What are the signs my senior dog is entering her final days or weeks?

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.

Yes, a weak heart beat, pale gums, laboured breathing and unresponsive behavior are all indicators of a fatal crisis and impending death. Euthanasia should be considered when she is unwilling or unable to eat or drink

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Skye. I'm sorry she isn't doing well! She is definitely getting old and these signs are not good. You cannot leave her in this condition, dying is not a pain free process. You need to take her into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Her symptoms could be due to any number of things: * intestinal parasites (worms) * endocrine disease (Cushings, thyroid, Addisons, etc) * liver, kidney or other organ failure/disease * cancer * etc...... Her symptoms sound serious and I think you need to have her examined by your veterinarian. Weeks of weight loss and diarrhea is not good. Even if the vet finds that it is just old age there are medications she can be given to help her walk better and be more comfortable.

This is always a hard decision as our loved ones get older. My rule of thumb is to look for when they have more bad days than good days or they quit eating or quit getting excited about things that ALWAYS use to make them excited. From what you're telling me it doesn't sound like she is ready to be euthanized BUT you know her better than anyone and with her age and all of her problems, whenever you make that decision it will be be The Right time for her and you. She is so lucky to have such a loving family and to have lived such a LONG life. I hope this helps!

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.

This may be due to pain and discomfort or may be due to canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia) both of which can often be supported and reduced with medication. I recommend you schedule a full physical exam by your vets and they may wish to do blood tests to rule out any complicating factors such as kidney or liver issues which may affect the dose rate of medications in a senior pet