How to understand that a dog is dying. Sudden death of dogs and cats. How to avoid. What to do before euthanasia

Dogs are man's most faithful and devoted friends. They give people their love absolutely unselfishly. Once you let a four-legged dog into your home, you begin to understand that not only a dog is attached to a person.

The man himself also becomes quite attached to his dog. That is why when a pet dies, real grief happens. Find out what to do and how to survive the loss in this article.

How to understand that a dog is dying

There are several signs of behavior that can be used to determine that a pet may soon leave this world. This:

If the dog is seriously ill and suffering, then it is better. The dog may not die a natural death: it may be hit by a car.

What to do when your pet dies

Unfortunately, none of the living creatures on the planet have the opportunity to live forever. But despite this, a person still cannot come to terms with the departure of people close to him or his pets.

It is difficult to cope with the death of your beloved pet. While some are quickly ready to come to terms with the loss, others, on the contrary, will not be able to forget what happened for quite a long time and suffer. In both cases, it is worth consulting and talking to someone about this topic. This will make it much easier to cope with the death of your pet. You don't need to keep everything to yourself. This will be bad for your health.

If you have a child and he is suffering for a dead animal, then be sure to pay attention to this and help him survive the loss.

In addition, those who have other animals living in the house need to pay them as much attention as possible at this unpleasant moment. A cat, parrot or guinea pig may not suffer less than a person. If you forget about them, they may simply stop eating and die of boredom. That's why it's important to think about them too. It should also be said that in some cases there must be a doctor at the scene of death. For example, if the animal suffered from some serious illness, the doctor will remove the place where the dog died and quarantine it.

  1. First of all, you should not blame yourself for the death of your pet. You just need to understand that everything possible and impossible was done. Suffering will not help you in any way.
  2. You can try to start helping other animals in need on the streets or in shelters for homeless cats and dogs. Over time, it will become easier to cope with the loss. It may happen that after some time a person who has lost a dog will fall in love with a new one and take it in.
  3. You just have to come to terms with the situation and try, no matter how difficult it may be, to let your pet go. But this does not mean that the dog should be forgotten once and for all. You need to try to remember only good things about her. It’s worth taking general photos in an album or putting a photo of the dog in a beautiful frame. These memories will always warm my heart. And it should be remembered that the dog did not die. She simply moved to live in the owner’s heart and is always mentally close to him.

Life after death

Some people argue that animals do not have souls, and after death they do not go to another dimension, but simply disappear. Actually this is not true! Every living thing on earth has a soul. Animals see, hear and feel in the same way, so after death their soul also goes to a place where it is good and calm. There are also scientists who claim that an animal can be reborn after its death. The soul is able to leave the body of a deceased dog and settle in a small puppy, which was born at the same moment.

In conclusion, I would like to say that no matter how sad it is, you should try to find the strength to survive this grief without unnecessary emotions. The dog is no longer there, and the only thing that can be done is to preserve its memory. When a person dies, very often people say that a relative’s tears only make things worse. In another world, the soul of the departed will be restless. She won't be able to find peace. Therefore, it is necessary to control yourself.

There are still a lot of small and furry creatures in the world that do not have their own owner. It is much more difficult for them to survive in difficult conditions. The best option in this situation will provide . In this way, you can quickly overcome your grief and do more good, after all, even dead dog I would really like the fact that the owner helps her relatives. Any dog ​​believes and loves people very much. She will risk her life for a man. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a kind owner and live in warmth and comfort. Let the death of a pet force you to pay attention to those who are offended by fate and have long been in need of someone's help.

Attention, TODAY only!

No matter how much we love and are attached to our smaller brothers, unfortunately, sooner or later, like all living beings, animals go to another world. Death, even in relation to dogs, is a truly sad reality that all, without exception, breeders of these beautiful creatures devoted to us will have to face. But so that the death of a pet does not become a sudden blow, we will consider the signs of approaching extinction, by which you can understand that the dog is dying. Perhaps this knowledge will at least help you mentally prepare for the calm departure of your beloved dog.

