Can Dogs Sense Death?

NHIceGSD · 11-14-2007, 08:40 PM

Ok, I have an interesting question that I would like your opinions on. I have an ancient pit bull (we think somewhere between 14-16 ) who is just not doing well at all, and I have a very strong feeling that he doesn't have much time left. Now, this is the dog that has come close to death 4 or 5 times in the 7 years that I've had him, and suprised us all (vet included) but he's getting so old that his clock has to stop running at some point.

Anyway, the question being do you feel that dogs can sense impending death? We also have a much younger GSD'ish type dog as well. To say that he has been off is an understatement. He has been horrific! Whining, pacing... just laying on the couch... acting depressed. He was also always really pushy with Mr. Deacon.. would always push him to the side for food, attention, the couch ect... and all of a sudden he has backed of and become totally passive towards him.

Do you all think some thing is up? My husband thinks it's ridiculous... but I think there is some truth to it. I don't want to sound insensitive towards my dog not doing well.... I am upset, but he is ancient! I feel as if I've had an extra couple of years as it is with him that I am very thankful for, and I am more concerned about how my 5 year old son will react ( Mr.Deacon is curled up on his bed sleeping with him as we speak ) as we have had Deacon since way before he was born, and he's grown up with him.

I'll keep you posted on Deacon as well.. I'm debating whether or not to take him to the vet tomorrow (we know exactly what is wrong with him and although it can not be healed, he is being treated for liver failure) I would prefer for him to pass at home as opposed to euthanasia at this point, as he is not in any pain, still eating ( specially prepared food ) and not having any cardiac or breathing symptoms.... I'm sorry, I'm just rambling at this point... the point of this post is, do you all think that my other dog knows that his passing is near?

almost_mozart · 11-14-2007, 08:45 PM

Yes.

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddly...31239020070727

resthavenfarms · 11-14-2007, 08:49 PM

Yes I was just going to mention that cat.

I hope all turns out with your old guy.

Stormy's Human · 11-14-2007, 08:53 PM

I hate to say it = but yes = animals are very sensitive and they probably know before we do. I'm sorry.

HorseMomToSage · 11-14-2007, 08:54 PM

I'm sorry about your boy but what a long blessed life. I do think they know, it may also be your anxiety he is picking up on as well-they are very good at picking up emotions. Hugs to you and your family, you are in my thoughts.

jade65 & Hannah04 · 11-14-2007, 09:07 PM

I would agree with everyone else. I think they know, they are very perceptive. As for your son I feel so bad for him. Maybe you could go puppy shopping before the older one passes. Not to sound cold or calous but it may make it easier for both the younger dog and your son. Just a thought.

KitKat · 11-14-2007, 09:38 PM

I agree. I think dogs sense a lot of things that we don't. Animals are very intuative.

**gbarmranch** · 11-15-2007, 05:36 AM

Yes, they do know when their time is limited..

(((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))) I am glad that he has had such a long and wonderful life, but I know how hard it will be to say good'bye..

GAGIRL · 11-15-2007, 05:42 AM

Animals definitely sense these things. My husband's paint gelding, Cisco, always starts neighing for me when we have a potential problem in the pasture. Every time I have a mare ready to foal, or lose a foal, or hurt, etc. he starts neighing for me to get down there. Best little alarm system I have ever had.

NHIceGSD · 11-15-2007, 08:57 AM

I'm glad to see that other have the same feelings. As for my husband, I guess he has a different prespective not being an animal person himself.

Some how during the night, my old guy walked up three steep winding sets of stairs in an attempt to sleep with us! He made it to our bedroom, and just fell asleep at the top of the stairs... getting him down was the hard part, it took both my husband and myself to get him down!

My concern right now is the vets. I'm afraid that they'll want to run a million tests.... last time he wanted me to haul him to Maine to see a geriatric dog specialist, and I don't want to put him through that. He didn't eat his rice and beef this morning, so I'm getting ready to try some warm homemade turkey broth and see how that goes. It's one thing to be a little shakey and very stiff, but it's another if he's just stopped eating all together. At that point, I will definatly have to re-evaluate.

alliebath · 11-15-2007, 09:57 AM

I agree that dogs can indeed sense things that we cannot. My personal belief in putting a dog down is that I would rather do it a day too early, than a day too late. I had a little dog who was dying - a young dog, only 6, and I waited waayy to long. Just couldn't bring myself to do it, kept hoping that I would find something that would help her (she had some type of auto immune disorder that no one was able to pin point). The last time I took her to the vet for a check up, my own vet told me that it was time. I scheduled the vet to come to the house. I am so sorry to hear about Deacon - sounds like he has had a grand life with you and is very lucky to have someone love him enough to know when it is time to let go. {{{Hugs}}}

mandelyn82 · 11-15-2007, 10:13 AM

Yes they can, they're a lot more perceptive than most people give them credit for.

