You come home from work expecting the norm, your canine companion to meet you by the door, but today, something is a miss. You notice him lying unusually, so you approach and call their name and shove him, but nothing. You panic. Immediately, the question presents itself: is my dog dead or unconscious?
Determining whether a dog is dead or unconscious can be difficult, especially for pet owners unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms of each state. Sometimes, the dog may appear to be sleeping or unresponsive, making it challenging to determine if it is still alive.
With proper understanding and support, pet owners can make well-informed decisions about this stressful and emotional experience, ensuring their pet’s health and well-being. Here, we have researched and compiled all you need to know to differentiate when your dog has crossed the rainbow bridge and when they have lost consciousness.
So, How Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Dead Or Unconscious?
If you’re trying to tell whether your dog is dead or unconscious, the most obvious sign that your dog is dead is the lack of breathing and a pulse. If you cannot detect breathing or a pulse for more than five minutes, your dog is likely dead. If your dog is unconscious, they may still be breathing and have a pulse but will not respond to stimuli.
The best way to determine whether your dog is dead or unconscious is to check for breathing and a pulse. You can do this by placing your hand or a piece of toilet paper in front of their nose and mouth to feel for air movement.
Other signs that your dog may be unconscious or dead include dilated pupils, drooling, and bladder or bowel control loss. These symptoms can also indicate other medical emergencies, such as seizures or poisoning.
Also make sure to read this article on how to know if a dog is sick or just dying.
If you think the question of dead or lost consciousness is an odd one, watch the video below to see how a passerby had to assess whether or not a dog in the street was alive or not.
Identifying Signs of Unconsciousness
Unconsciousness is a state of being where a dog is not responsive to external stimuli. Neurologic or cardiac factors can cause it. These factors include:
- Seizure;
- Spinal disease in dogs;
- Wobbler syndrome in dogs; and
- Intervertebral disc disease.
Dr. Perego, DVM, identifies changes in heart rhythm when dogs lose consciousness. Cardiac (heart) factors include:
- Breed type;
- Heart failure;
- Heart rate;
- Heart size; and
- Blood pressure.
The following signs may indicate that a dog is unconscious:
- The dog is unresponsive to touch, sound, or sight.
- The dog’s breathing is shallow or absent.
- The dog’s pupils are dilated or unresponsive to light.
- The dog’s body is limp or stiff.
- The dog’s heartbeat is weak or irregular.
In some cases, a dog may appear to be unconscious but is sleeping deeply, and they may even sleep with their eyes open. To differentiate between the two, gently touch the dog’s eye or ear. If the dog responds, it is likely sleeping. If there is no response, the dog may be unconscious.
It is important to note that some breeds of dogs, such as brachycephalic breeds, may have difficulty breathing even when conscious. If a dog is panting heavily or struggling to breathe, it is crucial to seek veterinary care.
What Might Cause A Dog To Lose Consciousness?
There are several reasons why a dog might lose consciousness. Some of the most common causes include:
- Trauma: A severe blow to the head or body can cause a dog to lose consciousness. This can happen if the dog is hit by a car, falls from a height, or is involved in a fight with another animal.
- Poisoning: Dogs can be poisoned by ingesting toxic substances such as rat poison, chocolate, or certain plants. Poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, including loss of consciousness.
- Seizures: Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Various factors, including epilepsy, brain tumors, or head injuries, can cause them. Studies show that epileptic seizures can look a lot like human seizures, and in some cases may look like sudden death.
- Heart problems: Dogs can suffer from various heart problems, including arrhythmias, heart attacks, and heart failure. These conditions can cause a dog to lose consciousness.
- Heatstroke: Dogs can overheat if left in a hot car or exposed to high temperatures for an extended period. Heatstroke can cause a range of symptoms, including loss of consciousness.
The underlying cause of the loss of consciousness must be identified and treated to prevent further complications. In the video below, a Dachshund has narcolepsy, which causes him to randomly fall asleep. If one weren’t aware, it could be mistaken for a dog suddenly dying.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you suspect your dog may be unconscious or dead, it is essential to take immediate action. Understanding these steps will help you determine the status of your dog and provide the necessary care:
1. Check for Breathing
Place your hand on your dog’s chest and feel for any movement. Listen for breathing sounds. If your dog is not breathing, begin CPR immediately.
