Do dogs run away to die when they are old?
âNo, contrary to popular belief, dogs do not run away to die when they get older.â This is a myth that is often shared, citing the fact that wild dogs would leave the pack to avoid burdening the pack with their weakness.
There are no credible sources documenting this behavior in wild dogs and pack animals or proof that it continues with the domesticated dog. Some experts hypothesize that this is confused with the fact that sick and elderly dogs often fall to the back of the pack when they are moving, leaving them more vulnerable to attacks. This is the result of their old age and its impact on their body, including lack of energy, joint pain, and other physical changes and not due to a conscious choice to stay back.
For pet parents whose dog has wandered off, its not likely that it was a personal choice. Instead, your dog may have wandered off and was unable to find their way back. As dogs get older, they often experience a decline in their ability to smell, see, and hear, making it more difficult to navigate their surroundings. A sick dog may also be suffering from cognitive dysfunction, leaving them feeling confused about their surroundings.
For this reason, it is important for pet owners to take precautions with both dogs and cats as your pets get older in order to keep them safe.
End-of-life care for your older dog
There are some things that a dog owner simply cannot change no matter how much we wish we could. If your dog is nearing the end of their life, there are some minor changes that you can make to keep your dog more comfortable in their final days, weeks, or months. While these changes may not seem like much, they can have a significant impact on your dogs quality of life.
Regularly perform assessments of your dogs quality of life to make sure that they arent suffering. To do this, use scales or parameters that you and your veterinarian have decided upon. Hospice care is an option for anyone with a dog diagnosed with a terminal illness. This should be discussed with your veterinarian if you wish to choose this route.
What Do Dogs Do When They Know They’re Dying?
Your observations of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms are integral to making your furry best friends final days or weeks as stress-free as possible. Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, CPDT-KA is a veterinary behaviorist at Behavior Solutions and a member of the Daily Paws Advisory Board. She says pay attention to these signals:
Bergeland adds that if a dog is experiencing significant physical changes, he probably wont understand whats happening and become more stressed, anxious, or fearful. “As their guardian and family member, we should be prepared to provide them comfort and support and do whatever we can to help them feel safe.”
Do dogs wander off to die? Not as a general rule, but dont be surprised if your dog isnt as receptive during this time—its nothing personal. “If your dog wants to be left alone, if they dont want to be touched, go for walks or play, respect that. Make sure everyone in your household does the same,” Bergeland says. “Instead of cuddling or lots of pets or play sessions, you can show youre still there and support them by giving them treats, talking to them softly (even from across the room), praising them, offering comfortable spots to nap in the house, and keeping the house quiet.” Something as simple as your proximity and reassuring voice are also comforting.
Most of all, be empathetic. “Understand that when dogs are nearing end of life, their behaviors and personality may change. Be prepared for this,” she says. “Now is not the time to get upset about accidents in the house or not wanting to go for walks or whatever. Be there for them.”
Depending on your dogs symptoms, you might have to think of different means of palliative care, which helps relieve pain without dealing with his underlying condition. “Things owners can do to make a pet more comfortable include accommodations for physical limitations such as ramps, providing soft bedding as a cushion, pee pads if needed, massage, warm compresses, and feeding savory/tasty food,” Sinn says. “Anything that helps mitigate the dogs current limitations and discomfort. Certainly appropriate pain medication under the guidance of a veterinarian would also be indicated.”
At what point do you have a serious conversation about your dogs current state of being? Sinn suggests an assessment, known as the HHHHHMM Scale.
According to Merck Vet Manual, this scale refers to:
“Reviewing one of these scales as a family and with your veterinarian will help in having a meaningful conversation about appropriate next steps,” she says. “While its hard to let go, holding on too long isnt something we want to subject them to either. Using assessment scales help to track the pets status and inform us when things become too difficult for them.” Ultimately, she adds, its our responsibility as their caregivers and guardians to make sure they have a good quality of life for as long as practical and, if no longer comfortable, consider euthanasia.
Without question, your grief is a factor in this transition as well. And you know what? Thats okay. You dont have to worry about upsetting your dog more by showing what a joy hes been in your life. “If you feel like crying while youre comforting your canine best friend, then cry,” Bergeland says. “You love them and they love you.”