How can I tell if my dog is going to die from old age?

Question

My lab is 12 1/2 years old. (10-12 yrs life expectancy) I have had her since she was 4 weeks old. (she was found in a field with ants covered in her, we adopted her & bottle nursed her) She is up 2 date on her shots, heartworm medication, & doesnt have any health issues. She doesnt even act like shes 12 1/2. She acts just as if she was still 5-6.
Well tonight she has been acting VERY strange, (for her).
I could tell her to sit and stay and she would stay all day if I didn't tell her to move. She minds PERFECTLY.


Well tonight she wont come in from outside and is hiding behind the shed and wont come for anything. (Once again, she has never not came when we told her to) Our past dogs have done this when they were fixing to die.
she is panting heavily (spayed too.)
And is just laying there and doesnt want to do anything,
She isnt sick (diaharea or vomiting)

She knows we dont like her to jump on us and she was earlier,like visiting w. us.
What do think? am I over-reacting?

I called the emergancy hospital, they said to give her half of an aspirin and if she isnt acting better within an hour to bring her.

Answer 1

I would be worried if my dog was doing that too. My dog is 12 too, so anything different is scary. I don't want to scare you, but sometimes dogs don't want to be with their families when they're about to die. My Great Uncle's 15 year old Golden Retreiver wouldn't come in the house for ANYTHING, and he died in their garage. Maybe you should take her to the vet?

Answer 2

Contrary to what everyone is saying while this is a sign your dog is very ill, it is NOT a sign that she is nessary dying (unless you do nothing). Been there done that and the dog besides was so far into circulatory collapse, the vet couldn't get a blood sample (he didn't bleed) - that was seven years ago, the dog is on the sofa chewing a bone...

Answer 3

I agree with all of the answers.
12 1/2 years sure is a scary age. Like others said.. any changes can be scary.
I would suggest going to the vet as soon as possible.

And yes, it is true that they like to be alone when they pass. They sometimes know when it's their time to go. Especially Labs because they are so smart.

You and your dog are in my thoughts and prayers.
Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

If they can, dogs will go off by themselves to die. Is she eating or drinking? If not, that along with the fact that she is panting heavily and lethargic would make me take her to the vet.

Answer 5

It could be a health issue that can be corrected. You really should have it checked by a vet. If she is panting heavily, she probably is in pain.

Answer 6

Your vet is the best source for an answer. If you love this dog, why are you looking for answers here on Yahoo. Rely on professional help---immediately.

Answer 7

If a dog is trying to breath really hard and it won't stop,then thats a sign it might die.
But then again.
You never really know.
Go to the Vet maybe and see what they say!

Answer 8

I would take her in to see the vet. You don't want to leave it and later find out that you should have taken her in right away. She might be dying, but she might be in very severe pain and need help.

Answer 9

Just because she's not vomiting doesn't mean she's not sick. Get your poor pooch to the vet.

Answer 10

i don't think so, but if the dog is a little slower than it use to be and just is lazy all day (by that i mean sleep on the couch for 8 out of the 10 hrs a day!) you can also see if its healthy by going to the vet!

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