Old dog lying down asleep while its owners strokes it

Dogs are often a big part of a family and can be an emotional support to many pet owners. So, when it's time to say goodbye, it can often be difficult to notice the signs - not least because we want to keep them with us forever. 

But what is dog end of life care and how do you know when to start administering it?

Dog End Of Life Care At Home

If your pet has an illness or old age that is preventing them from being able to perform their normal behaviours, there are some changes you can make at home to help keep your dog comfortable and provide end-of-life care.

Keeping your dog clean and dry will help prevent skin infections; this includes washing them regularly and providing multiple beds if they've lost control of their bladder and bowel movements.

Providing soft, padded bedding can help relieve any pressure on their joints and help keep older pets warm. Older and sick dogs can become fussy with their food, and you may have to hand feed them or tempt them with their favourite food, such as cooked chicken.

If your dog struggles to walk to their water bowl, you may need to offer them drinking water regularly. Or provide multiple drinking bowls near their favourite sleeping locations to prevent dehydration. You can also carry them (depending on their size and your physical ability) to the garden, offering them the opportunity to go to the toilet and providing mental enrichment.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Dying?

Signs a dog is dying can vary depending on the cause. For many dogs, there's just a gradual slowing down, followed by a peaceful ending.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and dogs with underlying illnesses or injuries may exhibit signs of pain or discomfort, including panting, refusing to move, unsettled behaviour, yawning or aggression. All dogs suffering from discomfort should have pain relief provided, and pain management should be discussed with your vet.

It's often harder to notice the signs a dog is dying from old age because it's a slow process.

Signs of Old Age in Dogs

Common signs of old age in dogs include:

Any symptoms linked to their health conditions may worsen. They may initially have more good days than bad. With time, there will be more bad days as they deteriorate.

Another cause of dogs dying is accidents; these can include being hit by a car, dog fights or even toxicities. The end of life signs in dogs who have been involved in a sudden accident or acute illness can be distressing and it can make the grieving process difficult.

Knowing When to Put a Dog to Sleep

There is no correct choice as to whether to let your dog pass away at home or to put them to sleep. The choice should be made by the dog's family with their best interests in mind, taking into account the family's own beliefs.

What Happens When a Dog is Put to Sleep?

Pet euthanasia, or putting a dog to sleep, is where a vet ends a dog's life by injecting them with an overdose of anaesthetic. It's a peaceful process and can prevent prolonged suffering. It's often seen as selfless as you choose to end your dog's suffering despite it inflicting grief on yourself.

Making the decision to end your pet's life can feel like an overwhelming responsibility, but you don't need to make this decision alone – your veterinary team is there to help and support you.

When discussing the end of your dog's life, your vet may discuss your dog's usual routine and behaviours. They can also use a dog quality of life scale (or QoL scale) to help assess your dog's quality of life.

How to Deal With Dog Euthanasia

Most veterinary practices offer euthanasia in the practice or at your home, and you can choose whether you want to be with your pet whilst they're put to sleep.

If you have any questions about the process, you can speak to your veterinary team, and they'll be able to explain everything to you. Do not feel like you cannot be emotional or that you cannot ask certain questions. If you choose to put your pet to sleep, it's an important part of your grieving process to be comfortable with your decision and understand everything that takes place.

Your veterinary team will be happy to support you while you make a difficult decision. Your dog should be provided with suitable pain relief and medication for their health conditions regardless. Therefore, it's important to maintain communication with your veterinary practice.

Common Signs a Dog is Dying

Signs of end of life in dogs vary, but common signs that a dog is dying include laboured breathing, reluctance to move or seeming unaware of their surroundings. They may remain on their dog bed, or they can seem lost and lie in abnormal positions or locations. They may be unresponsive to your voice, and they can be vocal themselves, barking or crying.

Dogs generally have no interest in food and stop eating and drinking prior to dying. If you suspect your dog is dying, and they're unresponsive or unable to move, it's not recommended to offer them food and water.

If your dog is put to sleep by your vet, then they'll usually pass very peacefully. It's common and normal for their eyes to stay open. Occasionally, some dogs will make large movements or appear to gasp after they have passed away via anaesthetic overdose. If this happens, then it can be a shock to you, but your pet will have passed away and be unaware of this involuntary movement. Many pets will empty their bladder or bowels after they have passed away (either naturally or via anaesthetic overdose) – this is perfectly normal and happens as the body's muscles relax after death.

What to Do When Your Dog Passes Away

When your dog has passed away, they may become rigid, and you may notice a significant decrease in their body temperature. If your dog has passed away, call your veterinary practice, and they'll be able to discuss with you the local pet cremation services. Alternatively, you may be able to bury your dog in your garden, depending on your local area's rules.

It's important to discuss your dog's end of life signs​, symptoms and any concerns or questions you may have with your veterinary practice. They'll be able to provide your dog with pain relief if they see any sign your dog is in pain or discomfort. Your veterinary practice will also be able to discuss whether putting your dog to sleep or waiting for them to pass at home is best for your dog and your family.

All dogs are unique individuals with their own distinct personalities and characters. Therefore, when your dog passes away, you should expect to experience the grieving process. Don't struggle alone; these feelings are valid, and it's OK to ask for help. Reach out to friends, family, your GP or counselling services if you're struggling to cope. Some veterinary practices have staff trained in bereavement support who may also be able to help. 

Everypaw Dog Insurance

Everypaw's Dog Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis - www.vetlexicon.com/canis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.

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