Instructions
Watch for exaggerated symptoms of the disease from which he is dying. Depending on which disease is killing him, you may notice uncontrollable diarrhea or vomiting, refraining from eating or drinking and extreme laziness. Ataxia, the inability to control his movements, is a serious sign of imminent death. The mucous membranes will be pale or almost white.
If your dog is not old but is exhibiting the above symptoms, get him to the vet immediately, Unfortunately, dogs tend to hide their pain from their owners until the illness has progressed to the point it is almost unable to be cured. Every second counts here.
Listen to his heart rate and his breathing. A dying dog's breath sounds will be spasmodic and slow. You may notice that his breathing becomes erratic. He may also have a slower heartbeat.
Allow your dog to be near you. A dying dog will sometimes show outbursts of emotion, wanting to be with you no matter how weak he is. He will attempt to follow you, don't make him do this. Stay with him, allow him to rest in your lap or beside you. Dogs know when death is near and will want you with them.
How to Recognize a Dying Dog
Dogs precede us in death, this is a sad fact of life. Many people refuse to adopt another dog after the death of one dog, because the pain is so very great. This, of course, is doing themselves and all the homeless dogs of the world a great disservice. If your dog is in his golden years and you are worried you will not recognize the signs that he is dying, watch closely for the following signs.