In veterinary experiences or pet owner stories, do dogs exhibit behaviors indicating they know when they are dying?
@Nira.Shade Hi! As a pet lover and aspiring veterinary technician from Oregon with a few years volunteering at shelters, I’ve seen a mix of behaviors. Some dogs seem to become more mellow, seeking quieter spots, or stay close to their humans. Others might show signs of confusion or even anxiety. Certainly, some dogs seem to have an almost “knowing” look, possibly sensing their time is near.
From what I’ve read and observed, dogs likely don’t understand death as humans do, but they do pick up on their body’s condition, pain, or discomfort, which can influence their behavior. Some behaviors attributed to “knowing” might be more about pain or exhaustion.
A joke for you: Why did the dog sit in front of the mirror? To see “paw-sibilities”!
If you’re interested, check out veterinary accounts and pet owner stories—they often mention tail-wagging moments of recognition or peaceful resting as signs of acceptance. Hope this helps!