2. Check for a Heartbeat
Place your hand on your dog’s chest and feel for any movement. If you cannot feel a heartbeat, try putting your hand on the inside of the rear leg at mid-thigh. You should feel the pulse near the surface. If you cannot feel the pulse, begin CPR immediately.
3. Check for Responsiveness
Call your dog’s name and gently shake their body. If your dog does not respond, try pinching their toes to inflict pain. If they are still unconscious, they may be dead.
4. Call Your Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian immediately to inform them of the situation. They can guide what to do next. Remember to remain calm and act quickly in this situation. Your dog’s life may depend on it.
5. Transport Your Dog
If your dog is still breathing and has a heartbeat, transport them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. If your dog is dead, discuss options for handling their body with your vet.
Recognizing Symptoms of Death
Recognizing symptoms of death can be heartbreaking, leaving you to wonder what to do if your dog dies. It can also be backbreaking, especially when you are not enlightened. Here are some symptoms that may indicate that your dog has passed away:
No Breathing or Pulse
Check if your dog is breathing or has a pulse. No sign of breathing or pulse for more than five minutes may show that your dog is dead.
No Response
Try calling your dog’s name, clapping your hands, or making noise to see if your dog responds. If there is no response, it suggests your dog is unconscious or has passed away.
Stiffness
After a dog has passed away, their body will stiffen within a few hours. If you notice that your dog’s body is stiff, it may indicate that it has breathed their last.
No Blinking or Eye Movement
Check if your dog’s eyes are open or closed. If your dog’s eyes are open and there is no blinking or eye movement, chances are your dog has lost consciousness. When prolonged, it may suggest death.
Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control
Urinary incontinence in dogs is when a dog involuntarily loses control of its bladder, resulting in the unintentional release of urine. When a dog passes away, they may lose control of their bladder and bowels.
It is important to note that some of these symptoms may also indicate that your dog is in critical condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you are unsure whether your dog is dead or just sick, seek veterinary care immediately.
How Can You Determine How Long Your Dog Has Been Dead?
Determining how long your dog has been dead can be difficult, especially if there are no visible signs of trauma or injury. However, there are a few things that you can look for to help you determine how long your dog has been deceased.
Check Your Dog’s Body Temperature
One of the first things you should check is your dog’s body temperature. The body temperature of a living dog is typically around 101 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your dog’s body temperature is lower than this range, your dog has likely been dead for some time.
However, it is important to note that the body temperature of a deceased dog can vary depending on the environmental conditions.
Check for Rigor Mortis
Another thing to look for is rigor mortis. Rigor mortis is the stiffening of the muscles that occurs after death. Studies show rigor mortis appears approximately three to four hours after death.
It starts in the face muscles and progresses to the limbs, finishing about six to eight hours later. If your dog’s body is still flexible, likely, your pup has not been dead for very long. If your dog’s body is stiff and difficult to move, it is expected that your dog has been deceased for several hours or more.
Check for Livor Mortis
You can also check for livor mortis, the blood pooling in the body after death. Livor mortis usually occurs after one hour, reaching around two to four hours. If your dog’s body is still warm and there are no signs of livor mortis, chances are high that your dog just died.
Check for Decomposition
Check for decomposition. Decomposition, also known as autolysis, usually begins right after death. Signs of decomposition include a foul odor, bloating, and discoloration of the skin and fur.
What are the Common Causes of Sudden Dog Death?
Unexpected dog death can be a traumatic experience for pet owners. There are many potential causes of sudden death in dogs, some more common than others. Here are some of the most common causes of sudden dog death:
1. Poisoning
Poisoning is a less common cause of sudden dog death, but can still occur. Various substances, including household chemicals, medications, and toxic plants, can poison dogs.
Sometimes, the poisoning symptoms may not be immediately apparent, and the dog may die suddenly without any warning signs. Poisoning could also lead to seizures.
2. Heart Disease
Heart disease is a common cause of sudden dog death, particularly in older dogs. There are many types of heart disease, but some of the most common include dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and heart valve disease. These conditions can lead to sudden heart failure, which can be fatal.
3. Trauma
Trauma is another common cause of sudden dog death. Dogs can be injured in various ways, including being hit by a car, falling from a height, or being attacked by another animal.
