Signs of a 1.5-Year-Old Dog Nearing the End: Can They Hear Their Owners?

When a dog is nearing the end of its life, it may exhibit several signs including shock, difficulty breathing, decreased body temperature, weak pulse, dilated pupils, lack of pupillary light reflex, impaired limb movement, and incontinence.

It's important to note that there isn't a set number of signs that definitively indicate a dog is dying. This concept often originates from non-scientific sources. Instead, focusing on understanding the typical physiological changes dogs experience at the end of life is more beneficial. These changes include shock, difficulty breathing, decreased body temperature, weak pulse, dilated pupils, lack of pupillary light reflex, impaired limb movement, and incontinence. Shock is often one of the earliest signs. Severe shock can lead to Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), where the body's blood clotting system goes haywire. This disrupts the entire circulatory system, preventing vital organs like the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys from receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need. If DIC causes prolonged oxygen deprivation in the brain, it can lead to brain death and the cessation of life.

Can Dogs Hear Their Owners Before Passing?

It's possible that dogs cannot hear their owners before passing away.

As a dog nears the end of its life, its bodily functions will begin to decline, and this includes their hearing. Especially in older dogs, hearing loss becomes significant, potentially preventing them from clearly hearing their owner’s voice. Additionally, dogs may experience difficulty breathing or confusion in their final moments, which may further hinder their perception of and response to sound. Therefore, even if an owner is speaking to their dog and saying goodbye, the dog may not be able to hear or react. The dog's system is shutting down, and auditory processing is often one of the processes affected. Providing a comforting presence and gentle touch is a more meaningful way to connect with your dog at this time.

Bonus resource:Pet Knowledge