TIL: Dogs dont want to be alone when they die, they're just scared and confused

submitted by Tiwaking from wagwalking.com

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[–]beermeem 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

We had a dog who had lived on her own for a sizable portion of her life. She definitely had some level of confusion and dimentia for the later part of her life. But when it was her time to go it was very clear that she was trying to physically go away. In the end, she also stopped peeing, and started “death rattles” so we put her down but that was as close to naturally passing as any dog I’ve had. All the others were there in the head but their bodies simply failed them. Mostly retrievers and shepherds with hip issues.

[–]RuckFeddit 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (15 children)

Didn't see any sources, hopefully someone whos an expert here can post their thoughts. I was under the impression old/dying dogs wanted to die in solitary for pack survival, as they might have some disease or infection that threatens the pack and their pack survival instinct kicks in. Can someone enlighten us?

[–]beermeem 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

I’m sure of the 7 people on saidit there must be one who’s a PhD in Dogology. 😹

[–]Tiwaking[S] 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (12 children)

Didn't see any sources, hopefully someone whos an expert here can post their thoughts. I was under the impression old/dying dogs wanted to die in solitary for pack survival, as they might have some disease or infection that threatens the pack and their pack survival instinct kicks in.

The article says that this is probably true.

There are several theories suggesting that dogs that reached this stage of life in the wild opted to separate themselves from the pack so as not to slow the group down. Some also suggest that dogs intuitively know when they are going to die and leave their owners to spare them grief. Although these theories are not completely invalid

Another possibility is that the dog gets dementia. Remember that dogs in the wild probably dont live as long as dogs in 'captivity'. A dog that lost its sense of smell and balance would definitely try to find some place to hide as it would have no way to recognise anything.

And by 'dog' I mean 'German Shepherd'. Not those toy dog disgraces.

[–]RuckFeddit 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (11 children)

That isn't what you claimed with your post though, you're speaking in definites like the article is with its headers and paragraph openings. It follows up to play devil's advocate to itself, but still there are 0 references. There are no studies referenced and this is the problem. It doesn't feel genuine and more an appeal to emotions.

[–]Tiwaking[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (10 children)

TIL: I need to study dying dogs more

[–]RuckFeddit 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (9 children)

You're not even engaging in the discussion you created.

[–]Tiwaking[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (7 children)

Oh. I was looking for more information about dogs dying.

You called me out saying "This article doesnt say anything" and it turns out this article doesnt say anything.

So I looked for more information about the signs of a dying dog, they're all based on individual owners experiences with their dogs dying and the signs of the dying dog. One site gives the following signs:

1) Prolonged Lethargy/Disinterest

2) Stops Eating/Drinking

3) Loss of Coordination

4) Incontinence

5) Labored Breathing

6) Seeking Comfort

Wikihow says:

Observe respiratory symptoms

Recognize the digestive signs

Notice how his muscles work

Pay attention to their bathroom habits

Assess the condition of your dog's skin

Its worth reading, but it's a bit sad. Poor doggies dont know whats happening to them.

edit: In fact, the Wikihow article does say "In the final hours, you will observe that your dog breathes shallowly, and will not move anymore. Most of the time, your dog will only lie in a dark or hidden corner of your house." which may be related to what you said about dogs leaving the pack to die.

[–]RuckFeddit 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (6 children)

You're still not referencing a study, nor do you come across as an expert.

[–]Tiwaking[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (5 children)

Wait. You think Im an expert on dogs? When did I ever state that? <- Sorry. Im dumb.

Also: A study? Its just a link to a website discussing dying dogs.

I thought TIL was for things that you learned about.

I didnt realize that this sub was so serious.

edit: Oh shit! It was my mistake!!

hopefully someone whos an expert here

Oops. Im sorry! I missed this part of your post!! Im not an expert. I just thought it was interesting that there may be another reason for how dogs behave when they die (other than the common - dying dogs leave the pack to die alone).

[–]RuckFeddit 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (4 children)

I specifically asked for someone who knows their stuff and you voluntarily jumped in as the OP. You don't know what you're talking about it seems (to me), you haven't referenced any studies and you've just admitted that you just started doing research. Why are you condemning the entire board now?

[–]Tiwaking[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (3 children)

Because I made a mistake. I didnt mean to condemn the board. I just dont want to make a mistake like this again.

[–]HeyImSancho 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I think the article validates itself; truth should be self evident. To me the article hits home, and I mean like now... So, its given me a lot of comfort. Can I validate the article?? Sure, I felt a personal truth in reading it.

[–]ido 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Humans are for the most part pack animals. The dying ones don't expect to be helped like we do though. Wolfs don't have the tech.

[–]HeyImSancho 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Thanks so much for posting this, got an old girl who's 15, and dementiated. The article gave me personal validation.

[–]Tom_Bombadil 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

The dogs that "run away" to die, were likely put down by a family gun, or sometimes a vet..

I don't think this innate dog death march is a real thing.