The appearance of a pet in the house is not only a joyful, but a responsible event. From the first days, the pet needs proper systematic care, attention, care and love.

Important! The duration and quality of life of our little brothers largely depends on the actions and attitude of the owner and family members towards the animal.

We need to understand that our pets live much shorter lives than people. The average lifespan of a dog is 10-13 years. There are cases where dogs lived up to 17-18 years. But these indicators are individual for each specific animal and the life of a pet can end at any moment.

At the same time, representatives of large, giant, medium breeds can live only 9-11 years, small dogs live 12-14 years. Life expectancy depends not only on the breed, but also on many other reasons (care, health status).

Dogs die:

  • from old age;
  • viral-bacterial, infectious diseases;
  • invasive diseases;
  • incurable infections;
  • cancer;
  • autoimmune, advanced chronic pathologies;
  • congenital, genetic abnormalities.

Often the cause of death for dogs is severe injuries, injuries incompatible with life. Puppies, young dogs, and unvaccinated pets can die from illnesses (viral, bacterial) if treatment is not started in time. However, most diseases of infectious etiology develop at lightning speed, and the dog should be treated immediately after the first symptoms appear. Some diseases can only be cured at an early stage of their development.

Dogs die from potent toxins, chemicals, and medications. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, keep medicines and medicines at home in places inaccessible to dogs, and on walks, make sure that the dog does not pick up crap from the ground.

Signs of an old dog

Aging in dogs occurs in much the same way as in humans. The condition of the fur deteriorates, gray hair appears, and the look becomes dull. Elderly, old dogs become less active, move slower and more carefully, often refuse active games and outdoor entertainment, and during walks they are practically not interested in the world around them, preferring to lie in silence away from people and animals.

This condition can last from several weeks, months or up to a year, but provided that the animal does not suffer from any pathologies. The dog is quietly fading away, weakening, so be prepared that one day your beloved pet will leave this world.

Important! In addition, you need to understand that chronic, systemic pathologies can worsen in elderly pets. If the dog sleeps poorly, sleeps restlessly, shows anxiety, constantly whines, moans, refuses to eat, or other symptoms are noticeable, this most likely means that the dog is experiencing discomfort and suffering from pain. In this case, the dog can literally fade away before our eyes, especially with oncology.

The main signs of old age in dogs:

  • decreased activity, slower movement;
  • drowsiness, lethargy, depression;
  • weak reaction to external stimuli;
  • heart rhythm disturbance;
  • decreased visual acuity;
  • deterioration of coat condition;
  • changes in behavior;
  • violation of movement coordination;
  • sudden weight loss;
  • decreased appetite;
  • change in taste preferences;
  • frequent urination, defecation, unstable stool.

Read also: What to do if your dog has a bone stuck in its throat, teeth or intestines. Can you help yourself?

In older, older dogs, after 9-10 years of age, the shedding time increases, while in many, the fur does not recover several months before death. Bald spots and hairless areas appear on the body, especially in the croup area, around the tail, on the limbs, and sternum. The coat is matte, faded, and falls out in clumps.

In old animals, the teeth (canines, incisors) acquire a yellow, yellow-brown tint, are heavily worn down and may fall out. Dogs have a hard time chewing bones and hard food.

Another sign of aging dogs is a decrease in sex drive. Even hyperactive, loving males, as they age, cease to be interested in individuals of the opposite sex, and after 10-11 years they absolutely do not react to the advances of females. The same applies to females during the period of sexual hunting. Even during the rut, the bitch will do her best to drive away annoying suitors, not allowing them to mount her.

Other signs and manifestations of an aging dog

A sure sign of approaching old age in animals - loss of appetite. A dog that had an excellent appetite and constantly begged for treats from its owner may periodically refuse food or constantly undereat the usual portion.

Even if the owner gives his favorite treat, the dog may refuse it, but as a sign of gratitude he will lick the owner’s tidbit or hand. This condition is explained by a decrease in the body’s energy needs, as well as a slowdown in metabolism. Do not force your pet to eat or try to force feed the animal.

