What Do Pets Do Before Passing Away?

Introduction

As pets approach the end of their life, they often exhibit a range of behaviors and physical changes. Understanding these signs can help pet owners prepare for the inevitable and provide comfort during this difficult time.

Common Signs Before a Pet Passing Away

1. Decreased Appetite and Thirst:

   Many pets lose interest in food and water as their body begins to shut down.

2. Lethargy:

   Increased sleeping or lack of energy is common.

3. Isolation or Increased Clinginess:

   Some pets withdraw from social interactions, while others become more clingy seeking comfort.

4. Restlessness or Confusion:

   Changes in mental state can lead to agitation or disorientation.

5. Loss of Interest in Activities:

   Pets may no longer engage with toys or activities they once enjoyed.

Behavioral Changes before Passing Away

1. Prolonged Eye Contact:

   Some owners report prolonged eye contact as if the pet is trying to communicate something profound. Pets can't verbally communicate their pain, so it's vital to be vigilant for signs of distress.

2. Sudden Bursts of Energy (Last Bloom/Rally):

   A temporary increase in energy before a decline, which can be misleading about recovery prospects.

Physical Changes

1. Changes in Breathing Patterns:

   Labored breathing or irregular patterns are common near death.

2. Circulatory Shutdown Symptoms:

   Weakness, coughing due to heart failure, and poor circulation may occur.

3. Muscle Spasms: Twitching and changes in gum color are also observed as death approaches.

   
   

The Process of Dying

1. The dying process involves several stages:

   1. Early stages (months prior):

      Noticeable decline in health.

   2. Later stages (days/hours prior):

      Sudden calmness, delirium, difficulty swallowing, and changes in breathing patterns become more pronounced.

   
   

2. At the time of death:

   1. It is common for pets to urinate/defecate involuntarily.

   2. They may pass away with their eyes open since blinking is voluntary.

3. After passing:

   1. Rigor mortis typically sets in within 3–4 hours.

A Hard Decision we sometimes need to take

Having to say goodbye to your pet isn't easy, particularly if that pet is in a significant amount of misery and pain. In that case, putting them down is sometimes the only option. While it is a difficult decision, it's typically the most humane option for certain situations.

Although putting a pet down is often in the best interest of the pet, that doesn't alleviate the uncomfortable and distressing feelings that come with it. This moment can be so emotional that many owners avoid being there the moment their pet is actually put down. They say goodbye to their pets before leaving them with the veterinarian to take care of everything else.

In the event that the owner has to take their animal to be put down, the veterinarian shares that while it is without a doubt a sad time for the owners, being put down is the saddest moment in a pet's life.

For pets, their owners are with them for their entire life, while pets are only with their owners for a portion of the owner's life. While it is emotionally trying for owners to witness their pet being put down, for pets, being left on death's door alone and afraid is the worst feeling they might ever experience. After pets are left alone to be put down, they search frantically for their owners, hoping to find a familiar face. They're afraid and alone and they don't know why.

Instead of avoiding having to face their pets as they die, it's essential for owners to stay with them. While this moment will be painful, owners have the joy of being able to comfort their pets as they take their next step in life.

Before your dog gets to the point where euthanasia is a consideration, and you’re still fairly calm, write a list of what gives them a good quality of life,” he writes. “Decide how many of those points they can be without in old age and still enjoy their life.

Understanding these signs helps pet owners provide love and care during their pet's final days.

Conclusion

Pets often display unique behaviors before passing away that reflect both physical decline and emotional connection with their environment. Recognizing these signs allows owners to offer comfort during this challenging period.

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**Additional Resources**

For further guidance on end-of-life care for pets:

- Consult with your veterinarian about options for hospice care.

- Discuss euthanasia when quality of life declines significantly.

- Seek support from veterinary professionals who specialize in end-of-life care.

By being aware of these behaviors, you can better support your beloved companion through their final journey.

Citations:

[1] https://thepetlabco.com/learn/dog/health-wellness/end-of-life-signs-in-dogs

[2] https://www.mnpets.com/blog/the-act-of-dying-what-to-expect

[3] https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/signs-dog-dying

[4] https://www.petmd.com/news/view/do-pets-know-when-they-are-going-die-36392

[5] https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/do-dogs-know-when-they-are-dying

[6] https://paigerechtman.com/stages-of-grief-after-losing-a-pet/

[7] https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/can-dogs-sense-death/

[8] https://www.animalleague.org/blog/tips/life-with-pets/stages-of-grief/

Disclaimer:

The information given within this blog is general and provided for informational use only based on the personal research of the author along with experience. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy and reliability in the given content. Readers are nonetheless encouraged to verify any and all of the information independently before doing anything they might have received as an idea or advice.

Neither the pet grooming studio nor the blog author is liable or responsible for errors or omissions or actions taken as a result of reading this blog. Users are always advised to consult professionals or do their due diligence to ensure that the advice applies to their unique circumstances and the particular needs of their pet