what can I do to make my very old dog (Bear) more comfie in his dying moments? No pain. He's shutting down.

I'm sorry for what you're going through. In July I lost my 16 year old dog. He had kidney failure.

I just kept a familiar routine, that seemed to comfort him.

One thing, when my dog was diagnosed with kidney disease over a year and a half before he died, sometimes on bad days, I'd think "he only has a week left" but he lived almost 2 years longer. I regret that I spent so much time fearing or trying to prepare for his death, instead of just enjoying the time left with him. It sounds like you are enjoying the time left. Just know it might not be as soon as you think and my advice would be not to worry about his dying moments, you have him now.

p.s. my dog wasn't in pain except for arthritis. Kidney disease didn't cause him pain except nausea in his final week. but when the vet spoke of euthanasia to me, he said we have to consider the dog's quality of life as a form of pain. If his quality of life is not eating, seeing, hearing or able to stand much etc, then maybe that is time, but only you can decide that, i believe your dog will tell you in his own way. I didn't euthanise my dog,he died from the build up of toxins from his kidneys, went to his heart and made him have seizures.

This was on a card called 10 commandments for pet owners I picked up from the vets office. the last commandement says "When I am old, or when I no longer enjoy good health, please don't make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. And be with me on that difficult journey when it's time to say goodbye. Never say "I just can't bear to watch'. Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands. I love you."

I am very sorry to hear about your dog. I don't know an easy way to say this, but if he's dying, he is in pain. I am not telling you to put your dog down as I couldn't do that either except in an extreme situation, but you need to call your vet and get some type of pain medication for your dog. This will help to make his last days as comfortable as possible. Give him some of his favorite treats. The night my dog passed, I knew something was wrong. She had been sick for awhile and had just been to the vet that afternoon, but something was different. So, I stayed up with her and held her and gave her pieces of apple which was her favorite food. She passed away at 4am but she was at home and she was in my lap. That was the hardest day of my life. It was 3 years ago and I'm crying as I write this.

Please call the vet to get something to ease the pain and help him to sleep. Even though he is not showing pain, if his body is shutting down, he is in pain. Be there with him and show him how much you love him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am so very sorry for you.

This is never easy.

Talk to him, pet him and let him know how much you love him. Spend as much time with him as you can, giving him his favorite food and treats, sitting in his favorite spot outside. The one thing to avoid is getting upset and "fawning" in an emotional way over him, as that can be upsetting to dogs since they don't know what you are upset about.

Make it a happy time for you and Bear.

Perhaps it is time for you to do the one last beautiful and compassionate thing for your old friend, that we are not even allowed to do for the humans we love..... allow him to go now, with dignity, with the help of your veterinarian. As much as you hate to do it (I know, I have had many goodbyes over more than 30years), it really is his time, and he deserves to go into that gentle goodnight, with you at his side, and before he sinks any lower. Let his last waking memory of you in this life be your tender hands upon him, as the vet helps him into his next world. He has been brave for you. Now be brave for him.

I'm sorry to hear that. That is always tough. I've been through it twice and it does not get easier. I would just try to comfort him as much as possible. A soft place to rest, plenty of attention, his favorite things near him. Again, I'm sorry!

hold him and give him lots of kisses in a quiet room. (no tv or radio) Pet the tops of his paws unless this annoys him. Let him know you are sad. Dogs are very sensitive. Maybe he is sticking around for you.

Just let him know your there...smile when he looks at you. Don't get mad at him for anything...even if he as accidents. I am sorry but at least he is dying a natural death with minimal pain.

I am sorry for you...Hound dogs ROCK!