After eating, older dogs may develop metabolism, belching, and hiccups. It is not uncommon for dogs to vomit some of the food they eat after eating. Do not forget that due to age-related changes, the functioning of internal organs and systems.

In the gastrointestinal tract, with age, the number of enzymes that take part in the digestion and absorption of food decreases, and the number of beneficial intestinal bacteria decreases. Therefore, after eight years, veterinarians recommend nutritional adjustments.

The diet should consist of easily digestible nutritious food. If your dog is kept on ready-made industrial complete food, purchase products marked “For old, elderly” premium, super-premium animals.

Older dogs have a frequent urge to urinate and uncontrolled bowel movements. bladder. At the same time, even if the dog asks to go for a walk, the pet can relieve itself at home or in the entrance and it is strictly forbidden to scold the dog for this.

In aging dogs, unstable stools are common (,). The process of defecation can cause discomfort and be accompanied by pain.

Pay attention to your gait. Older, older dogs move more slowly and carefully. In some pets, you may notice an unsteady gait, frequent involuntary muscle spasms, and convulsions.

Sometimes there is a weakening of tongue control. In this case, the dog’s mouth is constantly open, the lower jaw hangs, and saliva flows.

In dogs, chronic diseases, pathologies, and illnesses become more acute. Representatives of large breeds are diagnosed with joint diseases, muscle weakness, and ophthalmological and endocrine diseases are identified.

Read also: Can dogs have sweets? Secrets of healthy eating

Recently, cases of oncology have become more frequent and, as a rule, cancer is observed in dogs of older age groups. Unfortunately, owners are not always able to recognize cancer in the initial stages of its development. Therefore, dogs are brought to the clinic only when the tumor has metastasized and in this case it is impossible to save the pet. The veterinarian can only prescribe maintenance therapy, which is aimed at improving the pet’s life and reducing pain spasms.

How to understand that a dog is about to die

Unfortunately, the death of pets can occur suddenly, as already noted, due to illness, severe injuries, severe poisoning, or intoxication.

But if the dog is healthy, understand that the pet will soon go to another world and this sad event will happen in the next 24 hours, it is possible not only by changed habits and behavior, but also by the following signs:

  • Shallow intermittent breathing. The normal breathing rate of an adult dog is 25=35 breaths per minute. Before death, this figure is 10-12 breaths/min. Gradually, the lungs stop filling, breathing becomes barely perceptible, and when the dog dies, it completely subsides.
  • Change in heart rate. Pulse dying dog thread-like and equal to approximately 55-65 beats/min. IN last hours before the death of the animal, it is practically not palpable.
  • Involuntary bowel movements (diarrhea), urination, vomiting. Very often, before death, animals involuntarily defecate. This is explained by the fact that animals are no longer able to control their body; their muscles are completely relaxed. Vomit and feces contain mucus, foam, particles of undigested food, and bloody substances. Urine has dark color, feces emit an unpleasant specific odor. The excrement may contain foam, blood, or foreign inclusions. After death, the dog will pee and defecate for the last time due to loss of muscle control.
  • Inability to stand up. A few days before death, the dog gets up little and practically does not leave his bedding or house. Disorientation in space and loss of coordination of movements are possible. Often, a pet, trying to get up, falls on its side or immediately squats. In this situation, neither massage, nor rubbing, nor medicines. The brain gradually dies, loses neural connection with muscle structures, ligaments.
  • Complete atrophy of muscle structures. A similar condition is observed in very old dogs, as well as in animals that, due to illness or problems in the musculoskeletal system, have not moved much in recent months. The dog's legs move apart, it is difficult for the dog to hold his head up, and the dog does not get up from the bedding. When palpated, the muscles resemble jelly to the touch.
  • Dry skin. Before death, the epidermis loses its elasticity. The skin becomes rough, dry, and does not return to its usual place if it is pulled back. This is explained by dehydration and changes in the structure of collagen fibers. The epidermis may look pale and bluish.
  • Loss, clouding of consciousness.

