Just as you’re never prepared to say goodbye to someone you love, it’s always heartbreaking to let go of your pet. If you recognize the symptoms and anticipate what’s coming, it may be easier to accept your loss.

You might already notice some telltale signs your dog is dying—aging, sight or hearing loss, incontinence. Or maybe it will be a little more sudden, like a heart attack or car crash. If your experience is the former, here’s what you can expect:

Lethargy and excessive sleeping. You’ll notice him moving more slowly, drifting in and out of sleep.

Difficulty moving and loss of coordination. He may bump into things and seem to have trouble getting his bearings.

Vomiting, diarrhea, and incontinence. Toward the end, he’ll likely struggle to keep food down. It may be wise to surround him with puppy pads.

Decreased appetite and difficulty swallowing. As his body starts shutting down, he’ll be less interested in eating and drinking—meaning he will urinate and defecate less.

Decreased responsiveness to affection. Your dog may seem like a shell of himself, barely responsive to attention and playfulness.

If you notice these signs, give your veterinarian a call. He may give you some pills to help with your dog’s pain—or if necessary, put him to sleep. It sounds unbearable, but sometimes it’s the only way to end your friend’s suffering.

In the meantime, keep him as hydrated as possible by supplying ice cubes and administering water with a medicine dropper. Consider feeding him wet food to make swallowing easier. And lastly, just be there. Pet him, talk to him, and know you’re making a difference.

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