12 Things You Might Not Know About Dog Deaths

Here are some things about dog death that many dog lovers may not know.

1. Die with Eyes Open 

Dogs usually die with their eyes open because closing them requires active muscle control. (Humans do the same thing.

 

2. Hiding When Sick 

Dogs often hide when they're sick. It's a defense mechanism to avoid attracting predators when they're feeling vulnerable. They might be sick for days or even weeks before you notice something's off.

 

3. Not Always Peaceful 

Many dog owners believe that when their pet "passes away," it's a peaceful process. But that's not always true. Many dogs experience hours or even days of physical pain and discomfort before they die.

 

4. Senses During Death 

When humans die, they first lose their sight, and hearing is the last to go. It's the same for dogs.

5. Post-Death Movement 

Dogs can continue to have breathing motions and muscle twitches even after their heart stops beating.

6. Oldest Dog 

The oldest dog ever recorded was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey. Adopted in 1910 as a puppy, Bluey worked as a sheepdog for nearly 20 years. He was put to sleep on November 14, 1939, at the age of 29 years and 5 months.

 

7. No Heart Attacks Like Humans 

Dogs don't get heart attacks like humans do. When they do have a similar issue, it's usually referred to as "fainting," "loss of consciousness," or "sudden death."

 

8. Dog Funerals 

Humans aren't the only species that hold funerals for the deceased. Chimps and elephants have been observed burying dead members of their group. Some dogs also seem to grieve when their companions die.

 

9. Ancient Egyptian Pets 

Pharaohs in ancient Egypt believed in the afterlife for both people and animals, so they often buried their pets with them. It's common to find mummified animals alongside their human owners in Egyptian tombs.

 

10. Dogs Get Human Diseases 

Dogs can get most human diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.

 

11. Burying in the Yard 

When beloved pets die, many people choose to bury them in their backyard or garden. While this can bring comfort, it might actually be illegal. In many places, local regulations prohibit this practice, so always check your local laws before burying your dog.

 

12. Dogs Mourning 

Some dogs will howl when they see a companion dog die. While this might help some dogs process their grief, many other dogs don't seem to react much to the death of their companions.