A few days before death, in dogs tactile sensitivity decreases. The dog feels virtually no pain. Moreover, if the animal is sick, to reduce pain syndrome, especially with oncology, you need to continue to inject or give the dog analgesics prescribed by the veterinarian.

You can notice involuntary muscle spasms, cramps. Before death, the pet reacts very weakly or absolutely not to external stimuli, regardless of the intensity of their impact. At the same time, it is possible that the dog hears, understands, feels you.

Adopting a pet into your family provides many people's first contact with death. It helps us come to understand the fragility of life and the inevitability of our own death. But when a person leaves, his furry companion is able to comprehend the permanence of this process, and this is what has always been very difficult for us to understand.

How might a dog react to death?

Undoubtedly, dogs react to the death of their owners in different ways, from heartbreaking to bizarre. One of the most touching examples is Hawk. This is the black Labrador that lay next to the coffin of his owner, a naval officer, during his funeral in 2011. Let’s not forget about Hachiko, who became a national sensation in Japan in the 1930s. He accompanied his master to the railway station every day and returned there to greet the man when he arrived from work. But one day, Hachiko's owner was unable to return, yet the dog continued to appear at the station every day for the rest of his life.

However, despite these and many other examples of behavior, it is very difficult to tell what dogs actually think and feel about the death of their owners and how intense their grief is.

Do dogs understand death?

University of British Columbia psychology professor Stanley Coren commented that all of his previous research shows that dogs have intelligence that can be compared to that of a two- to three-year-old child. Therefore, man's best friend is capable of experiencing pain, sadness and even depression, but probably lacks the intelligence to comprehend the permanence of death. Until the age of five, children do not understand some basic concepts about death, and they are unable to understand that it is irreversible.

This in no way means that dogs can be called stupid animals. A growing body of research on canine cognition indicates that they are emotionally complex animals with a high degree of social intelligence. For example, recent studies have shown: best friends people are able to understand vocabulary person while simultaneously assessing the tone of voice to decipher the true meaning of what is being said to them. It is this social intuition that allows dogs to form such close relationships with people that gives rise to such acute reactions in animals when their owner dies.

Abstractness of death

However, Koren insists that the ability to understand something as abstract as death may be beyond the capabilities of dogs. It is limited to humans and perhaps a small number of other highly cognitively advanced animals such as elephants and some primates. Dogs are actually very social animals and therefore understand that they have lost a person who played an important role in their lives. But they are unlikely to realize that their owner is gone forever and will not be able to return to them.

But how then should we perceive the behavior of Hachiko, Hawk and the other numerous dogs who reportedly waited at the graves of their owners for many years? Koren says they were most likely anticipating a return rather than mourning the death. The dog probably wouldn't have been particularly surprised if its owner had gotten up and walked out of the coffin.

How do dogs emotionally bond with their owners?

Most scientific research indicates that dogs see their owners as more than just food providers, and are actually capable of loving them deeply. For example, one study found that when a dog smells its owner, it experiences a flurry of activity in an area of ​​the brain called the caudate nucleus. This area of ​​the brain is part of the reward circuitry and plays a role in creating feelings of pleasure. In a person's body, this area can be very active when they are in the early stages of romantic love, which is known to be one of the most passionate phases.

Do dogs love us more than cats?

In another study, researchers compared the responses of dogs and cats that played with their owners, looking at their oxytocin levels. It is also called the hug hormone, and it is what makes us feel love and affection. It turns out that dogs tend to produce five times more oxytocin than cats when interacting with their owners. This means that dogs love us much more than cats.

The fact that dogs remain attached to their owners even after their death is testament to the emotional bond that exists between these species. And while this attachment may be partly out of ignorance, it is clear that it is much deeper than some cynics think when they say that dogs are only around because we feed them. A dog will not show a sense of loss and wait for its owner at the grave just because it is expecting a cookie.

Resurrection or return?

