Immediately before dying, the dog will exhale deeply. You may be able to feel your dog deflate as her lungs collapse. The dog’s heart rate will drop from the normal 100 to 130 beats per minute to as low as 60 to 80 beats per minute, with a very weak pulse. In the final hours, you will observe that your dog breathes shallowly, and will not move anymore. Most of the time, your dog will only lie in a dark or hidden corner of your house.
A dry and sticky mouth, due to dehydration, can be observed. You may also notice vomiting. The vomit usually will contain no food, only frothy or sometimes yellowish to greenish colored acid, due to bile. This also comes as a result of loss of appetite.
When your dog tries to stand or walk, you will notice a lack of coordination and staggered walking. Possibly, your dog will not be able to walk at all. Your dog may lose consciousness or go into a coma immediately before death. Dogs that are nearing death and have suffered a chronic or prolonged illness may have a very skinny, emaciated look. Your dog may lose muscle mass, and the muscles may become very small and atrophied.
Urination will be uncontrollable and with little volume. Nearing death, the dog will pass liquid diarrhea that is sometimes foul smelling, and sometimes blood tinged. After dying, your dog will urinate and defecate for the last time because of total loss of muscle control.
Your dog can still do the things he/she enjoys, like walking around, being petted, playing, or socializing with other dogs, though in a more decreased frequency and intensity.
Gray or white hairs appearing in the coat, especially on your dog’s face. Parts of the body where friction is common getting bald or hairless. You may particularly notice this in the elbows, pelvic area, and butt. Dental problems, such as loosening or staining of the teeth. Some of your dog’s teeth may fall out, or you may need to have them extracted by a vet.
Placing you dog in a well ventilated and warm room. Providing comfortable bedding to support your dog’s joints and minimize pain. Providing (but not forcing) food and water. Spending time with your dog daily. Even if your dog is not up to playing or going for walks, he or she will probably still enjoy gentle petting and listening to your voice.
The relief of pain and suffering of the animal. To minimize the pain, distress, fear, and anxiety the animal experiences before consciousness is lost. To bring about a painless and struggle-free death.
Is the treatment for my dog’s condition not possible anymore? Is my dog in pain and distress that is not responsive to drugs or pain killers? Is my dog suffering from severe and painful injuries from which he/she may never recover, like severe head trauma or severe bleeding? Has terminal illness reduced the quality of life for my dog to a point that he/she can no longer eat, drink, move, or defecate on his/her own? Does my dog have an inoperable birth defect that will give him/her a poor quality of life? Is my dog suffering from a contagious disease like rabies that can pose a threat to life to other animals and humans? Will my dog still be able to do the things he/she enjoys when treatment is available? If the answers to any of the questions above are yes, then it may be time for the dog to be humanely put to sleep.
While your vet can offer advice, the decision to put the dog to sleep is still up to you in the end.
Severe trauma from vehicular accidents. Serious diseases that are difficult to treat, such as severe liver disease or uncontrolled diabetes. End stage kidney failure, liver failure, and invasive or malignant tumors. Contagious diseases that are incurable and pose a threat to the life of other animals and humans (an example would be Rabies). Severe behavioral problems, such as extreme aggression that cannot be corrected with behavioral therapy, that can pose a risk to other animals, people, and the environment.
The dog cannot eat, drink, stand or walk anymore, and has completely lost interest in these activities. The dog is urinating or defecating uncontrollably. Your dog’s breathing is labored, and the pup is unresponsive to emergency procedures and drugs. There are signs of pain, such as crying or whining continually, due to a terminal illness or injury. The dog is bedridden and cannot lift his/her head. Your dog’s skin temperature is very low, indicating that the organs are already beginning to shut down. The dog has large tumors that are inoperable and causing pain and immobilization. The mucous membranes, like the gums, are gray and dehydrated. Your dog has a very weak and slow pulse.
