Why Do Dogs Circle Before They Die? What End-of-Life Behavior Means

If you have a dog that's nearing the end of its life, you may have noticed a strange behavior: circling. But what causes this strange behavior and why do dogs circle before they die? It turns out that circling is a sign of several different things, including cognitive dysfunction, vestibular disease, and general discomfort.

Below, we'll explore the many reasons why this happens, drawing on research from veterinary medicine, neuroscience, and animal hospice care. By learning about the physiological and psychological causes, you can better understand what your dog is going through and how to help them through this difficult time with care and understanding.

Neurological Conditions That Cause Circling in Dogs

In addition to vestibular disease, circling in dogs can be a sign of an underlying neurological disorder or disease. According to PetTable, some of the medical conditions that can cause circling in dogs include neosporosis, canine distemper, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Neosporosis is a parasitic disease that can be fatal and can lead to brain damage, paralysis, and death in dogs. Canine distemper, a viral disease that initially causes respiratory symptoms, can cause neurological damage that leads to circling. SLE, a systemic autoimmune disease, can cause paralysis, circling, fever, and muscle weakness.

That said, circling isn't always a sign of a life-threatening disease. As mentioned by MissionVet Specialty & Emergency, abnormalities in the ear, brainstem, and cerebellum can cause symptoms of vertigo, including ataxia (uncoordinated gait), rolling, stumbling, head tilt, and circling. While these signs are worrisome, they can be caused by underlying issues like inner ear infections, hypothyroidism, or ototoxic drugs, all of which can be treated if they're caught early. Still, any sudden onset of circling should be evaluated by a vet to determine and treat the underlying cause. An accurate diagnosis is important because some neurological disorders can progress quickly if they're not treated.

Cognitive Dysfunction and Dementia in Aging Dogs

In addition to other symptoms, circling in older dogs can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction or canine dementia, which is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. According to Hill's Pet, canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) can also lead to disorientation, changes in social interactions, sleep disturbances, and house soiling.

The Dog Dementia Help and Support website notes that the condition is progressive and moves from mild to moderate to severe stages, with symptoms worsening as the disease advances. That said, early detection and treatment, which can include medication, supplements, and environmental changes, can help control CCD and improve a dog's life, as reported by the American Kennel Club.

That said, as CCD progresses, dogs may also start to wander aimlessly, bark excessively, lose their ability to recognize their owners, and soil in the house more often, according to the Dog Dementia Help and Support website. As a result, it's important for dog owners to stay on the lookout for these signs and symptoms and to partner with their vet to ensure that their dogs get the best care possible.

How to Help a Dog That Is Circling

If your dog is circling, it is important to work with a vet to find and treat any medical issues that may be causing the behavior, as pointed out by Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs. For dogs with cognitive dysfunction or dementia, sticking to a regular schedule, keeping your dog mentally engaged, and ensuring that your dog feels safe and secure in their environment can help reduce feelings of anxiety and disorientation, according to the NAPPS and HappyNeuron Pro.

In addition to these interventions, medications, supplements, and dietary changes may be prescribed to help support cognitive health and reduce discomfort, according to Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs and HappyNeuron Pro. Regular exercise and activities that challenge the mind, such as puzzles and training exercises, can also help slow cognitive decline in older dogs, as mentioned by HappyNeuron Pro.

As the disease advances, pet parents may need to explore end-of-life care options, including at-home euthanasia, to make sure their pet's needs are being met, as suggested by Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs and the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement. In the end, the most important thing to focus on is maintaining the bond between pet and pet parent, as pointed out by Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs.

Diagnosing and Treating Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

The DISHAA assessment tool, which is described by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, can be used to assess the progression of cognitive dysfunction in dogs. It measures disorientation, interactions, sleep/wake cycle, house soiling, and activity and anxiety.

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a progressive disease that is becoming more common as dogs live longer, according to Small Door Veterinary. Although there is no cure for CCD, Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs points out that early detection and intervention can help slow its progression and manage its symptoms.

Treatment options for CCD include medications such as selegiline, supplements, acupuncture, rehabilitation, and ensuring a stable, enriched environment, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Owners should partner with their vet to assess their dog's quality of life and determine when it might be time to consider end-of-life care.

Conclusion: Understanding and Compassion for the Dying Dog

In the final days of a dog's life, they will sleep more and lose interest in walks and other activities. While decreased mobility and poor coordination are common in older dogs, they can get worse as the dog ages. The progression of these symptoms can start with a dog walking instead of running and then get to the point where they are stumbling while walking, slipping on non-carpeted floors, and having trouble getting up stairs or jumping on furniture. Sometimes, decreased mobility can be due to arthritis or failing eyesight, as mentioned by Goodbye Good Boy.

Abnormal breathing patterns, or signs of breathing difficulty (even while resting) is another common dog behavior before death. An example is open-mouth breathing, or if the dog stops breathing for a moment periodically and then resumes again, according to Goodbye Good Boy.

Seizures can occur in dogs in the final stages of life due to kidney failure or issues with the dog's brain. If your dog has a seizure, it's important to see your vet to determine if there are any underlying causes and to discuss treatment options. If your dog has a seizure that lasts longer than two minutes or has multiple seizures in a 24-hour period, it's an emergency, as pointed out by Goodbye Good Boy.

Ultimately, understanding and compassion are key when caring for a beloved companion during this tender transition.