Understanding End-of-Life Signs in Bernese Mountain Dogs

 Watching for Any Changes in Behavior and Movements

As Bernese Mountain Dogs approach the end of their life, you may notice some changes in their movements and behavior. They will become lethargic, become dormant beings, sleep more often, and display less interest in things they used to do or liked to do. Other common things include problems in moving such as being unable to get up, unable to go upstairs, or walking around.

Also, they will show less awareness of their environment and engagement in social activities. It is usually a combination of physical deterioration and emotional disassociation with the context that indicates that the dog's insides are starting to shut down.

Describing Changes in Eating and Weight

The poor appetite is without any doubt one of the last signs of a dog that is about to die. You may notice that your Bernese Mountain Dog may start to eat less food than usual and in extreme cases may stop eating food altogether. There may also be severe muscle wasting and weight loss resulting in the pets being very weak and looking like a skeleton.

It will be necessary to keep an eye on their eating patterns closely, and report to the veterinarian in case of any pain, or suggest intervention(s) that may improve their comfort.

Monitoring Changes in Respiratory and Heart Rates

Respiratory changes are also one of the last signs of life in a dying dog. There will be noticeable changes in respiration such as labored breathing, abnormal breathing patterns, or an increase in the respiratory rate. Such things are very hard to see because one might think that the person is not in good health.

Heart rate changes may also be expected, for instance, there may be an increased heart rate or even a decreased heart rate. The respiration frequency and the heart rate of the dog should be checked periodically to provide a better assessment of the animal and be able to make swift decisions regarding treatment.

Understanding the decline in cognitive functions and sensory

The decline in cognitive functions as well as sensory is typical for geriatric dogs and can become very noticeable towards the end of life. Specific emotions towards particular stimuli tend to diminish which causes dogs like your Bernese Mountain Dog to become lost, confused, and show complete disinterest in something present. They may also lose the ability to recognize certain persons or objects that they have been around for some time.

The elderly person now has a loss of sense including hearing and vision, which will add to the state of confusion and anxiety that he or she is already undergoing. Such things tend to be very upsetting to see, however, they are of more help when it comes to understanding and helping the latter stages of this moment in their life.

The Last Rite: Comfort and contact with your Veterinarian's Office

Giving the Bernese Mountain Dog the right type of care at this stage of their life is a hugely important consideration. It is important to give them a clean and calming environment, provide enough care so that they don’t smell bad, and let them talk to people in loving ways whenever it is possible.

This is the time when you should get in touch with your veterinarian the most. They may assist in determining desirable pain levels, certain therapies that may be successful in improving comfort and what should be done when such time approaches. Your vet will also help you know when it is appropriate to consider euthanasia to stop further pain.

also read...

• The Dark Reality of Animal Burning A Call for Awareness