Dear Kerry: It is not unusual for an animal that is near death to seek isolation in a quiet spot. A dying animal should not be fed, only offered water and vegetable juices. Some will welcome the presence of their loving guardians, but they should be protected from too much noise and lots of activity going on around them. Some wish to be completely alone and will seek a cool, dark place to hide. Others will prefer warmth if it is offered.
Personally, I prefer to talk to my critters with the help of an animal communicator prior to and just before they are ready to cross over. First, I ask them if they want help in crossing (they usually tell me No), or if they will accept it if I think it is necessary. I also ask my furkids if they have any requests as to their final days/hours and what I can do to make them more comfortable. Purrsia wanted to see green things growing and I brought plants into the room for her, and even though she was deaf, she also liked a little table-top fountain; some crystals and certain scents of aromatherapy also pleased her. Velvet asked for soft music and to be alone except for her buddy Caramel. She wanted to pass on her own, but I had to go out of town and could not just leave her alone to die...she then said she would accept help, but would I please hold her on my lap when the vet came. Angel just wanted me to hold her and talk to her...she didn't need my help to cross over, just my permission to leave. In general, some things that can ease a pet's distress as the end draws near might be Rescue Remedy which can have a calming effect and sometimes aromatherapy can also be helpful. Energy work, such as Reiki or other similar techniques, can help an animal relax and feel less paniful and stressed. One of the animal communciators I have used is also skilled in doing energy work and it has made my critters visibly more comfortable, almost serene. Accupuncture can also have a calming, relaxing effect. Most vets will first administer a sedative of some sort before injecting the euthanasia drug. With smaller animals such as dogs and cats it is usually a very peaceful process. The only stress involved is in finding a vein and making the initial injection of sedative. Perhaps this can be mimimized if the critter is given some rescue remedy a short while before the vet arrives. I do know that home euthanasia is far less stressful (and less emotionally painful) than having it done at a clinic. In his book, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, Dr. Pitcairn has a chapter on dealing with death and dying and he mentions several homeopathic remedies that can help ease the dying process: give one pellet every 2-3 hours as needed for relief of symptoms. If there is no change for the better after a max of 3 doses, then the remedy is not appropriate to the situation. If so, choose one of the others or simply use Bach's rescue remedy, instead. Once some relief is seen, no more is needed. Arsenicum album 30C is the major remedy needed in handling 95% of dying animals. The indications are restlessness, fear, discomfort, extreme weakness, increased thirst and coldness. Not all these elements need to be present at the sane time for this remedy to be appropriate. However, look for restlessness or weakness coupled with a lot body temp. Pulsatilla 30C is approprite for the animal that is whimpering, complaining or wanting to be held. This remedy is also useful for the stage right before death when breathing becomes loud and laborerd. Tarentela cubensis 30C is most suitabale for severe pain and tossing about, crying and intense restlessness. The restlessness and discomfort are greater than when Arsenicum album is indicated, but the fear is less intense. Dr. Pitcairn suggests, in general, that as long as an animal is quiet and not in a lot of distress (such as struggling desperately to breathe, writhing in agony or the like) that it is preferable to allow the dying process to proceed naturally. When the end is very near, the animal will be very weak and body temp will drop (feet, ears, tongue and gums will feel cold). Breathing usually slows and the animal seems to go into a prolonged sleep or unconscious state. At the moment of death, however, breathing may be spasmodic and gasping. The pupils may dilate and the animal may stretch out or perhaps pass urine. The final dying process generally lasts only a few minutes and rarely is it prolonged for more than an hour. Dr. Martin Goldstein also has a chapter The Death of a Pet in his book The Nature of Animal Healing, but it deals less with the clinical aspect and more with the dilemma of if/when to choose euthanasia for a pet and the more spiritual aspect of a pet dying. There are some fascinating anecdotes and insight about the death of some of his own pets, as well as some of his clients' pets. I hope your friend's dog will have a peaceful crossing. Sally in San Jose
