long as you need to say your goodbyes.
Following your farewell, you should call your vet, or a home visit vet if your vet does not provide home visits. They will be able to confirm the death of your pet and, if needed, transport your dog for cremation. It is always best to have a veterinarian check on your pet before you do so, even if you have permission to bury them on your property. Some pet owners decide to bring their dead animal to their veterinary office. If you decide to do this, wrap your pet in a tidy blanket and call your veterinarian to let them know you’re going to be there. They can provide you with any specific instructions for your visit and let you know what to bring.
Your veterinarian can handle the cremation process if you decide to do so for your pet. Every veterinary clinic works closely with a pet crematorium. However, if you’d like, you can make the arrangements and go with your dog to the crematorium in person. But if you do, you must remember that it must be done right away, or else you must ask your vet to keep your companion’s remains until you can travel the following day.
When choosing cremation, you have the option of having a communal cremation in which your pet is cremated alongside other pets or a private cremation. Even though an individual cremation is more expensive, it is still a private process. You may have decided to keep your pet’s ashes after cremation or to have them scattered near the crematorium. You must decide what is right for you at this time.
If you don’t feel cremation is the right option for you but are unable to bury your pet on your property due to local regulations, you might discover that a pet cemetery is a better option for you. Every state has a pet cemetery, and each cemetery has its own procedures for burying pets.
It might seem as though your journey has ended once you have said your goodbyes and taken care of your pet’s final requirements. However, at Leesville Animal Hospital, we constantly ask our family members to take into account their own grief. Some people dismiss their own grief because they believe it to be “silly” to be mourning the loss of a pet. However, we consider our pets to be significant family members, and their loss is felt as any loss should be. As you move through this stage of your life, allow yourself time to grieve, acknowledge that grief, and don’t be afraid to look for resources for managing your grief. Remember to treat yourself kindly and that you gave your pet a lifetime of love.
Letting a Pet Die at Home
Natural death has always been around. When there were no veterinarians or anesthetics, this is what happened to the animals. The animal became ill and passed away in the owner’s house or yard. Pets can now be prescribed painkillers to help them better cope with the pain in their final days, so it doesn’t necessarily mean an uncomfortable death.
As your pet receives hospice care, you will observe various stages of health decline in them. There are several signs that a dog is dying. If you put your pet to sleep before some of these stages play out, your companion might not go through them. You must become aware of pain and accept all the events as they occur if you choose to let your dog or cat pass away at home.
Pain management is crucial if you want your pet to die at home. The problem with pain though is that often animals tend to hide the pain. In cats, pain is a sign of weakness that could make them vulnerable to prey. They, therefore, prefer to hide rather than manifest it. Dogs are often stoic and will not necessarily manifest pain in obvious ways.
It’s crucial to be aware of even the smallest indications of pain. Pets can exhibit pain without vocalizing it by becoming lethargic, losing their appetite, changing their behavior, hiding more, or moving less. In doubt, it’s best to have a veterinarian conduct an evaluation. Since blood pressure rises when an animal is in pain, blood pressure measurements may be useful indicators. Knowing your pet’s normal respiration and pulse rates can help you identify pain at home because rapid breathing and a rapid heartbeat are both symptoms of pain. A veterinarian may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to make them more comfortable.
Hospice care for pets is a new trend. Some continue to provide this care until the very end, while others put up with it until they decide to use euthanasia. Anorexia, behavioral changes, decreased urine production, altered breathing patterns, and diminished alertness are among the symptoms of the end-of-life stage.
Animals may at some point refuse food and water as they approach death. This may be difficult to accept, but this is normal. The body no longer needs fuel as it shuts down. Yet, hydration may help them be more comfortable. Your veterinarian can show you how to administer sub-q fluids, but in some conditions, like edema, fluids may exacerbate the condition and make breathing difficult. Consult with your vet.
Everybody wishes their pet dies in their sleep. Unfortunately, this is not common. You should be aware that you might suddenly feel the urge to end their suffering if you decide to let your cat or dog die at home naturally. If you decide to put them down, it’s best to always have a veterinarian’s phone number handy. When it appears that your life is about to end, you might also want to call a close friend or relative. They’ll be able to support you emotionally and assist you with the logistics.
Is It Time to Put My Pet to Sleep?
You may begin to consider those dreaded final days as your pet ages or as an incurable and fatal disease worsens. These are significant choices, and despite what some people may say, they are also personal decisions based on your pet’s personality, your personal beliefs, and their condition and level of pain. These choices will need to be carefully considered unless they suddenly pass away or pass on to a better life in their sleep. Here are some important questions to ask yourself:
Dr. Many people must consider carefully whether they are keeping the animal alive for themselves or for the animal, according to Babette Gladstein, a veterinarian who practices integrative veterinary medicine in the greater New York region. “.
I’ve noticed that many owners in the US frequently select the euthanasia option right away. Many people believe that this is their only option, or they may believe that it is unacceptable to let a pet pass away at home. Pets frequently pass away at home in other nations, either because there isn’t a better option or because people there have different perspectives on death.
This article will tackle both views. Since we are all mere mortals, there is really no right or wrong way to pass away. What matters is that the animal isn’t experiencing any severe pain. But it’s crucial to begin planning now so that you have a plan in place when the time comes.
Dog Dying Process and the Moment of Death
When the struggle is over and a dog dies:
| “I took him in my arms, lay with him on his bed, and told him it was OK, to relax, I will always be there with him. His breaths deepened and became more spaced. Gradually, he let go. I felt him completely relax in my arms. He went in peace, surrounded with my love.” — Reader comment from Leah |
FAQ
Can dog die naturally?
Yes, some pets do peacefully drift off to sleep and pass away on their own accord, but just like with humans, it’s uncommon for them to do so. While some owners worry about their pet leaving them alone, others do not On rare occasions, we are asked to assist families with their pet’s natural death.
What do dogs do before they die naturally?
You will start to notice some of these symptoms weeks before your dog passes away. The most typical pattern of these symptoms is as follows: between three months and three weeks prior to your dog’s passing, you might notice: weight loss, a lack of self-grooming, duller eyes, dehydration, and gastrointestinal changes.
Do dogs know they are dying?
When their time comes, some dogs will look to their owners for comfort. Staying with your dog during these final hours and reassuring them with gentle strokes and a soft voice are essential to saying goodbye to your dog with love and grace. Take a break from your job or whatever else is going on.
Do dogs go on their own to die?
But don’t be mistaken: Dogs don’t flee to die by themselves. This is a myth that equates the desire to pass away alone with signs like blindness and disorientation. Let’s examine the ways in which this myth has been spread and why it is false.