Decomposition human body releases almost 500 different chemical compounds, and tests have shown that dogs are much better at recognizing them than even the most sophisticated machines. So unless the corpse is embalmed (which happens quite often these days), the dog is able to determine where its owner is buried, which explains why sometimes the grave becomes a waiting area for a long time.

However, Koren insists that the memory of where a dog last saw its owner is more powerful than any residual scent. In the case of Hachiko, for example, the train station was associated with the memory of its owner. Therefore, Koren says that this behavior of the dog is simply driven by the thought that this is the last place where he saw the person who is special to him, and if he left there, he will probably return soon.

What do dogs really expect?

However, dogs do not expect their owners to come back from the dead because, as has been said, they are not aware that they are dead. Rather, they assume that the owner will sooner or later return unchanged, as if nothing had happened, to pick up his pet where he left it and resume the inextricable bond that previously existed between them. Thus, in some respects, dogs may be better off than humans, if only because they have a glimmer of hope regarding loved one, which is inaccessible to those of us who understand that death is irrevocable. At the same time, this hope makes them wait, in some cases, until the end of their own lives.

Even after death, our love for our beloved pets does not die. However, death - even for dogs - is a reality that we all have to face. IN last days As a loyal friend and companion, understanding the signs that your dog is dying will give you and your family plenty of time to mentally prepare and help you prepare for your dog's beautiful, quiet, and peaceful exit. Read this article to make sure your baby experiences as little pain as possible.

Steps

Part 1

How to recognize signs of death

    Pay attention to symptoms related to breathing. A few days to a few hours before death, you will notice that the dog's breathing will become shallow and at very long intervals. The normal resting breathing rate of 22 breaths per minute may drop to as little as 10 breaths per minute.

    • Just before death, the dog will exhale deeply and you will be able to feel the air coming out of it, as if from inflatable balloon, as her lungs collapse.
    • The dog's heart rate will decrease from the normal 100-130 beats per minute to just 60-80 beats with a very weak pulse.
    • In the last hours, you will notice that the dog is breathing shallowly and is no longer moving. Most of the time, your dog will only lie in a dark or secluded corner of the house.
  1. Know how to recognize signs related to digestion. When a dog dies, it may show a very obvious loss of appetite. There will be virtually zero interest in eating and drinking water. As death approaches, organs such as the liver and kidneys gradually stop working, causing loss of digestive functions.

    • Due to dehydration, you may experience a dry and dehydrated mouth.
    • Vomiting may also be observed, which, as a rule, does not contain any food, only foam or sometimes yellowish to greenish acid due to bile. This also occurs as a result of loss of appetite.
  2. Notice how her muscles work. Twitching or involuntary muscle spasms may occur as the dog becomes weaker due to loss of glucose. Loss of response to pain and loss of other reflex activities may also occur.

    • When your dog tries to stand or walk, you will notice lack of coordination and a wobbly gait, and possibly an inability to walk. Immediately before death there will be a coma or loss of consciousness.
    • A dog approaching death that has suffered from a chronic or long-term illness will appear very emaciated. Muscle tissue will be lost and the muscles will atrophy or become very small.
  3. Pay attention to her toilet habits. Another sign is a lack of bladder and anal sphincter control. Before dying, dogs often urinate and defecate uncontrollably; this is observed even in the most trained and disciplined dogs.

    • In this case, urination becomes uncontrollable and small in volume.
    • Closer to death, dogs experience liquid diarrhea, sometimes with unpleasant smell, and sometimes with a hint of blood.
    • After death, dogs urinate and defecate for the last time due to complete loss of muscle control.
  4. Pay attention to the condition of her skin. The skin will become dry and will not return back to its place if you pinch it - it's all about dehydration. Mucous membranes such as gums and lips will become pale; when pressed, they will not return to their original pinkish color even after a long time (one second is the normal recovery time for gums to return to their original color).

    Part 2

    How to recognize old age
    1. Pay attention to how agile your dog is. If the dog slows down in its movements, but is still able to eat, drink, walk, stand on its own and can still respond to your calls, this is simply a sign of old age. In this case, she is not suffering from any specific pain, she is simply getting older.

