Signs That a Pet May Be Dying

Appetite

One of the first signs that a pet may not be doing so well is loss of appetite. A healthy pet will continue to eat regularly. However, a dying animal will often lose interest in food. A dog may not longer eat his or her treats. Cats and other animals will leave food untouched. This is a clear indication that something is wrong.

Another sign of impending death is decreased mobility. Old or weak animals may struggle to get to their feet without assistance. Your pet may no longer be able to run or jump as it once did. Limited mobility comes with age, but more extreme cases are an indicator of rapidly deteriorating health.

Your pet may be dying if you note that it is experiencing significant pain. Look for clues such as wincing, limping and crying. You can also see if there is an expression of pain or calm on an animal's face. Watch for poor posture, another sign that your pet can no longer rest or move comfortably.

Denning is one of the biggest indicators that an animals is dying. Pay attention if your pet disappears to enclosed areas and has ceased to relax in the normal places throughout the house. For instance, be concerned if your cat stops sleeping on the couch like always and starts curling up in the closet. Animals have the natural instinct to hide away from people and other creatures when they are dying. They tend to seek a quiet place to rest and endure their last days in peace. Common locations include closets, underneath the bed or beneath a lounge chair.

One last sign that your pet is in poor health is incontinence. Animals generally learn where it is acceptable to urinate or defecate inside and outside the house. If your pet is house trained, a sudden change in toilet habits can indicate impending death. An animal will try not to soil an area where they rest or sleep, but sick pets often loose control of their bowels and bladders. Ask your veterinarian for more information if you note any of these symptoms.