Symptoms of Dog Organ Failure: What to Watch Out For

Dog Organ Failure Symptoms

Signs of Organ Failure in Dogs

1. Loss of Appetite and Lethargy

Dogs, with their hearty appetites and regular eating habits, are often the first to show signs of illness. If you notice your furry friend losing interest in food and becoming listless, and their response to your call is slower than usual, it may be a sign of a serious illness or the onset of old age.

When such symptoms arise, it's crucial to take your dog for a thorough veterinary checkup, where blood tests can provide immediate insights into their condition. If there's no underlying illness, you may need to adjust your dog's diet, offering them liquid nutrition or syringes to feed them. Keep a daily log of vomiting and bowel movements, and be particularly concerned if you notice frequent yellow discharge, which could indicate the end is nearing.

2. Seeking Solitude in Corners

Many dogs prefer to hide in corners, like under beds or in bathrooms, or even escape from home, never to return, as their final days approach. Some believe this is because they sense the emotional distress of their owners and want to spare them the pain of witnessing their suffering.

However, it's not common for dogs to seek solitude in their final moments. They may even avoid spending time with their owners, preferring to endure their final days alone. Some pets may choose to pass away when their owners are away, perhaps to prevent them from experiencing grief.

3. Open Wounds That Won't Heal

As dogs age, their healing process slows down, and skin ulcers can become more prevalent and smelly. Even dogs without visible wounds or minor skin issues may experience widespread skin breakdown and infection.

In such cases, frequent cleaning with alcohol or iodine is necessary, and pain medication can be administered if your dog is in discomfort. Ensure good ventilation in the room to prevent the spread of infection.

4. Head Tilting and Tongue Lolling

Dogs may involuntarily tilt their heads and drool, unable to retract their tongues despite assistance. At this stage, the dog may barely respond, only occasionally lifting an eyelid when called. This could indicate that internal organs are failing, and consciousness is waning, though the dog can still breathe and have a heartbeat.

At this point, there's little you can do to revive your pet. Provide a peaceful environment and consider humane euthanasia to end their suffering.

5. NonStop Vomiting and Urinary Incontinence

Even if a dog stops eating, they may continue to vomit and have diarrhea, along with incontinence. These symptoms suggest that although the dog is conscious, they can no longer control their bodily functions, such as yellow, cloudy, or bloody feces, indicating a critical state.

Keep your dog's living area clean by frequently changing pads and wiping them with towels to maintain hygiene.

6. A Flicker of Life

This phase can be misleading, as a dog that has been lying motionless for days may suddenly have the energy to walk and even go for a walk with their owner. These episodes are often a "flicker of life" and signal that the end is near.

During this time, it's important to honor your dog's wishes and accommodate their behavior. Avoid forcing them to undergo medical treatment and instead allow them to choose their departure time naturally.

Dr. Oxygen Pet suggests that you pay close attention to your dog's health and wellbeing. It's better to be proactive in caring for them than to regret it when they're in distress.