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Why did my older dog die suddenly with no prior health issues?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 7 years and 11 months old | 6.5 lbs

My 8 year old Chihuahua died suddenly in my arms 2 hours ago. She had been fine but this morning didn't want to eat. She was lethargic this afternoon and when I was leaving to take her to the 24-hour clinic she started raspy breathing, took two short breaths and was gone. I am so devastated and can't think of anything that she could have gotten into. Any ideas?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2017

Oh no, how horrible for you to experience! I am so sorry for your loss! She could have had heart problems, cancer, liver failure, or possibly something toxic you didn't realize Bella got into during the day. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain what caused her to pass away, but I do recommend taking her into a vet for a necropsy. This is an autopsy for dogs, and it may give you some answers on what caused her to suddenly pass away. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss, please accept my condolences :-(

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 13th, 2020

    I am so sorry for your loss. There are lots of conditions that can cause vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and then can progress to life threatening conditions within 48 hrs if not identified quickly and treated. Somet hings that come into mind are: diabetic ketoacidosis, Addison's disease, sepsis (infection in the bloodstream), toxic ingestion, gallbladder rupture, or any number of other diseases. It is difficult to say for sure without any kind of diagnostic test results done when the symptoms first started. You certainly have the option of having a necrospy done to try to determine the cause of death. You can get this done through your veteriarian. Again I am so sorry that you lost your companion so suddenly. And I hope that you can find closure here with the loss of your pet. Best wishes and take care.

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