Dog End of Life: How to Care for Your Dog at Home

If you're reading this, your dog may be near the end of their life, and that's one of the hardest things a dog lover goes through. There's no perfect way to do this, and you don't have to do it alone.

This guide covers what end-of-life care looks like, how to keep your dog comfortable, and how your vet can help you through the decisions ahead.

What Dog End-of-Life Care Means

End-of-life care shifts the goal from curing an illness to keeping your dog comfortable. The right plan depends on your dog's condition, so start by asking your vet what to expect.

The AKC separates two terms that often get used interchangeably:

• Palliative care, also called comfort care, eases pain and symptoms. It isn't reserved for terminally ill dogs. Dogs with arthritis or other limiting conditions can benefit too.
• Hospice focuses on the dying process. It takes over when palliative care can no longer do enough, and its goal is a dignified death that's as peaceful and pain-free as possible. That might mean comfort during a natural death, or euthanasia to relieve suffering that can't be managed.

Signs Your Dog May Be Nearing the End

Every dog's path is different, and many of these changes can have treatable causes. So any new sign is worth a call to your vet.

The AKC's guidance from an emergency veterinarian highlights these as some of the most worrisome signs:

• Trouble breathing normally
• Being unable to eat or drink
• Being unable to get up to reach food or water
• Being unable to get up to avoid soiling themselves

VCA Animal Hospitals adds that too many bad days in a row, or a dog who seems "turned off" to life, means quality of life is suffering. Bad days can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, unrelenting pain, or trouble breathing.

How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable at Home

VCA's quality-of-life guidance is built around seven needs, and it doubles as a practical care checklist.

Pain and breathing

Pain control comes first. VCA calls adequate pain control, including the ability to breathe properly, an absolute necessity. Ask your vet about medication options and what to do if your dog seems uncomfortable.

Food and water

If your dog won't eat, try hand-feeding first. VCA says blended or liquid diets may be another option, and your vet can tell you whether a feeding tube makes sense. Fluids given under the skin are a well-tolerated way to supplement what a dog is drinking.

Keeping clean

Accidents are common, and they aren't your dog's fault. For bedridden dogs, VCA recommends turning them regularly, keeping them clean and dry, and providing enough padding to prevent bedsores. Your vet can suggest gentle ways to clean around sore spots.

Moving around

A sling or harness may be all your dog needs. Carts are another option, and VCA notes that mobility aids matter most for bigger dogs who can't simply be carried. The AKC suggests laying down carpets to make floors easier to walk on, and blocking off stairs or adding ramps.

Being together

VCA suggests placing a comfortable bed near family activity, since dogs are social and benefit from staying involved. Older dogs are also more sensitive to heat and cold, the AKC says, so heated bedding can help them stay warm. Let your dog set the pace, and keep doing the small things they still enjoy.

Tracking Quality of Life

It's hard to judge gradual change from one day to the next. That's why VCA suggests using a quality-of-life scale regularly.

The scale developed by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos scores seven categories from 1 to 10: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad. VCA says a score above 5 in each category, or above 35 overall, suggests quality of life is acceptable.

Our canine quality of life scale walks through each category, and writing down scores can make it easier to see the trend.

Talking With Your Vet About Euthanasia

Involve your vet early, before you're in a crisis. VCA notes that many problems you assume can't be managed may have options, sometimes at minimal expense.

The AKC suggests asking for your vet's opinion on the options, and having them walk you through the process. Your dog's age, breed, and condition will all play a part, along with the cost and likely benefit of any treatment. A supportive friend or family member can help too.

When you're ready to think this through, our when to put your dog down checklist offers a gentle way to start.

Taking Care of Yourself

Caring for a dying dog is tiring and emotional. Accepting help, taking breaks, and leaning on people who understand are all part of doing this well. Whatever you decide, the fact that you're looking this up says a lot about how much you love your dog.

If your dog is still in their senior years and comfortable, our guide to senior dog food is a good next read.