Signs that a pet is nearing the end of their life may not be obvious, and you may struggle to recognize or accept them. While subtle or profound changes in appetite, behavior, or mobility can indicate that your dog or cat is dying, each pet’s journey is unique.

Knowing what to expect in your pet’s final life stage can help you develop a plan for what to do when the end is near, which might include in-home euthanasia with Lap of Love. Although each pet and situation is different, many pets show similar patterns during this time. 

If your pet is nearing the end of their expected lifespan or has a terminal diagnosis, these end-of-life behaviors could be signs your pet is dying or approaching their final days with you.

1. Appetite loss

Pets may lose interest in food or water as vital organ functions begin to shut down and end-of-life behaviors set in. Your dog or cat may be reluctant to approach their food bowl, but continue to take treats, or they may stop eating altogether. An increase in water consumption can signal serious kidney or hormonal problems.

Encourage eating and drinking without pressuring your pet by warming their food, using food toppers or water additives, or hand-feeding them. These methods can temporarily help your pet overcome appetite issues.

2. Fatigue or weakness

Other end-of-life behaviors include sleeping more and moving less. You may notice your dog or cat seems tired after a short trip to the water bowl and back. They might struggle with stairs, walking, or standing, which typically progresses over time and may be accompanied by muscle loss. 

Ensure your pet has a soft, easily accessible place to rest, and help with essentials such as eating and going outside if they seem too weak to do these tasks on their own.

3. Abnormal breathing

Irregular, shallow, or labored breathing is a warning sign that a dog or cat may be dying. Particularly in a pet’s final hours, a gasping breath pattern (i.e., agonal breaths) may occur. Because breathing difficulties can be painful and distressing, you should seek timely veterinary care or rapid euthanasia to reduce suffering if you notice this end-of-life behavior in your pet.

4. Social withdrawal or clinginess

Dying pets may behave differently around people, often becoming more distant or sometimes more clingy. Choosing to hide or isolate themselves may reflect fatigue and a desire for quiet, or an instinct to separate oneself from others when the end is near. If your pet displays this end-of-life behavior, avoid forcing interactions, but remain close by so they can feel your calming presence. 

5. Incontinence

Dying pets may lose control of their bladder or bowels in the days before passing. Accidents can occur due to weakness, decreased mobility, nervous system problems, or organ failure, even after previously perfect housetraining. Some pets who are unable to get up may have accidents they cannot move away from. Using absorbent pads and cleaning pets frequently can preserve comfort for dogs and cats experiencing this end-of-life behavior.

6. Confusion

Some pets become mentally disoriented as they decline, which may reflect serious cognitive dysfunction or a health condition affecting the brain and inducing end-of-life behaviors. Affected pets may pace, stare, vocalize, develop anxiety, or seem lost in their once-familiar home. Medication and sticking to a routine can sometimes help these pets, although the behaviors can be distressing for pet owners, too. Providing a soothing home environment can benefit you and your pet.

7. Circulation changes

A dying pet’s body may develop cardiovascular shock, causing poor circulation and low blood pressure. The pet may become cold or appear pale or bluish from lack of oxygen. These changes indicate the end is very near; possibly within minutes. Emergency veterinary care with supplemental oxygen or fluid support can buy time until you are able to euthanize your pet to alleviate their suffering. 

8. Weight loss

Slow, steady weight loss is common in pets with chronic illness, but sudden or worsening weight loss can be a sign your dog or cat is dying. This phenomenon occurs because of metabolic changes and is particularly common in pets with cancer. In cats, significant and rapid weight loss can cause a distinctive, hollow appearance to the face. Supporting your pet’s appetite with enticing foods or prescription appetite stimulants can temporarily combat this issue.

9. Pain and discomfort

Discomfort from an illness or condition can become more noticeable in a dying dog or cat. Signs of pain include limping, trembling, vocalizing, panting, or flinching, depending on the source of the pain. Some pets may isolate themselves to cope and hide their signs of pain, while others show obvious distress. Pain that cannot be controlled with medications or other treatments is a strong indication that it’s time to consider euthanasia.

10. Your pet is “off”

Sometimes, specific end-of-life behaviors are hard to pinpoint. Many pet parents seem to sense when something is off with a pet’s overall energy or expressions. Trust your gut as a pet owner, especially if other signs of dying are present or your pet has a diagnosis that makes dying more likely. Reach out to your veterinarian or a hospice care provider for further guidance.

What to do when you notice signs your pet is dying

If your dog or cat displays any of the end-of-life behaviors listed here, it’s important to discuss them with your primary care veterinarian or a hospice and palliative care provider like Lap of Love. Only a vet can determine whether a pet is truly dying or has a treatable condition after assessing the pet in person or via telehealth. 

Context also matters in these cases. In a young, otherwise healthy pet, the signs listed above may signal a treatable illness, and you should seek prompt veterinary care. In a geriatric pet with known diseases or risk factors, the probability that they are dying significantly increases. 

A veterinary provider can help keep pets comfortable in their final days, provide tips for managing health needs at home, and suggest pet euthanasia when appropriate. Some general comfort measures you can provide to a dying pet include:

* Providing a soft, easily accessible bed

* Using nightlights and rugs or runners to improve mobility

* Keeping food and water near the main resting area

* Minimizing noise and stress

* Using gentle touch and familiar voices

* Avoiding forced feeding or interactions

* Providing quiet companionship

Supporting a dying pet

Whether your pet is actively dying or nearing the end, you can help ease their transition and provide them with dignity and comfort in the process. Always seek veterinary advice when your pet develops new or worsening symptoms.

Working with a hospice veterinarian through Lap of Love can help you gain a complete understanding of your pet’s condition and recognize the signs that your dog or cat is dying as things progress. They can also help you plan for in-home euthanasia before your pet reaches this point. 

Contact us to find an end-of-life care veterinarian near you, schedule a telehospice or quality-of-life assessment visit, and learn more about what to expect and how to help your pet when the end is near.