When a pup at work cries at the gate, the others gather around and sniff at him and invite him to play.

Bogey, an older Beagle that just had surgery, the other dogs know he doesn't feel well and they give him a lot of room and constantly check on him with sniffs.

They seem to know each others feelings, and when you take into account how they can sense a seizure before it happens in a human, or how they can sniff out cancer cells... why wouldn't they be able to sense the future passing of one of their own?

{{{HUGS}}} for your boy, I wouldn't put him through any testing either. He's old, and deserves his dignity. He's had a long, long life.

jade65 & Hannah04 · 11-15-2007, 10:43 AM

I had to put my Rott to sleep a few years ago and it was very hard but even harder to imagine her dying alone while we were not home and having to live with that so I took her the vet and I was the last person she saw which was very rewarding to me just knowing I was there for her although I hyperventilated all the way home after! My vet told me I would know when it was time, and I did know. It got to be a question of did I want her to suffer just for the sake of me having her with me? and the answer was ofcourse not. She had been the best dog and deserved to be happy and not suffer at all. I need to grab a tissue now so I understand fully how hard it is but you will know what to do, when you love them you just know.

2forNow · 11-15-2007, 11:02 AM

Yes---most definately they do. My parents have a dog and my father has serious heart problems and has had several TIA's(mini strokes) and their little dog has alerted them to the problems more than 75% of the time. If it wasn't for that dog my dad probably would be gone today. Mister bear bear will get in my dad's face, follow him on his heels, he will do whatever it takes to get my dad's attention. Sometimes my dad would get frustrated and push him away and bear would just come right back at him. He would not leave him alone until he got fixed.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tell me if this makes sense	version1955	Training	4	09-25-2007 07:29 PM
Horse Sense	doyle82	Equine Humor	5	08-25-2007 07:56 AM

11-14-2007, 08:40 PM
NHIceGSD Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 819	Can Dogs Sense Death? Ok, I have an interesting question that I would like your opinions on. I have an ancient pit bull (we think somewhere between 14-16 ) who is just not doing well at all, and I have a very strong feeling that he doesn't have much time left. Now, this is the dog that has come close to death 4 or 5 times in the 7 years that I've had him, and suprised us all (vet included) but he's getting so old that his clock has to stop running at some point. Anyway, the question being do you feel that dogs can sense impending death? We also have a much younger GSD'ish type dog as well. To say that he has been off is an understatement. He has been horrific! Whining, pacing... just laying on the couch... acting depressed. He was also always really pushy with Mr. Deacon.. would always push him to the side for food, attention, the couch ect... and all of a sudden he has backed of and become totally passive towards him. Do you all think some thing is up? My husband thinks it's ridiculous... but I think there is some truth to it. I don't want to sound insensitive towards my dog not doing well.... I am upset, but he is ancient! I feel as if I've had an extra couple of years as it is with him that I am very thankful for, and I am more concerned about how my 5 year old son will react ( Mr.Deacon is curled up on his bed sleeping with him as we speak ) as we have had Deacon since way before he was born, and he's grown up with him. I'll keep you posted on Deacon as well.. I'm debating whether or not to take him to the vet tomorrow (we know exactly what is wrong with him and although it can not be healed, he is being treated for liver failure) I would prefer for him to pass at home as opposed to euthanasia at this point, as he is not in any pain, still eating ( specially prepared food ) and not having any cardiac or breathing symptoms.... I'm sorry, I'm just rambling at this point... the point of this post is, do you all think that my other dog knows that his passing is near? __________________ Be Something You Love and Understand~ Lynard Skynard

11-14-2007, 08:45 PM
almost_mozart Started Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: .....transitioning..... Posts: 2,423	Yes. http://www.reuters.com/article/oddly...31239020070727

11-14-2007, 08:49 PM
resthavenfarms Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 170	Yes I was just going to mention that cat. I hope all turns out with your old guy.

11-14-2007, 08:53 PM
Stormy's Human Long Yearling Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seville, Florida Posts: 1,261	I hate to say it = but yes = animals are very sensitive and they probably know before we do. I'm sorry.

11-14-2007, 08:54 PM
HorseMomToSage Coming two Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: A Whole Other Country-TX Of Course Posts: 1,501	I'm sorry about your boy but what a long blessed life. I do think they know, it may also be your anxiety he is picking up on as well-they are very good at picking up emotions. Hugs to you and your family, you are in my thoughts.

