Losing a pet can be just as difficult as the death of a beloved human, but are the signs your dog is dying as easy to recognize? Our furry family members can’t tell us when they are suffering, so it is up to us to recognize the signs that the end is near.

We all wish our pets would pass peacefully in their sleep, but it’s usually not that simple. When a dog is very old or battling a serious illness, it is important to monitor their quality of life. When the bad days outnumber the good, it may be time to make a difficult decision.

In this post, we’ll discuss how to assess quality of life and recognize the signs your dog is dying.

Monitoring Your Dog’s Quality of Life

The Rule of “Five Good Things”

Veterinarians often encourage their clients to make a list of their pet’s five favorite things, such as eating, going for walks, chewing bones, etc. When a sick or elderly dog can no longer do three or more of these things, it is time to consider an end-of-life plan.

Good Days vs. Bad Days

When searching for signs that your dog is dying, it can also be helpful to keep track of how many “good days and bad days” your dog has. Think about what constitutes a “good” day for your pup. It could be as simple as eating their meals and going for a short walk without signs of pain or fatigue. On the other hand, a “bad” day might be one where they sleep most of the day, have an accident in the house, or struggle with their mobility.

Keep track on a calendar using check marks for good days and exes for bad days. This will give you a black and white picture of their overall quality of life.

The HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale

Veterinary oncologist, Dr. Alice Villalobos created the “HHHHHMM” Quality of Life Scale as a tool to help pet parents recognize the signs that their dog is dying. The letters stand for:

Hurt: Is your dog in pain?
Hunger: Do they have a healthy appetite?
Hydration: Are they taking in/retaining enough fluids?
Happiness: Do they still enjoy their favorite things?
Hygiene: Can you keep up with grooming and keep their skin and coat clean from bodily waste?
Mobility: Can they still get up and down well enough to go potty outside?
More: Do they have more good days than bad?

Give each category a grade from one to 10, with one being very poor and 10 being excellent. According to Dr. Villalobos, a score lower than five in the majority of categories may mean that your dog is dying and it is time to consider euthanasia.

Signs Your Dog is Dying

While the following are signs that a dog is dying, some may also indicate a treatable medical condition. If your dog is showing several of the following signs, make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss quality of life and create an end-of-life plan.

Pain and Discomfort

One of the most common signs of dying is often an increase in pain and an inability to get comfortable. Your dog may sleep more than usual and have trouble getting up or going outside to use the bathroom. They may cry out, pant even though they are at rest, or even show signs of aggression when touched in painful areas of the body.

Loss of Appetite

For many dogs, meals are the best parts of their day. If your dog no longer eats with vigor or enjoys special treats, it could be a sign that their quality of life is failing.

Weight Loss

Weight loss and appetite loss don’t always go hand in hand. Many dogs lose weight and have a slightly reduced appetite in their senior years, but extreme or rapid weight loss can also be a sign of disease. Cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and several other common old-age conditions can cause weight loss.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms dogs experience throughout their lives. While they are not necessarily signs your dog is dying, they could be an indication of disease or that the digestive system is failing.

Incontinence

Loss of bladder and bowel control could be signs of disease or an indication that your dog is having cognitive or mobility issues. While incontinence is not uncommon in senior dogs, it can seriously impact their quality of life.

Odor

As noted in Dr. Villalobos’ quality of life assessment scale, hygiene is an important factor to consider. Dogs with incontinence, dental disease, metabolic changes, and those unable to undergo regular grooming may put off a foul odor. This could be a sign your dog is dying, as odor can also indicate pain or discomfort from matted fur, irritated skin, rotten teeth, or internal disease.

Mobility Issues

It can be very distressing for a dog when their joints begin to fail and it becomes difficult for them to get around. Getting up and down from their favorite napping spot, tackling stairs, and even squatting to go potty may be challenging. Mobility issues can contribute to incontinence and lead to depression, making it a common sign your dog is dying.

Lethargy

Dogs sleep a lot as it is, so when they become lethargic at the end of their life it can be quite noticeable. If your dog no longer wakes at normal intervals or snoozes through meal times, it could be a sign that their health is failing.

Depression

Depression is a common side effect of dying. Maybe your dog has lost interest in treats or toys, or no longer runs to the door to greet you when you get home. Fatigue, pulling back from social situations, and lack of interest in their favorite things all indicate depression and could mean that the end is drawing near.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Does your dog seem confused or lost sometimes? Just like people, dogs’ brains often show the cruel signs of aging. This may result in symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s Disease, such as anxiety, confusion, and irritability. They may whine, pace, bark, or seem to get “lost” in their own home. Cognitive issues are a difficult and distressing sign that your dog is dying.

Detachment

Dogs love nothing more than to be near their loved ones. So sometimes the clearest sign that your dog is dying is their detachment from their favorite humans. It could be as subtle as heading to bed early while the family is still together in another room. Or it could be dramatic, like hiding in a closet or underneath the porch.

Signs Your Dog is Dying Now

The signs listed above indicate that a dog is nearing the end of their life. However, the following signs could mean your dog’s time has arrived. If you observe any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.

Seizures
Trouble breathing
Loss of coordination
Pale gums
Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
Unresponsiveness

How to Help Your Dying Dog

When your dog reaches the final stages of life, there are still things you can do to keep them happy and comfortable.

See Your Vet

He or she can help you create an end-of life-plan and discuss logistics, such as at-home euthanasia, cremation, and burial options.

Pain Management

When your dog is dying, comfort comes first. Your vet can prescribe something to alleviate achy joints or discomfort associated with illness.

Get Creative in the Kitchen

If your dog’s appetite has decreased, try offering different foods and treats. Now is the time to spoil your pooch with goodies like baked or boiled chicken and meat-flavored baby foods.

Minimize Stress

A calm, quiet home will help your dying dog stay comfortable longer. Try to stick to a regular routine and avoid disturbances such as noisy guests and home improvement projects.

Be there

The most important thing you can do at this difficult time is to be there for your dog. They may not be up for long walks or road trips, but your presence is enough to show how much they are loved.

A Note on In-Home Palliative Care

Palliative care isn’t just for humans. Talk to your vet about minimizing your dog’s discomfort in their final days.

Many mobile veterinarians even offer in-home hospice care for their patients. Taking care of your dying dog in the comfort of their own home helps prevent unnecessary stress and lets you say goodbye in a quiet, peaceful environment of your choosing.

Losing a faithful friend is never easy, but recognizing the signs that your dog is dying gives you the chance to make it as tranquil and painless as possible for them.

Signs Your Dog Is Dying: Is It Time To Say Goodbye?