The Bond and Farewell of Dogs
Dogs are humanity's best friends. For every dog owner, a dog is not just a pet but also the closest family member. Many owners find their lives enriched and complete because of the love they share with their beloved dogs.
However, no matter how long a dog's life may be, there will inevitably come a day when they must leave. The heart-wrenching pain and endless longing that follow the loss of a dog can be deeply difficult to bear.
So, how should one cope with and handle the passing of a dog? Are there signs that a dog gives before they pass away? And what are the common reasons for a dog's death? These are questions that many dog owners grapple with during such a challenging time.
Top 10 Causes of Death in Dogs
With the advancement of modern medical technology, most dogs are able to enjoy a good quality of life under the attentive care of their owners, and their average lifespan has become longer than before.
However, just like humans, dogs can experience varying health conditions due to factors such as genetics, inheritance, and their living environment. Although current medical treatments can alleviate much of the suffering dogs may endure, some conditions may still pose life-threatening risks to our canine companions.
What are the main causes that often lead to dogs passing away? The top ten common causes of death in dogs are as follows:
1. Cancer: A Major Threat to Dogs
Cancer (malignant tumors) is one of humanity's greatest enemies, and it is also the leading cause of death among dogs. Due to the shorter lifespan of dogs, the early symptoms of cancer—such as decreased energy and reduced appetite—can easily be mistaken for normal signs of aging. This confusion makes it especially difficult to detect and treat cancer in its early stages in dogs.
2. Multiple Organ Failure in Dogs
Multiple organ failure can result from many different diseases or health issues in dogs. For example, it may occur in the late stages of cancer, or it could be triggered by pancreatitis caused by the ingestion of large amounts of high-fat, high-salt foods, which then leads to organ failure.
3. Cardiovascular Disease in Dogs: An Invisible Killer
Cardiovascular disease is also a common but often overlooked threat to dogs. Many pet owners only discover their dog has a heart condition after the pet falls ill and starts showing severe symptoms, which can lead to serious consequences.
The Taiwan Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine conducted a survey involving 410 pet owners and found that as many as 98% of them were unaware of the symptoms of heart disease in dogs. Furthermore, when focusing on owners of small breed dogs—which are more prone to heart disease—the survey revealed that only 51% knew that their dogs belonged to a high-risk group for heart conditions.
This lack of awareness highlights the urgent need for better education among dog owners about the signs and risks of cardiovascular diseases, so that early detection and treatment can improve the health and longevity of their pets.
4. Kidney Failure in Dogs
Kidney failure in dogs can result from genetic factors or lifestyle habits such as prolonged insufficient water intake, which can lead to kidney problems.
When a dog's kidneys begin to deteriorate, it often shows no symptoms in the early stages. Dogs are unable to communicate their discomfort and tend to endure health issues quietly. Without regular health check-ups, many owners only discover the problem after it has progressed into severe chronic nephritis, ultimately causing kidney failure.
Additionally, accidental ingestion of certain foods, such as grapes, can cause acute kidney injury and kidney failure in dogs.
5. Neurological Diseases in Dogs
The neurological system encompasses a range of conditions in dogs, including cognitive dysfunction, brain tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, degenerative spinal diseases such as intervertebral disc herniation, and vestibular disorders.
These diseases can significantly affect a dog's daily behavior, cognition, and physical activity, often leading to additional health complications. Understanding and addressing neurological issues is critical to maintaining the well-being and quality of life for affected dogs.
6. Infectious Diseases: Common Infectious Diseases in Dogs
Dogs can commonly be affected by several infectious diseases, including Rabies, Canine Parvovirosis, Canine Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis, and Lyme Disease.
Although many of these infectious diseases can now be prevented through vaccinations, it is essential for dog owners to take their pets for regular check-ups and vaccinations at the veterinary clinic every year.
7. Digestive System
Common digestive system diseases in dogs include diarrhea, acute gastroenteritis, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and pancreatitis. If not treated promptly, these conditions can potentially become life-threatening.
8. Immune System Diseases in Dogs
Immune system diseases in dogs can generally be categorized into two types: ineffective immune responses caused by immunodeficiency, and hypersensitive reactions resulting from an overactive immune system, such as allergic reactions and autoimmune responses.
It is important to monitor your dog's health regularly through check-ups and to rely on the expertise of a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and management.
9. Natural Death in Dogs
Natural aging and death in dogs are, of course, unavoidable. For dogs that have entered their senior years, most pet dogs receive very good care and tend to live longer lives. Ultimately, they pass away due to the inevitable natural aging process and age-related illnesses.
10. Other/Unknown Causes: Accidents and Traffic Incidents
Various other factors, such as accidents and traffic incidents, can also lead to the death of dogs. Therefore, pet owners should be extra vigilant when caring for their dogs on a daily basis.
