Elderly dog, remember this thread?

[Think of Winter]

I remember a thread from several months ago in which someone mentioned some sign that the end was imminent for an elderly dog. Anyone remember? Something about their posture or expression? I noticed my dog's front feet were curled up just now and it sparked a memory of a thread here.

I'm afraid my 16+ yr old dog is very near the end of her life. We went away and when we returned last week we found that she'd deteriorated rapidly. Last night there seemed to be an improvement, but today she's not standing again. She's been to the vet. We are doing what we all feel is in her best interests. She's on pain meds. (I'm not looking for advice on when to put her down, please.) Dh is away until late tomorrow, and I'm concerned that it may happen before he returns.

ETA: What do you do when your dog passes away at home? Bundle her up and take her to the vet?

[Nicole915]

Originally Posted by Think of Winter

ETA: What do you do when your dog passes away at home? Bundle her up and take her to the vet?

You can wrap her up in a blanket and either take her to the vet, or to a local crematorium.

Her feet curling can be any number of things, but it is not usually a signalment of impending death. Please keep in mind that when she does pass, it will be normal for her to lose control of her bladder and sometimes her bowels, so if you know its coming, you many want to lay some towels down on the bed or sofa.

I'm so sorry for your pain, but it sounds like you've given her a long and wonderful life. Thank you for actively managing her pain at end of life, it is a profound kindness that many people overlook. You will be in my thoughts.

[greenmagick]

As pp said, you can wrap them in a blanket and then discuss what to do next with your vet. My mom's vet actually came and picked their dog up from the house.