How To Tell When Your Dog Is Ready To Transition
Updated 2024.11.21
Dogs are one of the greatest gifts to humans on this earth, and our relationship with them represents one of the closest models of unconditional love that exists in the entire universe.
For this reason, dogs can be our best friends, our closest confidants, our babies and those in our life we want to see the best for.
This is even true in the soul’s transition process. Most owners tend to have a spiritual connection with their animals.
So as your dog gets ready to transition, it would be likely for you to feel as though your dog is spiritually telling you they are prepared to let go. You may sense this even before, or as you are seeing physical symptoms of them letting go of their physical body.
Though we would like there to be, there is usually not one single sign that we can point to and say that your dog is ready to leave this earth. Instead, there tends to be a group of signs that will tell you when your pup may be starting to release their connection to the physical world.
Some people feel they receive messages from their animal when they’re ready to transition. You may also receive dreams or images of your dog doing things they once did when they were younger, indicating they are spiritually looking to exit to a more freeing and open place.
As your dog starts to release their connection to the physical, you may also notice:
A more distant look in their eyes
A loss of the ability to enjoy the things they once loved
More time spent laying around or more time spent in one place
Not eating as much as they used to
No longer enjoying the food that they really loved
Not drinking as much as they used to
Losing control of their bowels
Starting to lose coordination
Losing the ability to walk freely
Having seizures or muscle spasms and twitches more
Developing dementia-like symptoms such as circling or getting stuck in corners
You, the owner, sensing that your dog is ready to let go
You, the owner, feeling as though you are receiving messages your dog is ready to let go
You, the owner, having dreams or visions of your dog elsewhere
When a dog is ready to transition, the most common thing you hear from people who have already lost their animals is that they will tell you when they are ready.
For most people this message that they receive is not only true, it is also accurate - but it does not mean it is an easy message to accept. However, when we live with dogs we play by dog rules, and this means we have to abide by their timelines on this earth.
If you can sense that your dog is ready to let go from the physical world, due to a long-term health situation, or old age, working with them on the ideal transition process is one of the kindest things you can do.
For example, if you can sense your dog is ready to depart this world, you may consider taking some time to set up a soul transition experience that would be most enjoyable and inclusive for everyone who wants to be present and involved.
Your dog may have friends who wish to be present for their transition experience, and you may want to consider this.
During this time, you may also choose to consider exploring compassionate home transition options, sedatives to make their hospice time more comfortable, calming music, or adding pleasing scents, aromas and breezes to their space to provide a more relaxing experience.
When our dog was transitioning, one of our neighbors trained in Reiki did an energy work protocol with her specifically for dogs who are dying.
This was an incredibly relaxing experience for her. So if someone offers you a similar experience, I would suggest it.
In all of this, the most important thing to remember is that your dog loves you and knows you want the best for them. And as the dog dad or mom in charge, just by reading this article you are doing what is most loving for your pet.
That is, exploring all of the reasonable options out there as you act as the liaison between your dog, their medical care team and the bridge between heaven and earth for your incredible friend.
Whatever happens, know that being with your dog during this time is the most loving thing you can do, there are options for your dog’s transition and that no matter what, your dog’s spirit will never leave you.
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