Kidneys are an essential part of the body. They remove waste substances from the bloodstream and help to regulate body fluids. Some dogs may display early signs of kidney disease, but its not typically presented as a serious illness until more than two thirds of kidney function has been lost. If your dog is six years or older, regular checkups for early detection of kidney disease are essential to prolonging your dog’s life. This requires a blood test and urine analysis at your vet’s office.
Damages of the kidneys can be caused by various injuries, different types of infection, some forms of cancer or even toxins. Once this damage is done there’s not typically much that can be done to reverse it. Dogs can be more prone to kidney failure or disease based on:
· Age
· Breen
· Food
· Environment
If you’re worried or just wondering whether your dog has kidney failure, look out for a combination the following symptoms:
· Increased sense of thirst
· Increased production of urine
· Loss of appetite
· Depression
· Decrease in weight
· Halitosis
· Repeated vomiting
· Runny stool
· Lack of energy
· Lack of coat shine
If your dog is displaying a couple of these symptoms, then you should take him into the vet as soon as possible so that your vet can make a proper diagnosis.
When a vet diagnoses a dog with kidney disease, it can be described as either chronic kidney disease or acute kidney disease.
Is My Dog Dying of Cancer?
If your dog hasn’t been acting like himself lately, and you suspect that the reason might be cancer, the best thing you can do is take him into the veterinarian’s office to get a proper diagnosis. There are many reasons that your dog might get cancer, including old age and genetic factors. But the symptoms are typically the same:
· Wounds that don’t heal
· A lump
· Swelling
· Enlarged lymph nodes
· Strange bleeding
Is My Dog Dying?
Losing a canine companion is never easy. Pets of all shapes and sizes can begin to feel like part of the family. Whether your dog is getting up in age or you’re just someone who likes to stay informed, sometimes it’s better to know the early signs that your dong is dying, that way you can prepare yourself.
Signs That Your Dog is Dying
The most common sign that a dog’s time has come is prolonged lethargy or disinterest. You can see that this is happening if your dog has been lying in one spot for a long time. Especially if it’s a spot that he doesn’t normally lay in or if it’s a spot that’s far away from people and other animals. Searching for a spot to be alone to lay and die is something that many animals do.
Lack of appetite
Another sign is if your dog no longer has an appetite. Dogs are generally excited to have food placed in front of them. If your dog is even refusing his favorite treat, that’s a sign that there’s something seriously wrong. Your dog will also stop drinking water.
This happens because their internal organs have begun to shut down and they will no longer feel sensations of hunger or thirst. You can try to keep your dog hydrated by feeding him water through a syringe or dropper. If he refuses to swallow the water, there’s not much that you can do.
If it’s only been a couple of days that your dog has stopped eating or drinking, take him to the vet to get examined for other health problems before jumping to the conclusion that he’s dying.
Not Getting Up to Relieve Himself
When a dog is dying and his internal organs start shutting down, he’s going to lose control of when he relieves himself. Your dog might also lave diarrhea or watery stool. Try to keep him as clean as possible through this process so that his discomfort is minimized in every way possible.
Loss of Balance
Another indicator that your dog may be dying is that he’ll be wobbly or disoriented when he tries to walk around. If you can see that this is starting to happen, combined with some of the other previously mentioned symptoms, don’t encourage your dog to get up or walk around. The best thing you can do for
your canine pal is create a safe, cozy space for him to stay in until he passes. He’ll likely be sad, scared and want you there with him to make him feel safe. This leads to the next sign.
Seeking Your Comfort
Some dogs, especially those that have been injured or are simply suffering from old age, may know that their time has come. The last thing that you want is for your loyal companion to face these final moments alone. For some dogs it may take days and for others it may only be a matter of hours. While this may be heartbreaking to do, stay with your dog during this time and try to stay strong for your canine pal so as not to distress him even more. Let him know you love him and he’s not alone.
Treat Your Dog
Now is the time to give your dog one last treat. It doesn’t have to be food. If your dog loved to be outside in the backyard or at a park, wrap him up in a comfortable blanket and sit with him there. You can let him pass there if that’s what you want. Make sure he has his favorite toys with him too. Sometimes even the scent of something can bring a dog comfort. Remember that the goal is for your dog to pass as peacefully as possible.
How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Die Naturally?
There is no set time frame on how long before your dog will pass after the dying process has already started. Every situation is different. The hope is always that death will come with as little pain and suffering as possible.