      • If your dog can still do the things he loves, such as going for walks, getting affection, playing or interacting with other dogs, but with less frequency and intensity, it's all down to old age.
    2. Pay attention to how much she eats. Old age can be noticed when a dog begins to eat less, but still regularly. As dogs get older (and people too), they tend to burn fewer calories and need less food. There's nothing to worry about - it's just the way life works.

      Notice how much she sleeps. An older dog will sleep more and more while still being able to stand, move around and then eat. A dog that is sleeping but not moving or eating is likely very sick; A dog that sleeps a lot but still eats and seems sociable is getting older.

      Pay attention to how she behaves around other dogs. Losing interest in sexual activity, despite the presence of the opposite sex, is a sign of old age. Once again, dogs are not much different from people - after a while they just settle for less in life.

    3. Notice how she looks. Some things will show as you age. Look for the following:

      • graying or whitening of fur;
      • parts of the body that are frequently subjected to friction, such as the elbows, pelvic area and butt, become bald or hairless;
      • disappearance of teeth;
      • The whitening of the fur on the face becomes very obvious.
    4. If all of these signs apply to your dog, keep him comfortable. If your dog is already at this stage of old age, provide comfort by doing the following:

      • place it in a well-ventilated and warm room;
      • provide her with bedding so that she does not experience pain;
      • provide, but do not insist on, food and water;
      • Spend time with her every day: talk to her every day and stroke her head every day.
        • Some dogs, even when they are no longer frail and unable to move, can still respond to touch; some still manage to weakly wag their tail, while others react simply by moving their eyes (a testament to the dog’s devotion is that even in the last minutes of its life it tries to please its owner).

    Part 3

    Euthanasia of a dog
    1. Find out when euthanasia is appropriate. The Merck Veterinary Manual defines euthanasia or euthanasia of a dog as “an easy, painless death, taking into account the best interests of the animal, the act of killing the animal in a humane manner.” Its three main goals:

      • relieve the animal's pain and suffering;
      • minimize the pain, suffering, fear and anxiety experienced by the animal before losing consciousness;
      • cause an easy and painless death.
        • If euthanasia will provide her with more easy way leave, it may be appropriate. Will this be better for your baby in the long run?
    2. Think carefully about euthanasia. When it comes to deciding whether euthanasia is right, the welfare of the pet should always come first. Try to put aside your attachment, emotions and pride. Don't prolong her life for your sake. This is more humane, and it is your responsibility as the owner to provide your dog with a humane, painless death. Ask yourself the following questions: :

      • Is further treatment impossible for the dog's condition?
      • Is the dog experiencing pain and suffering that is unresponsive to medications and painkillers?
      • Is your dog suffering from severe, painful injuries from which he may never recover, such as amputations, severe head trauma, or severe bleeding?
      • Has a terminal illness reduced the dog's quality of life to the point where he can no longer eat, drink, move or defecate on his own?
      • Does the dog have an inoperable birth defect that will cause low quality her life?
      • Is the dog suffering from a contagious disease such as rabies that could be life-threatening to other animals and people?
      • Will the dog still be able to do what he likes even if treatment is possible?
        • Note: If the answers to these questions are yes, it is time to humanely euthanize your dog.
    3. When making the decision to euthanize, know that your veterinarian will be your best guide. He will be able to properly assess the dog's condition through research and will have the power to tell you whether the condition is treatable or whether your dog's life is coming to an end and needs to be put down.

