Is it normal for a dog to pee, poop, and get stiff after death?

Question

A few years ago my dog cassie was hit by a car and died instantly but what I found weird was as she was laying there she started peeing and pooing even though she was dead why did this happen they pee and poo seemed endless even as my dad was carrying her away to bury her she was still peeing and her legs went completely stiff and her head also went stuff that made it very hard to put her in a box 1: why did she pee and poo so much 2; why was she stiff

Rosemary Barber, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hi! Sorry to hear about Cassie. It is normal for a pet to pass urine and stool after dying. The urine and stool that are normally held inside the body passively leave the body, as all of the body sphincters relax. Stiffness is a natural process after death as well, which is called rigor mortis, which is caused by chemical changes in the muscles after death.

Is it normal for a dog to pee, poop, and get stiff after death?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?

Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?

Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?

Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?

Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?

Share