If I knew then what I know now about the physical manifestations of death, I would have saved myself months of second-guessing and guilt about how I ultimately decided to end his life. To say Rex’s sudden deterioration was a surprise would be an understatement. The first part of saying goodbye to your dog, is to provide as much comfort and serenity as you can.

Rex was leaving us and the only thing I could do was make him as comfortable as possible and watch over him to ensure his passing wasn’t painful. And when he continued lying in that spot and soiling himself, I knew. But the next day, as he lay in the same spot not eating or drinking, I began to suspect. The Telltale Signs a Dog Is DyingĪt first, I thought maybe he had eaten something that didn’t agree with him. The next day, he was lethargic, not interested in food or water and barely acknowledging me with a tail wag when I approached him. One day, he was his normal happy self - a little stiff in the backend as 11-year-old German Shepherds can be, but otherwise healthy. The first time for me was a few years ago when I had to make the decision for my dog, Rex.

It’s the thought of saying goodbye to your dog for the last time. For every person who loves and shares their life with a dog, the dreaded and inevitable day will come - the day when you question whether or not to intervene in how and when your dog’s life will end.

How to rest in 7 days to die