Are dog leg twitches or stiffness normal during the dying process?

These are the typical signs of a dog dying, The twitching may just be reflexes, and the mouth opening and closing is the unconscious brain which is not getting oxygen (because the heart already stiopped beating) telling the lungs to breathe. But, at that time the dog is already dead. I am sorry for your loss.

Hi! Sorry to hear about Cassie. It is normal for a pet to pass urine and stool after dying. The urine and stool that are normally held inside the body passively leave the body, as all of the body sphincters relax. Stiffness is a natural process after death as well, which is called rigor mortis, which is caused by chemical changes in the muscles after death.

I would recommend that you get Sophie in to see your veterinarian. A thorough physical exam will help you and your vet determine if there is pain anywhere (arthritis, etc) that may be causing her to slow down. It would also be indicated to run some blood tests on her to see if there are any other medical issues going on that may be causing her symptoms. Pain can sometimes cause twitching or small muscle spasms --especially if they are having back or neck pain. If that's the case your vet may be able to recommend therapeutic laser treatments and/or acupuncture. These methods of treatment along with medications can make a huge difference. I am so sorry we weren't able to get to your question sooner. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I'm so very sorry that you had such a traumatic experience with losing Lani. What it sounds like you are describing as her last breaths are something called agonal breathing. It occurs after consciousness is lost. It is an unconscious reaction that we will sometimes see just before a dog dies. From your description of events, I suspect that Lani died in her sleep. When her heart stopped, her body had some unconscious reactions that look disturbing to us, but she was likely already gone or at least unconscious by then. I hope that was helpful in allowing you to understand what occurred yesterday. My deepest sympathies in your loss of Lani.

I am so sorry about Nubby. It definitely sounds like it is time for an exam/consult re: humane euthanasia with a veterinarian you are comfortable with. Yelping when moved, panting and shaking when at rest are likely signs that Nubby is in pain. Incontinence and inability to use her back legs are definite factors that diminish quality of life. Wishing you strength and love during this difficult time.

Hello. This is a difficult question to answer, but for the most part you might see loss of consciousness, or extreme lethargy/weakness, no appetite, unable to rise to drink, dull mentation or no response to stimuli, pale mucous membranes, labored or very shallow breathing, & a glazed look to the eyes. These would all be indications that death is near. I hope you are not experiencing this with your pet & this is just a curiosity question. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

His doesn't sound like anything to be concerned about. She is getting older so it is udnerstandsble that she may not rouse as easily as she once did in her younger years. Also the description of events suggest she was having very vivid dreams and the eye twitching is normal when a pet is asleep. This is an indication of REM sleep. Also pets are often limp when they are completely asleep. However if you still are concerned about Precious, then there are no issues with taking her in to your vet for a standard physical exam to ensure she is in healthy condition.