      • However, it is the owner who ultimately gives permission for the dog to be euthanized or euthanized. What conditions would cause you to consider euthanasia?
    4. Know the medical conditions that warrant euthanasia. In general, any condition that causes pain and suffering, whether acute or chronic, is a reason for humane euthanasia. Here are some examples:

      • Car accidents.
      • Severe and treatment-resistant cases of demodicosis.
      • End stage renal failure, liver failure and very invasive or malignant tumors.
      • Incurable and threatening to the lives of other animals and people infectious diseases(an example would be rabies).
      • The animal suffers from severe behavioral problems, such as extreme aggression, even after behavioral therapy, which can pose a danger to other animals, people and the environment.
    5. Know what signs indicate an animal is ready to be euthanized. These include:

      • The dog can no longer eat, drink, stand or walk, has completely lost interest and does not try to do so.
      • The dog is already weak and involuntarily urinates and defecates.
      • In case of respiratory failure, when breathing is difficult and the dog does not respond to urgent measures and medications.
      • If there are signs of pain, such as constant screaming or whining, due to a terminal illness.
      • The dog cannot raise its head and constantly lies down.
      • Extremely low temperature, which can be felt on the dog’s skin, will be a symptom that its organs are already stopping their work.
      • The dog has very large tumors that are no longer operable and cause pain and immobility.
      • Mucous membranes such as the gums are already gray and dehydrated.
      • Very weak and slow pulse.
        • If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended that you call your veterinarian to help you evaluate your dog's condition. The vet will give you professional advice, which can help you make a decision.

Just like a person, a dog ages and dies. This is a difficult period for the owner, but he must come to terms with it. The main thing is not to force the animal to suffer. You shouldn’t scoff, artificially supporting life with various drugs. But how do you know how dogs die? What signs and symptoms can tell that your pet doesn’t have long left?

Causes of death

The first is age. If you live with a dog for quite a long time, you need to be prepared that the animal may die. The fact is that the average life of a dog is 14 years. But there are pets that can live to be 17 or longer. It all depends on the breed of the dog. Some, such as pugs or English bulldogs, rarely live beyond 7 years.

But if the reason does not lie in the dog’s old age, you need to think about what else the animal might die from. This could be an injury that the pet received in a fight with another dog, or a congenital disease or defect. More serious illnesses, such as cancer or an incurable infection, may also cause death.

Alarming symptoms

  • If the dog is injured in an accident, he may leave to die outside the home. Dogs do not want to show their owner how bad they are. Only in this case can you not notice the signs.
  • If your animal has been quite active but suddenly refuses to go for a walk or play, this may be cause for concern. You need to consult a veterinarian, get tested and undergo an ultrasound. When a dog feels bad, it tries to hide in a distant, quiet and dark place. Constantly lies and whines. He may not get up for several days.
  • The dog may also refuse to eat. If this happens and lasts more than 4-5 days, pay attention as it is a clear symptom of a serious illness. It is cancer that manifests itself in the dog’s refusal to eat. Another sign of this disease is constant vomiting. You need to go to the clinic so that the animal can be prescribed anti-emetic tablets. Sometimes a dog needs to be put down because it is in pain. Periodic vomiting in a dog may indicate infection or poisoning. If the animal has no appetite for several days, vomits, it constantly lies down and refuses to go for walks, perhaps someone has poisoned the dog. Poisoning also appears in the animal’s bloating and pain. If you stroke your pet's belly and he whines or flinches, he is clearly in pain. It is necessary to wash the animal’s body, introduce diet and vitamins.
  • An alarming symptom may be high temperature. A dog's dry and hot nose is the first sign. Dogs are susceptible to the same diseases as humans. Up to diabetes mellitus. This disease manifests itself in constant excessive drinking and trembling in the paws. It is difficult for the pet to sit or stand. Vision may deteriorate.

The question: how to understand that a dog is dying worries many animal owners. The slightest changes in behavior and habits are the main symptoms. May vary appearance. With a viral infection, the coat may become dull and fall out. If the dog is not treated in time, it may die.

Signs of death may include loss of consciousness, if it is observed systematically, along with convulsions. If you notice that your dog's eyes are rolling back or his limbs are trembling, you need to take the animal to the veterinarian immediately!

There are many signs, but to prevent death, contact your veterinarian about once every three months. Carry out prevention with vitamins and deworming tablets. But only with the recommendation of a veterinarian. And then the pet will give you a lot more joyful time spent next to you.