It's never easy to lose a pet, but sometimes it's impossible to prevent. Knowing the signs that your dog is nearing the end of their life can help you make the most of the time you have left together and prepare for their passing.
One of the most common indicators that a dog is nearing the end of their life is a decrease in activity level and energy. If your normally lively pup starts sleeping more, taking shorter walks, and generally seems less interested in things they used to enjoy, it may be a sign that they're not feeling well. Other changes in behavior to look out for include loss of appetite, excessive drinking or urination, increased clinginess or withdrawn behavior, aggression or listlessness.
Physical changes can also be an indication that your dog is nearing the end. These may include weight loss (even if their appetite hasn't changed), difficulty breathing or swallowing, diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a day or two, vomiting blood or blackish-tinged fluid, seizures, collapse, disorientation or weakness in the hind legs.
If you notice any of these changes in your dog's health or behavior, it's important to take them to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. While some changes may be benign – such as reduced activity due to old age – others could indicate a serious illness that will require treatment. Your vet will be able to give you more information about what might be going on with your dog and how best to care for them during this time.