Dog howling before dying

Question
QUESTION: Our 14 1/2 year old dog, Noel, died on Sunday. We still can't believe it. She was outside when she let out a ear-piercing wail like she was being killed.We ran outside and she was on her side. Her hind quarters were paralyzed though she kept trying to sit up. Could this be a seizure, heart attack or? She was breathing very deep, fast and hard. She actually did stand up briefly to try and walk and go to the bathroom!  But didn't make it. She just stood there exhausted. When she laid down she started to howl a long, sad howling never heard anything like this from her before(She hardly ever barked. Only if there was a reason to bark). Do dogs howl right before they die? We picked her up gently and carried her into the house and she was totally quiet and her breathing settled down to a more shallow breathing. Within a short time she quietly died. Since for 14 years she has been our protector and an outside dog, always guarding the house and us, we though maybe she felt vulnerable outside so that was why she was howling. Everything changed when we brought her inside. We still have questions of what she died from.

ANSWER:
Hi Peggy,

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your dog.

Not knowing if your dog had any previous conditions or her health prior to this Sunday makes it hard for me to comment on what your dog might have suffered before dying. Dogs are pretty stoic about showing pain, sometimes it's not until the pain gets quite bad that we even notice symptoms. So it's possible your dog wasn't feeling well in the days proceeding that Sunday.

There a tick borne disease which can cause a sudden onset of paralysis and even death, called "Tick Paralysis". It's also possible your dog ate something toxic outside, and had the sort of symptoms you saw.

In the end, I can only offer guesses. You'd need to ask your veterinarian, but even a vet might not tell you for sure.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Patti



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you, Patti for taking the time to reply. Two months prior something similar happened and in about 24 hours she recuperated, though her hips lost alot of muscle and her body never looked the same(she was always very muscular from running and walking up and down hills). For her age, she was very peppy still jumping up in one leap onto the patio table! We couldn't tell from her eating because she never ate very well. Sometimes she would go two days without eating. As for her urinating or bowel movements, those usually only happened once or twice a day. So we couldn't tell anything there. We did notice that she wasn't able to go as far to have a bowel movement. We live very remote on a lot of land so she always went far from the house. She was a fabulous dog made in heaven!

Answer
Hello again,

It's possible the earlier episode was related, or it may have been something unrelated. There are other things, such as back pain which would be painful enough to make a dog cry or howl, and also effect mobility of the back legs. Try not to obsess over what took your dog from you, as there is simply is no way to guess. Like I said, only a vet might be able to give you a more definitive answer.

At your dog's age she may have had some arthritis, which would have limited her as to how far she'd walk to go to the bathroom, which would be unrelated to whatever ultimately killed her.

This is the saddest part of pet ownership, but it's a comfort to know that your dog is free from her suffering now. If you're anything like me, you believe that one day you'll be reunited.

Talking about your feeling of loss will help you at this time. If you'd like to talk to somebody, but don't feel like there's anyone who will understand, The Iams Company has a special toll-free number for grieving pet owners. The Iams Pet Loss Support Center toll-free hotline can be reached at: 1-888-332-7738 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.  The ASPCA also has a free pet loss support program hotline: (877) 474-3310

I hope you can find comfort in your memories. There isn't a substitute for your beloved dog, but in time you might want to open your heart to another dog. There are so many wonderful dogs of all ages that need a loving home.  When the time is right for you, another dog can love you and bring joy into your life.

Regards,
Patti