What is the last stage of a dog?

Your dog has reached their life expectancy and is still going. Dogs stay in this final stage for the rest of their lives. As they get older, your dog may slow down and need a little more TLC. Your dog enters this stage once they have reached the last quarter of their life expectancy. A dog's lifespan varies according to size and breed. Later in life, dogs are more likely to develop arthritis and other diseases. Routine blood tests can help detect problems early, such as kidney disease. Early diagnosis and therapy can help prolong their life. Your dog may develop bad breath and dental problems as they get older. Older dogs may not need as much food as they did when they were younger. You may need to begin taking your older dog to the vet for checkups every 6 months. Older dogs still need exercise. But they often can't handle extreme temperatures as well. So, protect your senior dog from overheating. Later in life, dogs may have poorer vision and more trouble walking and thinking clearly. Age-proof your house to protect your dog by keeping the floor clear of electrical cords and other objects. Provide thicker bedding so there is less pressure on their joints when lying down. Life Stage No. 6: Geriatric.

There are four stages to the progression of this condition: Stage 1: Although the condition has taken hold and begun to deteriorate your dog's heart there may not be any noticeable symptoms. Stage 2: In this stage symptoms such as shortness of breath, panting and lethargy will begin to appear, especially when your pup is playing or exercising. Stage 3: Now your dog's symptoms will begin to become more obvious. Stage 4: During this final stage of congestive heart failure, your dog's breathing will become difficult even when they are resting. Fluid will likely begin to accumulate in various parts of your pup's body, leading to swollen legs or abdomen, which will make walking difficult and may lead to vomiting. When your dog is in the end stages of congestive heart disease you will notice that your pup has difficulty breathing even while resting, experiences frequent bouts of coughing, develops bluish-grey color gums, possibly faints when standing and will become reluctant to walk. Your dog will also have difficulties sleeping or resting on their side. Many dogs reach a stage where they prefer to sit upright rather than lay down since an upright position can help to ease breathing. Sadly, the symptoms of late stage congestive heart failure cannot be well managed in dogs, and once this stage is reached you may wish to speak with your veterinarian about humane euthanasia.