As the study suggests, dogs suffering from penetrating trauma have a 96.5% survival rate, while those suffering from blunt trauma have an 89.5% survival rate. In some cases, the injuries sustained may be severe enough to cause immediate death.
4. Heatstroke
Heatstroke is potentially fatal when dogs cannot dissipate accumulated heat during exposure to hot weather or challenging exercise under heat stress.
Obesity, large body weight, and breed type can cause organ failure and death if not treated promptly. Brachycephalic breeds and Labrador Retrievers are more prone to heatstroke than any other breed due to their retrieving nature.
5. Seizures
Seizures can indicate an underlying neurological condition, such as epilepsy. In some cases, seizures can be fatal, particularly if they are prolonged or if the dog experiences multiple seizures in a short period.
What Should I Do if My Dog has Passed Away?
In our article on what to do after a dog dies, we go into deeper detail about the steps to take if your dog has actually passed away. However, here is a brief overview.
If you suspect your dog has passed away, handling the situation with care and respect is important. Here are some steps you can take:
- Confirm that your dog has passed away: Check for signs of breathing, a heartbeat, or other signs of life. If unsure, try calling your dog’s name or gently touching them to see if they respond.
- Contact your veterinarian: If your dog has passed away, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can guide you on what to do next and may be able to help you with arrangements for cremation or burial.
- Consider your options for burial or cremation: Depending on your personal preferences and local regulations, you may choose to bury your dog in a pet cemetery or have them cremated. Your veterinarian or local animal shelter can provide recommendations or resources.
- Take care of yourself: Losing a pet companion can be a traumatic experience, and it’s essential to take care of yourself during this difficult time. Reach out to friends and family for support, or consider talking to a therapist or counselor.
Remember, it’s okay to grieve and take time to process your emotions. Your dog was essential to your life; their memory will always be with you.
Prevention and Future Care
Any dog owner’s ultimate goal is to prevent a dog from becoming unconscious or dying. While some accidents are inevitable, some steps can be taken to minimize the risk.
1. Regular Vet Check-Ups
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any underlying health issues that may lead to unconsciousness or death. The vet can also provide valuable advice on maintaining the dog’s health, including a proper diet, exercise, and vaccination schedule.
2. Proper Nutrition
A well-balanced diet is essential for a dog’s overall health. Feeding a dog a diet high in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help prevent health problems that may lead to unconsciousness or death.
3. Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for a dog’s physical and mental well-being. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health, and prevent health problems that may lead to unconsciousness or death. However, avoid overexertion as it can lead to heat stroke, especially in dogs with short snouts.
4. Safety Precautions
Taking safety precautions can help prevent accidents that may lead to unconsciousness or death. For example, keeping dangerous objects out of reach, supervising the dog when outside, and keeping the dog on a leash can all help prevent accidents.
5. Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies can help save a dog’s life. Knowing basic first aid, having a first aid kit on hand, and knowing the location of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic can all help in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you tell if your dog is unconscious?
If your dog is unconscious, they will not respond to stimuli like touch, sound, or movement. Check for breathing by placing your hand in front of their nose to feel for air movement or observing their chest for any signs of activity. If your dog is not breathing, you should immediately perform CPR and seek veterinary care.
What are the signs of a dead dog?
A dead dog will have no signs of breathing or heartbeat, and their body will feel cold and stiff. Their eyes may also appear glazed over and unresponsive. If you suspect your dog has passed away, it is essential to seek veterinary care to confirm the diagnosis and discuss options for burial or cremation.
How can you cope with the loss of your dog?
The loss of a beloved pet can be a difficult and emotional experience. It is crucial to allow yourself time to grieve and process your feelings. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. You may also find comfort in creating a memorial or tribute to your dog, such as planting a tree or donating to a pet charity in their honor.
Final Thoughts
When determining whether your dog is dead or has just lost consciousness, it is crucial to remain calm and assess the situation carefully. Remember to check for vital signs such as breathing, heartbeat, and responsiveness.
If your dog is unconscious, seeking veterinary attention as soon as possible is vital to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Failure to detect respiration, absence of heartbeat, and not responding to pain stimuli for more than five minutes should be used to confirm death. Seek veterinary attention immediately to confirm the diagnosis and discuss options for burial or cremation.
It is also important to consider preventative measures such as regular check-ups, vaccinations, and training to ensure your dog’s health and safety.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.