Decomposition begins at the moment of death, caused by two factors: 1.) autolysis, the breaking down of tissues by the body 's own internal chemicals and enzymes, and 2.) putrefaction, the breakdown of tissues by bacteria. These processes release compounds such as cadaverine and putrescine, that are the chief source of the unmistakably putrid odor of decaying animal tissue.
when does a dead dog start to decompose
at the moment of death