Dogs sensing death- stories?

TinyAlbinoDancer · 01-23-2006, 06:40 PM

My little rat, Millie, passed away last night, and it got me to thinking about how Missie always freaks out and barks at the cage around when one of my animals dies. I've been keeping rodents for a good several years now, and I'm not sure it's been every time, but at some point before I actually check the cage and find the little one gone, Missie always had this spastic moment, jumping and barking in front of the cage. I usually quickly hush her because she does it so suddenly and so loud, so I never even think to check on the pet right then. But every time I find one gone, I remember Missie having one of those moments that day or perhaps the night before (and often times I realize the pet could've been gone that long, as I hadn't checked them). And she can't see into any of the cages, either. I suppose she'd know by smell, but I'd estimate she does this quite soon after they die.

Is this possible? Has anyone else experienced something similar? Maybe it's a Terrier thing? Just wondering.

mrsgrubby · 01-24-2006, 06:35 AM

Wow, that is pretty amazing!!!!!

calgal · 01-24-2006, 01:23 PM

Yes, dogs do sense death. Maybe the body lets off a paticular odor when it dies, I'm not sure. Some dogs will howl, even if they are not near the body.

01-23-2006, 06:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
TinyAlbinoDancer Always room for one more Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,528 Rep Power: 161	Dogs sensing death- stories? My little rat, Millie, passed away last night, and it got me to thinking about how Missie always freaks out and barks at the cage around when one of my animals dies. I've been keeping rodents for a good several years now, and I'm not sure it's been every time, but at some point before I actually check the cage and find the little one gone, Missie always had this spastic moment, jumping and barking in front of the cage. I usually quickly hush her because she does it so suddenly and so loud, so I never even think to check on the pet right then. But every time I find one gone, I remember Missie having one of those moments that day or perhaps the night before (and often times I realize the pet could've been gone that long, as I hadn't checked them). And she can't see into any of the cages, either. I suppose she'd know by smell, but I'd estimate she does this quite soon after they die. Is this possible? Has anyone else experienced something similar? Maybe it's a Terrier thing? Just wondering.
	__________________ ~Karen Missie~Trixie~Little Guy~Ollie

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
vaccinations? this will make you think twice!	Kaiyah	Dog Health Concerns	16	08-06-2006 09:09 PM
Can Dogs Smell Cancer?	Crossfire Bulldogs	Dog News and Dogs in Popular Media	5	01-09-2006 11:04 AM
Search and rescue dogs find lost teen	Crossfire Bulldogs	Dog News and Dogs in Popular Media	0	12-26-2005 02:35 AM
911 Operator Calls Mother 'Stupid' after dog attack	DarknessDivine	The Global Paw	32	02-17-2005 05:52 AM
New study on Bloat	NooDles	Dog Health Concerns	7	09-29-2004 12:15 AM

01-24-2006, 06:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
mrsgrubby Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,476 Rep Power: 140	Wow, that is pretty amazing!!!!!

01-24-2006, 01:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,609 Rep Power: 222	Yes, dogs do sense death. Maybe the body lets off a paticular odor when it dies, I'm not sure. Some dogs will howl, even if they are not near the body.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)