dogs death

Question
Hi there,
Just wondering if you can help me.. My jack russell, nearly 10, was
seemingly in good health and suddenly died on Monday.. I don't know if you
can help me but I'm trying to work out what she died of.. according to
another household member she was breathing heavily in the hour before she
died... after she died, there was vomit, but is that just from death or
could it be some clue?  Any help as to what may have caused her death
would be greatly appreciated...

Answer
I'm so sorry to hear of your dogs unexpected passing. I understand your pain over the loss of your dear friend.

It's hard to say what your dog died of. This is nothing more than a guess on my part of course.

Was it particularly hot the day your dog died? Dogs are more susceptible to heat exposure that humans, it could be that your dog suffered a heatstroke. One of the symptoms of heatstroke is heavy panting and extreme weakness.

There are a couple of poisons commonly found in rat and mouse baits that will cause heavy breathing, and vomiting. These substances are quite lethal.

Many common household plants, garden plants and weeds are actually quite toxic. Baking, or unsweetened chocolate is also very toxic to a dog. Heavy breathing and vomiting are symptom of ingesting something toxic.
Heart disease might also present these symptoms.

Unless the vet can preform an autopsy or do blood work on your dog, there's really no way to say for sure what happened.

Cherish the wonderful memories of the happy times spent with your dog. Give yourself time to heal and maybe someday you may open your heart to a new dog, not a replacement, but a new friend.

Kind regards,

Patti