How Do I Know When My Dog Is Dying?

Know when it’s time to euthanize your dog and give them the dignified departure they deserve

Co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD and Eric McClure

Last Updated: March 23, 2023 References Approved

Major Symptoms of Terminal Illness

|

Signs of Normal Old Age

|

Making a Decision on Euthanasia

|

Expert Q&A

|

Tips

How do you tell the difference between normal old age, temporary illness, and the final days of a dog’s life? We're here to help and will explain the signs of each. And, we'll walk you through measuring your dog’s quality of life against how much time they have left to gain key insight into whether euthanasia is a potential option. There are no easy solutions here, but you can still make an informed decision based on what seems right for you and your pup. In this article, we’ll break down what to look out for when it comes to end-of-life care so that you can choose what’s best for you and your dog.

Things You Should Know

Signs a dog is actively dying include labored breathing, an inability to control their bowels or bladder, a refusal to eat, and a lack of reaction to stimuli.
Slow movements, a change in appetite, increased sleep, and a decrease in social behavior could be signs that your dog is just aging normally (and not dying).
Discuss euthanasia with your vet if your dog is in a lot of pain. Your vet will be able to provide concrete guidance on when it’s time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Major Symptoms of Terminal Illness

1
Difficulty breathing If your dog is very sick, you’ll probably notice your dog's breathing becoming shallow, with very long intervals in between breaths. The normal resting breathing rate of 22 breaths/minute may drop to only 10 breaths/minute.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- 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 3 weeks leading up to the end, your dog’s breathing will become increasingly more labored.
- It might be time if: your dog is breathing shallowly when they rest and they’re refusing to move. Your dog begins to hide and pant in dark corners of your home.
2
Lack of appetite If your dog is nearing the end, they’ll show a very clear loss of appetite. There may be virtually no interest in eating or drinking water. Organs like the liver and kidneys may slowly shut down, which makes your dog lose digestive functions.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- In the final 2-3 days, your dog is likely to completely refuse food.
- Your dog may develop a dry and sticky mouth due to dehydration.
- 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.
- It might be time if: your dog refuses to eat at all and requires medical intervention to ensure they get the nutrients they need.
Advertisement
3
Twitching or involuntary muscle spasms Problems controlling their muscles is a common sign that your dog has a lack of glucose and other key nutrients. They may not respond to painful stimuli, or lose control over their muscles.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Dogs that are nearing the final days of their death and have suffered a chronic or prolonged illness may have a very skinny, emaciated look.
- It might be time if: your dog struggles to stand or walk, and you notice a lack of coordination or staggered walking.
4
Loss of bladder or bowel control An uncontrollable bladder and lack of anal sphincter control can be an upsetting sign, and it’s a big signal your pup may be at the end. Even the most disciplined or well-trained dog is likely to experience these symptoms, so try not to get upset with your pup if they go to the bathroom inside.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- You’ll typically notice minor changes in a dog’s stool about 3 months before it’s time to say goodbye.
- It might be time if: your dog no longer even attempts to go outside or they refuse to clean themselves after making a mess.
5
Serious changes to skin Your dog’s skin may dry out or lose its original shape (often due to dehydration because they aren’t drinking water). Their mucous membranes, like gums and lips, may be pale. When you press on the skin, it may not return to their original pinkish color even after a long time.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- It might be time if: your dog’s skin is irritating them or causing persistent pain or your dog has open sores or wounds that won’t heal properly.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Signs of Normal Old Age

