5 Signs That Your Dog Is Dying

Dogs often stay with us for many years. On average, they live between ten and 15 years. How old a dog actually gets depends on various factors, primarily its breed and size. But as difficult as it may be, there comes a time in every dog’s life when we have to say goodbye.

Especially when it comes to this sensitive topic, many dog owners feel overwhelmed or uncertain: When is the right time? How can you tell that your dog no longer wants to live? And how can you make this final journey as dignified and gentle as possible—both for your pet and for yourself?

Perhaps you’re at exactly this point right now. Or maybe you sense that this moment is drawing near and that you’ll soon have to ask yourself these very questions. With this post, we’d like to support you through this emotional phase. To that end , we spoke with veterinarian Dr. Ines Holz. She specializes in end-of-life care for dogs and shares valuable insights and practical advice from her daily practice.

5 Signs That a Dog Is Nearing the End of Its Life

There are various signs to look out for, and their severity can vary greatly from one animal to another. Sometimes they are simply normal signs of aging. However, if several symptoms occur together and become more pronounced, it may be time for a calm, honest conversation with your veterinarian. 

1. A sharp decline in energy and withdrawal

A dying dog often withdraws—from people, other animals, or activities. It appears apathetic, sleeps a great deal, and barely reacts to stimuli such as voices or touch. It is as if it is already saying goodbye inside. In stark contrast, however, there are also animals that seek close contact with their owners during this time. 

2. Not wanting or being able to get up

As dogs age, their strength often declines. As a result, many older dogs have difficulty getting up. If a dog is too weak, it may also lose control of its bladder and bowels.

3. A blank stare

During this phase, their gaze may seem as though it’s “passing right through you”—lifeless or distant. That’s why some dogs give the impression that they’re “not quite there anymore.”

4. Loss of appetite and dehydration

Many dogs stop eating or drinking in the final stages. Even their favorite treats are rejected. This is a sign that the body is gradually ceasing to function.

5. No longer any joy in life

A key indicator is when the animal no longer shows any zest for life. “Pet owners often find it difficult to accurately assess their dog’s quality of life. I’ve developed a questionnaire designed to make this assessment easier,” says veterinarian Dr. Ines Holz. You can find this questionnaire here [click].

Putting a Dog Down – What to Do If You Feel Guilty?

Many pet owners struggle with feelings of guilt and uncertainty about when the right time has come to let their dog go. These feelings of guilt and self-reproach are precisely what often complicate the grief over the loss of a beloved companion. 

“The pet owner knows their animal better than anyone else, including the treating veterinarian. There isn’t one ‘right’ time; there is only a loving environment,” says veterinarian Dr. Ines Holz. “Animals don’t think about guilt or timing. They don’t think, ‘Why now?’ They think, ‘Am I cared for? Am I loved? Am I safe?’ If you decide with your heart, if you let them go not out of impatience but out of care, if you are with them—then it is right.”

Is it better to walk the dog too early or too late?

So it’s often hard to tell when the right time has come. According to Dr. Ines Holz, there’s an important guideline to follow: “Better a little too early than too late.” 

Why? “A dog doesn’t dwell on lifespan or days. It doesn’t think, ‘I could have had another week.’ It simply feels: ‘Do I still enjoy being here? Or is everything just effort and pain now?’ When daily life becomes a burden, when pain takes over, when the joy of living is barely visible anymore, then an early farewell can be a final act of love.”

"Too late" often means:

• unnecessary suffering
• physical pain over the past few days
• Feelings of guilt for having “waited too long” (which many owners carry with them their whole lives)

"Too early" sometimes means:

• A few days less together, but the dog was able to pass away with dignity and peace.

Ultimately, every pet owner must weigh the pros and cons for themselves. The attending veterinarian is usually unable to provide much assistance in this regard. Dr. Ines Holz takes a different approach: “Admittedly, my colleagues at the clinic often have little time for in-depth consultations. But I can take that time online.”

How can you make your dog's final moments more comfortable?

When your dog’s life is coming to an end, one thing matters above all else: peace, closeness, and dignity. 

Create a stress-free, familiar environment. Soft voices, gentle touches, and your presence give the animal a sense of security. Often, simply being there is enough. “Animals are very attuned to our emotions. If we are filled with fear or panic, it can make their own process more difficult. Many animals seek our closeness during this phase—but not necessarily our attention, rather our calm presence,” says Dr. Ines Holz.

A soft bed, preferably in a draft-free area, helps prevent pressure sores. Make sure water is available, even if your dog doesn’t drink much. Sometimes it’s enough to just lightly moisten their lips.

Many pet owners also turn to CBD during the palliative care phase.“CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive component of the hemp plant, is now also used as a supportive measure in veterinary medicine, especially for elderly or dying animals. It is not a substitute for veterinary treatment, but it can help make the transition more peaceful,” says Dr. Ines Holz. For example, it can help alleviate anxiety and relax the dog—without completely sedating it. “Many pet owners report that CBD allows their pet to fall asleep gently and peacefully—without panic, with inner calm. During the dying process or even before euthanasia, CBD can also be administered in a higher dose,” says Dr. Ines Holz.

How can you better cope with the death of your beloved dog?

Losing a dog hits you right in the heart—and that’s okay. Grief is not a weakness, but a sign of a deep connection. Give yourself permission to be sad, to cry, to be angry, or to feel empty. Everyone grieves differently. Some people write a letter to their dog, create a small memorial corner, or plant a tree. This helps transform the pain into something loving.

Talk to people who understand you, whether they’re friends or members of specialized grief support groups for pet owners, such as the one led by Dr. Ines Holz. In her Facebook group“Forever Connected – A Space to Grieve Your Pet,”pet owners can find a community where they can share their experiences and support one another. 

In addition, experts like Dr. Ines Holz can also help you. She is a veterinarian who specializes in end-of-life and grief counseling. Her services are aimed at all pet owners who either have a terminally ill pet, a pet that is about to cross the Rainbow Bridge, or who have recently lost their beloved pet and don’t know how to cope with their grief. She offers resources such as grief rituals, a grief journal, various checklists, meditations, and a virtual grief café—or, as needed, individual counseling services such as a six-week grief counseling program, online end-of-life support, and veterinary consultations (telemedicine).