15 signs a dog wants to die [2024] –

When a dog wants to die, there are usually visible behavioral signs such as severe disinterest, irritability, social distance or increased sleeping. Other signs include loss of appetite, pale gums and a cool body temperature.

Saying goodbye to a dog is one of the hardest tasks as a dog owner. Because the four-legged friends are an integral part of the family.

In old and chronically ill dogs, the dying phase usually progresses slowly. I have experienced this twice with my previous Labradors.

It is important to provide emotional support here. You can usually recognize actual death when there is no pulse or the bladder suddenly empties.

The symptoms in the dying phase can also vary greatly depending on the cause. Below you will learn about the 15 most common signs when a dog is about to die.

Are you worried or unsure? Then click here to start a live chat with a veterinarian.

#1 Disinterest

Shortly before death, dogs often lose interest in things and people around them. Neither a treat nor her favorite toy can cheer her up here.

Even their otherwise relatively strong urge to play has suddenly disappeared, as has their energetic and lively nature. Instead, they have a sad and fixed look. [1]

#2 Loss of appetite

Neither dog food, nor treats, nor meat can motivate a dog that wants to die. Because here the body automatically notices that this energy is unnecessary.

Because basically, food is just the fuel that keeps our bodies and minds running. So why fill up your energy stores shortly before death?

#3 Social distance

No matter how sensitive and trusting your dog may otherwise be. When four-legged friends realize that they are about to die, they often hide and seek solitude.

This has nothing to do with him not loving you or you doing something wrong. Rather, it is a protective mechanism that dogs inherited from wolves.

#4 Pale gums

In healthy dogs, the gums are usually pink in color. This is an indication that there are enough red blood cells and oxygen in it.

However, if a dog wants to die, the oxygen supply usually becomes worse and worse. This causes the gums to become noticeably paler and drier. [2]

#5 Restlessness

If the dog is suffering from pain due to injuries or illnesses, this is usually accompanied by severe physical restlessness.

You can tell if the dog runs around the apartment restlessly, constantly changes where he lies, starts whining for no reason or runs in circles in confusion.

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#6 Fast weight loss

Dogs often refuse both food and water before they die, causing them to lose a lot of weight. Diseases such as cancer can also be behind this.

I personally saw this with my own Labrador, how within a few days all of his ribs were visible and he visibly wanted to die. It tore my heart back then.

#7 Sudden incontinence

Both urine and stool are retained by sphincters. However, dying dogs increasingly lose control of this.

Shortly before death, it is often the case that the dog suddenly pees in its own basket or the stool comes out even when lying down. [3]

#8 Irregular breathing

Changing the rhythm of his breathing can also be a sign that your dog wants to die. Breathing often becomes increasingly slow and irregular.

In the case of existing illnesses and in breeds with a flat snout, a quiet moan or humming sound is more common when breathing.

#9 Low feeling of thirst

Shortly before death, dogs are not very thirsty. On the other hand, they also increasingly lose their swallowing reflex. You can usually tell by very small sips.

Sometimes it is the case that the dog wants to swallow but cannot. Gagging and vomiting are also common here. [4]

#10 Lack of self-hygiene

Dogs usually lick their own fur, paws and intimate areas regularly. This self-care is intended to prevent inflammation and fungal diseases.

A dog that is about to die or even wants to die, on the other hand, refrains from this type of self-hygiene. Because why should you clean a car just before scrapping it?

#11 Cool body temperature

The natural body temperature of dogs is between 38.3 and 39.2 °C. If the body temperature is significantly lower, then this is usually due to the cardiovascular system.

Because the primary mechanism for increasing body temperature is through good blood circulation. Shortly before death, however, this increasingly decreases in dogs. [5]

#12 Increased sleeping

When dogs sleep a lot, it is often a symbol of frustration, disappointment or illness. Neglected dogs also sleep excessively.

Under certain circumstances, there may also be signs that your dog wants to die. This is especially the case when nothing seems to be able to cheer him up anymore.

#13 Stomach problems

Near the end, many dogs struggle with stomach and intestinal problems. This is because the digestive system becomes increasingly redundant before death.

During this phase, sudden flatulence, diarrhea and vomiting occur more frequently. Affected dogs are also often sensitive to touch on their stomachs.

#14 Lack of motivation

When dogs are about to die or even want to die, unusual muscle weakness is often noticeable several hours beforehand.

This can manifest itself in the dog shaking when running, suddenly staggering, having difficulty with coordination or even falling to the ground without any motivation. [6]

#15 Irritability

The tolerance threshold for dying dogs is very low. It is therefore more common for the otherwise very friendly dog to growl, bare his teeth or even snap.

This behavior doesn't mean he doesn't like you. Rather, it is a natural protective mechanism that they inherited from their ancestors.