Are dog leg twitches or stiffness normal during the dying process?

Question

As my dog was dying, her legs were stiffening, then relaxing, then stiffening again. Is this a normal response to passing away, or a sign of pain and/or discomfort? Pet's info: Dog | English Springer Spaniel | Female | spayed | 14 years and 2 months old | 31 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Eppie. Many changes happen during the dying process. The heart slows, blood pressure rises & then falls, & oxygen is redirected away from limbs & muscles to the brain & internal organs. Often there are strange & abnormal movements, but these are totally involuntary. It is very, very unlikely that Eppie was aware at this point, so there was no conscious effort to control things, & blessedly, pain & discomfort disappear. Please accept my condolences on her passing & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Are dog leg twitches or stiffness normal during the dying process?

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