1
A general loss of energy Is your dog getting a little slow but still able to eat, drink, walk, stand, and respond to your calls, they’re just getting old. Your dog may not suffering any particular pain, so consult a vet before presuming it’s time for euthanasia.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- You can tell a dog may only have 1-2 days left if they are unusually still and completely disinterested in everything.
- So long as your dog can still do things they enjoy and they get excited about things, they may still have plenty of years ahead of them.
- Your dog may be nearing the end of their life if: your dog is so tired they no longer greet you at the door. Your bond with your dog is a big factor when it comes to making the big decision. If it feels like your dog doesn’t have anything in them to give to you, it means it’s probably time to say goodbye.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
2
Less enthusiasm for food As dogs get older, they will likely begin to eat less than they used to. Older dogs generally require fewer calories and need less food than energetic younger pups. It's nothing to be alarmed about—so long as they’re eating and drinking water, this is just the normal aging process.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- Your dog may be nearing the end of their life if: your dog vomits regularly, refuses to eat at all, or experiences abrupt and extreme weight loss.
3
Excessive sleepiness Older dogs sleep a lot. So long as they’re still able to stand, move around, and eat, an increase in snoozing is pretty normal. A dog who sleeps and doesn't move around and eat is very sick, but a dog who sleeps a lot and still eats and seems social is just old.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- A senior dog may only be active for 20% of the day, which comes out to under 5 hours.
- Your dog may be nearing the end of their life if: your dog has pain that keeps them from falling asleep, they sleep in strange positions, they don’t wake up after loud sounds, or they’re active at nighttime and wander around the home.
4
A loss of interest in play time with other dogs As dogs get older, they may show less interest in playing and socializing with other dogs. You might find that your dog gets overwhelmed or irritable in social situations more easily than before. So long as they’re still social and occasionally playful, it’s okay.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Your dog may be nearing the end of their life if: your dog refuses to interact around other dogs and they’ve completely lost interest in doing anything they used to enjoy.
5
Your dog physically looks ill An old dog may have a few gray hairs and a droopier face than they were born with, but that’s not the end of the world. So long as they’re still reasonably content and they aren’t in pain, they’re fine.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Many owners report their dog developing a distant, hollow stare in the 2-3 days leading up to the end.
- It’s totally normal for a dog’s coat to grey and become a little dull as they age. They may also need the occasional tooth removed, or help losing some weight.
- Your dog may be nearing the end of their life if: your dog experiences uncontrollable weight loss, they repeatedly break bones, or they shake uncontrollably.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Decision on Euthanasia

1
Keep your dog comfortable in the days leading up to goodbye. If you’ve decided your dog’s quality of life is no longer high enough to justify keeping them alive, that’s okay. Make sure that your pup has a comfortable end of life so that they can die happily with some dignity. Continue to care for them, but take it the extra mile if you can.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
Go to source} You might:
- Feed your pup their favorite food, even if it isn’t the healthiest option.
- Provide pain medication to make them more comfortable per your vet’s discretion.
- Bring your dog to their favorite park.
- Take a few days off of work or school to spend as much time with them as you can.
2
Understand the purpose of euthanasia. Euthanasia is a gentle and humane method of ending the life of an animal that is suffering. Vets perform euthanasia by injecting the animal with a high dose of an anesthetic that will gradually slow and stop the heartbeat.^{[13]
X
Research source} People euthanize their pets to:
- Relieve their dog’s pain and suffering.
- Minimize the pain, distress, fear, and anxiety the animal experiences in their final days.
- Provide dignity and respect to your pet when they pass.
3
Weigh the pros and cons of putting your dog down. Your pet's welfare should always come first, so consider what’s best for them. Try to remove your desire to hold on to your dog and ask yourself what they’d want if they could tell you.^{[14]
X
Research source} Ask yourself these questions:
- 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 painkillers?
- Is my dog suffering from severe and painful injuries from which they 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 they can no longer eat, drink, move, or defecate on their own?
- 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.
4
Talk to your vet about whether euthanasia is the best choice. Your vet is an excellent resource here, so talk to them before making any decisions. They can properly assess the condition of your dog through tests and they’ll have the authority to tell you if the condition is still worth treating. Your vet may be able to give you an idea of what kind of quality of life you can expect your dog to have if you choose to continue treatment.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- While your vet can offer advice, the decision to put the dog to sleep is still up to you in the end. Don’t let the vet talk you into (or out of) anything.
5
Research the medical conditions that warrant euthanasia. In general, any condition that causes pain and suffering that cannot be easily cured or managed is a humane reason to put the dog to sleep.^{[16]
X
Research source} Here are some examples:
- 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 others.
6
Look for the signs that your dog is ready for euthanasia. If you observe these signs in your dog, call your vet immediately and bring your dog in for an exam. Euthanasia may be called for if:^{[17]
X
Research source}
- 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 their 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.
- Your dog has a very weak and slow pulse.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I tell if my dog is in pain?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Dogs exhibit signs like panting, shaking, whining, limping, lethargy, not eating, and being slow to get up, walk or go up stairs when they are in pain.
Question

Will my dog die if it eats chocolate?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Not necessarily. It depends on the amount of chocolate, the type of chocolate and the weight of the dog. Small amounts of milk chocolate for a large dog may just give it diarrhea. Dark chocolate (that has more chocolate in it) is more dangerous. Contact your veterinarian if your dog eats chocolate.