11-14-2007, 09:07 PM
jade65 & Hannah04 Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lower Southwest Corner of Michigan Posts: 566	I would agree with everyone else. I think they know, they are very perceptive. As for your son I feel so bad for him. Maybe you could go puppy shopping before the older one passes. Not to sound cold or calous but it may make it easier for both the younger dog and your son. Just a thought.

11-14-2007, 09:38 PM
KitKat Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Okotoks, AB Posts: 1,188	I agree. I think dogs sense a lot of things that we don't. Animals are very intuative.

11-15-2007, 05:36 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 29,584	Yes, they do know when their time is limited.. (((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))) I am glad that he has had such a long and wonderful life, but I know how hard it will be to say good'bye.. __________________ Quality Foundation Quarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

11-15-2007, 05:42 AM
GAGIRL Started Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: GEORGIA Posts: 2,234	Animals definitely sense these things. My husband's paint gelding, Cisco, always starts neighing for me when we have a potential problem in the pasture. Every time I have a mare ready to foal, or lose a foal, or hurt, etc. he starts neighing for me to get down there. Best little alarm system I have ever had. __________________ GAGIRL

11-15-2007, 08:57 AM
NHIceGSD Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 819	I'm glad to see that other have the same feelings. As for my husband, I guess he has a different prespective not being an animal person himself. Some how during the night, my old guy walked up three steep winding sets of stairs in an attempt to sleep with us! He made it to our bedroom, and just fell asleep at the top of the stairs... getting him down was the hard part, it took both my husband and myself to get him down! My concern right now is the vets. I'm afraid that they'll want to run a million tests.... last time he wanted me to haul him to Maine to see a geriatric dog specialist, and I don't want to put him through that. He didn't eat his rice and beef this morning, so I'm getting ready to try some warm homemade turkey broth and see how that goes. It's one thing to be a little shakey and very stiff, but it's another if he's just stopped eating all together. At that point, I will definatly have to re-evaluate. __________________ Be Something You Love and Understand~ Lynard Skynard

11-15-2007, 09:57 AM
alliebath Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Leavenworth, Kansas Posts: 593	I agree that dogs can indeed sense things that we cannot. My personal belief in putting a dog down is that I would rather do it a day too early, than a day too late. I had a little dog who was dying - a young dog, only 6, and I waited waayy to long. Just couldn't bring myself to do it, kept hoping that I would find something that would help her (she had some type of auto immune disorder that no one was able to pin point). The last time I took her to the vet for a check up, my own vet told me that it was time. I scheduled the vet to come to the house. I am so sorry to hear about Deacon - sounds like he has had a grand life with you and is very lucky to have someone love him enough to know when it is time to let go. {{{Hugs}}}

11-15-2007, 10:13 AM
mandelyn82 Coming two Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ft. Campbell, KY Posts: 1,977	Yes they can, they're a lot more perceptive than most people give them credit for. When a pup at work cries at the gate, the others gather around and sniff at him and invite him to play. Bogey, an older Beagle that just had surgery, the other dogs know he doesn't feel well and they give him a lot of room and constantly check on him with sniffs. They seem to know each others feelings, and when you take into account how they can sense a seizure before it happens in a human, or how they can sniff out cancer cells... why wouldn't they be able to sense the future passing of one of their own? {{{HUGS}}} for your boy, I wouldn't put him through any testing either. He's old, and deserves his dignity. He's had a long, long life. __________________ "The more people I meet the more I love my German Shepherd"

11-15-2007, 10:43 AM
jade65 & Hannah04 Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lower Southwest Corner of Michigan Posts: 566	I had to put my Rott to sleep a few years ago and it was very hard but even harder to imagine her dying alone while we were not home and having to live with that so I took her the vet and I was the last person she saw which was very rewarding to me just knowing I was there for her although I hyperventilated all the way home after! My vet told me I would know when it was time, and I did know. It got to be a question of did I want her to suffer just for the sake of me having her with me? and the answer was ofcourse not. She had been the best dog and deserved to be happy and not suffer at all. I need to grab a tissue now so I understand fully how hard it is but you will know what to do, when you love them you just know.

11-15-2007, 11:02 AM
2forNow Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 522	Yes---most definately they do. My parents have a dog and my father has serious heart problems and has had several TIA's(mini strokes) and their little dog has alerted them to the problems more than 75% of the time. If it wasn't for that dog my dad probably would be gone today. Mister bear bear will get in my dad's face, follow him on his heels, he will do whatever it takes to get my dad's attention. Sometimes my dad would get frustrated and push him away and bear would just come right back at him. He would not leave him alone until he got fixed.