Dogs do not understand death in the complex, human sense, but they do have an instinctive awareness when their bodies are failing or they are nearing the end of life. They can sense changes in their own physical condition and may exhibit behavioral changes such as withdrawal, restlessness, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Dogs may also pick up on biochemical changes in their bodies through their acute senses such as smell, which could indicate that death is near. However, they do not have the cognitive ability to grasp the concept of dying or dying's permanence; it is more of an instinctual acceptance of their changing state rather than an intellectual understanding. Additionally, dogs are emotionally attuned and can sense the stress and emotions of their human companions during these times, which might influence their behavior as well. During euthanasia, dogs are typically unaware they are dying as the sedation induces a peaceful sleep before death. In summary, dogs do know something significant is changing as they are dying, primarily through physical and sensory cues, but they do not comprehend death as a concept like humans do.
