Many dogs, when they realize they are nearing death, often leave their homes secretly. So why do they behave this way?
For those who raise and love dogs, it is understood that a dog's lifespan is very short compared to ours. Therefore, no matter how much we love them, we must face the reality of parting.

There is a fact that many dogs, when they know they are about to pass away, tend to run away from home, especially those living in rural areas. If they cannot go far, they will find a secluded, quiet corner to silently give up their life.

Why does a dog behave like this when facing death?

Animals seek shelter when they are about to die
Although animals cannot speak, their behavior reveals much about their mental state. These behaviors remind us that whether human or animal, facing the end of life comes with indescribable pain and worry.

Why do animals seek shelter? This is related to their survival instincts. In the animal kingdom, the “law of the jungle” is the rule of life. For prey animals, the key to survival is to avoid predators as much as possible and find a safe environment. When they feel their life is fading, instinctively, they find a quiet corner to hide, so as not to become prey for other animals. Therefore, animals seek shelter not only because of pain and anxiety but also to protect their survival.

How should we perceive these behaviors in their final moments?
First, we should respect animals and allow them the greatest peace possible before death, rather than causing them more pain. Second, we should recognize the preciousness of life and treat animals with sufficient respect and care during their last moments. This respect is not only for animals but also reflects our attitude towards life and human existence.

Why do they do this?
Why do dogs run away from their owners?

Dogs were among the first animals domesticated by humans and are admired for their loyalty and close bonds with people. However, many owners experience heartbreak when they realize their dog has disappeared and cannot be found. So why do dogs secretly run away from their owners?

Like humans, dogs have emotional and psychological needs. If they feel lonely, anxious, stressed, or sad, they will start looking for an escape. Some dogs bark continuously, while others choose to run away from their homes. This is especially common in households where owners have neglected their dogs’ needs for a long time.

For example, many owners do not have enough time to meet their dogs’ emotional needs due to busy schedules. In such situations, dogs naturally feel isolated and abandoned and try to leave an environment that is no longer suitable for them.

Dogs may also run away to avoid what is called “forced arrangements.” Many owners set fixed tasks and schedules for their dogs, such as daily morning walks or feeding at specific times. Although these routines seem reasonable and organized, some dogs find these tasks stressful and restrictive.

If owners do not provide enough love and enjoyable activities, dogs become bored, frustrated, irritable, and eventually leave to escape the “high control pressure” placed on them. Therefore, owners should establish a relationship of mutual understanding and respect with their dogs, rather than one based only on forced control.

Dogs run away because of emotional reasons...

Life and death in animal intelligence

Although animals’ intelligence is not as advanced as humans’, they generally have enough intelligence and behavioral abilities to cope with survival pressures in the natural environment. While humans often classify animals as lower beings, modern scientific discoveries have broadened our understanding of animal intelligence and the concept of life and death.

In nature, every species has the ability to adapt to survive, such as self-defense, escape, and deception. High-IQ animals like dolphins can not only perform self-care but also respond to predator attacks, communicate underwater, and organize group actions. In the wild, survival often demands a high cost, and life and death are matters of great importance.

In summary, dogs running away from their owners when nearing death is not because they don’t love them, but because they love them too much. They want to end their lives in the best way possible, so their owners do not suffer too much sadness, and they themselves can pass peacefully. We should be grateful for these most loyal friends because they leave an unforgettable mark on our lives and make us more complete and happy.