In particular, when taking your dog outside, it is highly recommended to always secure their leash properly. Understanding the importance of using a leash, as well as how to choose the right one, is essential for your pet's safety.
If you use a stroller or similar type of outdoor equipment for your dog, make sure to also secure the leash firmly. This will help prevent your dog from escaping or jumping out of the stroller, keeping them safe during your outings.
Signs and Behaviors Before a Dog Passes Away
Aside from accidents, are there any signs that indicate a dog is nearing the end of its life due to natural aging? Before looking into these signs, please note that the following information is compiled from multiple articles and pet owners' experiences regarding conditions that might appear before a dog passes away.
Therefore, this information is provided solely as a reference for pet owners. If a dog exhibits any health issues or abnormal behaviors, it is still essential to seek immediate assistance from a professional veterinarian at an animal hospital.
1. Dogs Digging Holes: A Natural Instinct?
When dogs are feeling physically weak, it is often observed that they start digging holes in the soil. One theory suggests that this behavior is rooted in their natural instincts from living in the wild. To avoid becoming targets for predators when they are vulnerable, dogs may instinctively dig holes to hide in, quietly awaiting their fate.
However, this explanation has not been confirmed by animal behavior experts. In modern times, most pet dogs live in urban environments where there is no yard or suitable soil area for digging holes. As a result, dogs may adapt by hiding in dark or enclosed spaces instead, using this as an alternative way to express the same natural instinct.
2. Isolation from Family and Flock: Understanding Dogs' Behavior Nearing Death
Some pet owners may have heard the old saying from previous generations: "When an eagle dies, it flies to the sky; when a dog dies, it leaves home." This belief, especially popular in times when dogs were often kept free-ranging, holds that dogs, when facing death, choose to leave their owners to avoid causing them sorrow, retreating to quiet wild places or isolated corners to pass away alone.
However, this behavior is not quite as humans interpret it. The idea that dogs leave their homes out of consideration for their owners' feelings is unlikely. Instead, it may be related to innate behaviors that dogs have inherited from their wild ancestors who lived in natural environments.
Dogs are social animals that typically belong to a group or pack when in the wild. When a dog becomes weak or ill, the pack may attack the dying member as a source of food to ensure the survival of the group. Additionally, if there is a vulnerable individual in the pack, it makes the entire group a target for predators, reinforcing the harsh natural law of "survival of the fittest."
Therefore, the tendency of a dog to separate itself from its family or group when it is near death likely stems from an instinct to protect the group by not attracting predator attention or to avoid being attacked as the weakest member. This primal survival mechanism has endured through domestication, manifesting in behaviors that some may misinterpret as acts of emotional consideration toward their human families.
3. Loss of Appetite and Refusal to Eat in Dogs Nearing End of Life
As a dog approaches the end of its life, its bodily functions gradually decline, often leading to a decreased appetite. This can result in the dog refusing to eat. However, clinically, a loss of appetite in dogs can also indicate various acute or chronic health issues, or even psychological problems.
Therefore, if a dog suddenly stops eating or drinking, it is important to monitor the situation closely and seek immediate veterinary attention for a proper diagnosis.
For these reasons, a dog may choose to separate itself from its group upon realizing its body is weakening and sensing death is near. This instinctive behavior may still be preserved in some domesticated dogs today.
4. Caring for Aging Dogs in Their Final Stages
Fatigue and spending most of their time lying down are common signs that a dog's body is gradually declining. As dogs lose their strength, they tend to rest on the ground for extended periods. Their eyes often reflect anxiety and worry, and they remain constantly attentive to their owner's whereabouts.
For owners of senior dogs, it is important to spend more time accompanying their pets daily. Providing emotional comfort and reassurance helps ease the dog's distress. Allowing your dog to spend its final days surrounded by love and companionship ensures they experience a peaceful, dignified end to their life.
5. The Final Moments of a Dog's Life
As a dog approaches the moment of death, its body gradually weakens and loses control. Physical functions start to fail, and symptoms such as vomiting, convulsions, and loss of bladder and bowel control may occur.
If this happens at home and the situation allows, it is advisable to take the dog to a veterinary hospital for care. On the other hand, if you are already at the hospital, the best thing you can do is to stay quietly by your dog's side. Speak softly to comfort them and soothe any discomfort or anxiety they may be experiencing.
The priority during this difficult time is to help your dog depart in a peaceful, comfortable, and warm environment.
Handling the Passing of a Beloved Dog
When a dog that has been a companion for many years passes away, it is a deeply painful experience for both the owner and their family. Naturally, everyone needs time to properly say goodbye to their dog, but there are several important points to keep in mind during this difficult process:
1. Do Not Bathe the Deceased Dog's Body
Dogs may experience vomiting or loss of bladder and bowel control before passing away. Some pet owners, wanting to provide comfort and care, may feel compelled to bathe or clean their dog's body after death. However, this action could actually accelerate the decomposition process or cause more fluids to leak from the body.
