Heartbreaking truth about dogs in their final moments - and ways to comfort them
Losing a beloved pet is devastating no matter how it happens.
We all know that at some point, our much-loved animals have to leave us - but that doesn't make it any easier to cope with. All we can really hope for is that they live a long and happy life with us and simply pass away from old age rather than for any harm to come to them. And our continued love for our pets has left some people wondering what they feel when the inevitable happens, with a recent internet forum asking the morbid question 'can dogs sense their own death?'
To answer that question, The Mirror spoke to PDSA vet nurse Shauna Walsh, who explained that while the inner workings of a dogs' mind might be a "mystery" to us, they can definitely feel when we as humans feel sad, so they may be able to sense something is wrong based on the emotions we show.
Shauna said: "Whether dogs can sense their own death is a bit of a mystery to us. They will of course be able to feel if they are in pain, or lethargic, but being able to sense whether they are going to pass away is an unknown. What we do know is dogs are able to essentially 'sense' human emotions – studies have shown both behavioural and chemical cues showcased by humans can have an impact on dogs.
"Dogs are extremely social animals, and they thrive from human companionship. It's considered that by observing changes to our speech, mood, and emotions, dogs can differentiate their owners' feelings, including those of sadness or excitement. It's also noted by many, that dogs are also able to 'catch' these feelings themselves, from their humans, which may just be a response to the shift in their owner's behaviour. Dogs also have a highly developed sense of smell and can detect changes in our scent that may be associated with different emotions."
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If you know your dog may not have long left, it's important to make sure their final moments are as comfortable as possible for them. The PDSA recommends filling their last days with things you both enjoy doing together, but Shauna urged pet owners to be careful not to overwhelm their pooch with attention as this could make them "anxious".
The vet nurse added: "In your dog's final moments, we'd recommend letting them be surrounded by familiar things they love, this could be their dog bed or blanket, as well as a favourite toy, and not forgetting, their favourite people if you feel up to staying with them. Try to remain calm and provide a quiet, comfortable environment for your dog. As always, provide plenty of fresh water, and perhaps let them have some extra tasty snacks as a final treat, before saying goodbye."
While you should try to stay calm for your dog's sake, Shauna also said it's important that you take care of yourself too, as losing a pet can be devastating. She said: "Be sure to look after yourself in your dog's last moments too. Coping with the pain of grief from losing someone you love, including your pet, can often feel overwhelming.
"These feelings may be very unwelcome, but they are normal and are a testimony to the special bond between people and their pets. It's important to give yourself as much time as you need to grieve. You've lost someone very special – missing them is natural."
You can find more information on coping with the loss of a pet on the PSDA website. If you're struggling with grief, you can also contact the Pet Bereavement Support Service (PBSS) on 0800 096 6606, or via email at [email protected].
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