If you truly wish to tidy up your dog's body, a gentler approach is recommended. You can use a damp towel or wet wipes to softly wipe the dog's fur and skin. Alternatively, using a brush to gently groom your dog's coat one last time is also a thoughtful way to care for them.
2. Regarding Your Dog's Eyelids After Passing
Please do not worry too much about whether your dog's eyelids are fully closed after they have passed away. Some dogs may have their eyes partially open when they die, and this is a common occurrence.
Some pet owners, due to cultural or traditional beliefs, feel that the eyelids must be completely shut. However, because of the natural anatomy of a dog's eyes and the condition they are in at the time of death, the eyelids often cannot close fully.
It is advisable not to apply any force to close your dog's eyelids. If it really concerns you, you can ask a veterinarian to help when taking your dog to a related facility or animal hospital. The vet can gently use surgical tissue adhesive to lightly hold the eyelids closed.
3. Handling Your Dog's Remains Promptly
Losing a beloved dog is an incredibly painful experience that is difficult to bear. However, it is important for pet owners to gather their strength and promptly attend to their dog's remains.
If you live in a humid environment with relatively high temperatures, your dog's body will begin to decompose quickly. In such conditions, it is strongly recommended to start addressing the arrangements as soon as possible after your dog has passed away.
Initially, you can place your dog's body in a cardboard box or a prepared container to keep it secure. Ideally, try to handle final arrangements within 24 hours, according to your personal needs and circumstances.
For detailed instructions on how to manage and handle your dog's remains, please refer to the guidelines below.
Who to Contact After Your Dog Passes Away?
Veterinary Clinics: If you have a regular veterinary clinic you visit and a familiar veterinarian, this clinic will often have partnerships with pet funeral service providers. After contacting the clinic, you can bring your dog there. Once the veterinarian confirms your pet's passing, the funeral service provider will begin assisting you with cremation arrangements.
Cremation options are typically divided into communal cremation and individual cremation. Communal cremation costs less, but the pet's ashes will not be returned to the owner.
What's the Difference Between Communal and Individual Cremation?
Communal cremation involves cremating your dog together with other pets at the same time. Because multiple pets are being cremated simultaneously, family members are not allowed to attend the ceremony, and the ashes are handled collectively by the crematorium, without returning any ashes to individual owners.
Individual cremation schedules a separate cremation time exclusively for your pet. This allows the owner and family to attend and witness the process, and once cremation is complete, the ashes will be returned to the owner.
The cost of communal cremation varies depending on your dog's weight.
Pet Funeral Service Providers
If you wish to handle your dog's passing with more solemnity and completeness, you can also contact private pet funeral service providers. These services typically include transportation from your home to the funeral facility, cremation, burial or placement of ashes, and more.
Additionally, they can hold ceremonies based on your religious beliefs and create customized memorial items to honor your pet. However, these services generally come with higher costs.
How to Cope with the Loss of Your Dog
Going for daily walks together, cozying up at home, and being greeted eagerly at the door — the bond you share with your dog through everyday moments is deeply precious. When a dog passes away, it can be incredibly difficult for any pet owner to bear.
However, because dogs generally have shorter lifespans, learning how to say goodbye and approaching this experience with a positive mindset is one of the essential lessons for every dog owner.
After your dog has passed, you can try the following suggestions to help with the grieving process and find emotional balance:
1. Sharing Happy Memories and Comforting Each Other as a Family
Sharing joyful moments from the past with family and supporting one another through sadness is important. A dog is also a beloved member of the family and an integral part of the household. When the dog passes away, every family member experiences feelings of loss and grief.
Spending more time together can help, as can offering each other comfort. Talk about the dog's adorable habits and the happy memories from when they were still around. By accepting the reality that the dog has passed, family members can find peace in knowing the dog has gone to a better place and is living a better life.
2. Coping with the Loss of a Dog: Finding Comfort Through Work and Interests
When a beloved dog passes away, life can suddenly feel empty and hollow. One effective way to fill these voids is by immersing yourself in work and activities that interest you. Engaging in these pursuits not only helps shift your focus away from grief but may also lead you to discover new passions and sources of joy.
Some pet owners choose to bring a new dog into their lives as a way to fill the emptiness and redirect their sadness and attention. While this can provide comfort, it is important to remember that every dog has their own life span, and eventually, they too will depart.
The healthiest approach is learning to face the loss of a dog in a positive and constructive way, embracing those memories while continuing to find meaning and fulfillment in your life.
3. Seeking Professional Psychological Support After the Loss of a Dog
The profound grief that comes with the passing of a beloved dog can be incredibly difficult to bear. If you find yourself struggling to accept this painful reality or having trouble managing the emotions that arise after your dog has passed away, it's important to courageously seek professional help.
After all, your dog would surely want their most cherished owner to continue living a happy and healthy life in the days ahead.
