Losing a beloved dog is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a pet owner can face. When your furry friend passes away at home, it can be difficult to know what to do next.
During this challenging time, you may feel overwhelmed with emotions while also needing to make important decisions.
This guide will provide you with practical steps and support to help you navigate the process of saying goodbye to your cherished companion.
1. Confirm Your Dog Has Passed Away
Before taking any further steps, you need to make sure that your dog has truly passed away. Check for signs of life, such as breathing or a heartbeat.
If you’re unsure, feel for a pulse on the inside of their thigh, near the groin area. You can also try to feel for a heartbeat on the left side of their chest, just behind the elbow.
If there’s any doubt in your mind, consider attempting CPR or other first aid measures while rushing your dog to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.
However, if you are certain that your beloved companion has indeed passed on, it’s time to proceed with the next steps in handling this difficult situation.
2. Contact Your Veterinarian
Once you’ve confirmed your dog’s passing, reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If it’s during regular business hours, give them a call and explain the situation.
They will guide you through the next steps and provide you with options for handling your dog’s remains, such as cremation or burial.
If your dog passed away outside of normal clinic hours, contact the nearest emergency veterinary facility for assistance. They may be able to store your dog’s body temporarily until your regular vet opens, or provide you with information about local pet crematoriums or burial services.
Remember, your veterinarian is there to support you during this challenging time, so don’t hesitate to lean on them for guidance and advice.
3. Reach Out for Emotional Support
Don’t hesitate to reach out to close friends or family members who understand the bond you shared with your furry friend.
Having someone to talk to, cry with, or even just sit with can provide immense comfort. If you feel overwhelmed by the task of handling your dog’s remains, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Having a trusted friend or family member assist you with the process can make it feel less daunting. Remember, grieving is a highly personal journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Surround yourself with people who will support you and help you navigate this heartbreaking loss.
4. Handling Your Dog’s Body
When your beloved dog passes away at home, you’ll need to handle their remains with care and respect.
- First, wear gloves to protect yourself from any bodily fluids or waste that may be released. If necessary, clean the areas around your dog’s mouth, genitals, and anus.
- Obtain a blanket, towel, or sheet large enough to wrap around your dog’s body, as well as a heavy-duty plastic bag (or two, if the body is large).
- Arrange your dog’s body on the blanket as if they were sleeping, curled up on their side. This not only offers a peaceful appearance but also makes it easier to handle the remains.
- Wrap the body tightly in the blanket, then carefully slide it into the plastic bag(s). If possible, securely tie or tape the bag closed, and attach a label with your name and your dog’s name.
- Until you decide on burial or cremation, store the remains in a freezer or refrigerator to slow decomposition. If this isn’t possible, a cool basement or garage can suffice for a short period.
5. Burial Options
If you choose to bury your dog, first check your local laws to ensure pet burial is allowed on private property. Some cities and municipalities prohibit this practice.
If burial is permitted, select a location that is not prone to erosion or likely to be disturbed in the future. Remove your dog’s body from any non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic bags, before burial.
You may choose to place the body in a wooden or cardboard casket for a more traditional burial. Dig a grave at least three feet deep to prevent scavengers from disturbing the remains.
After laying your dog to rest, consider marking the grave with a headstone or another memorial to honor your faithful companion. Planting a tree or creating a small garden near the burial site can also serve as a beautiful, living tribute to your dog’s memory.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to bury your pet; the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the location and the way in which you choose to say goodbye.
6. Cremation Options
If you prefer cremation for your dog’s remains, know that many veterinarians work closely with pet crematoriums to provide this service.
Some facilities even offer 24/7 support for emergency situations, so don’t hesitate to ask your vet for recommendations.
When discussing cremation with the provider, inquire about the different options available, such as private or communal cremation. In a private cremation, your dog will be cremated alone, and their ashes will be returned to you. In a communal cremation, your dog will be cremated along with other pets, and the ashes will not be returned.
If you choose to keep your dog’s ashes, consider the various ways you can honor their memory, such as scattering the ashes in a meaningful location, creating a memorial piece of jewelry, or keeping the ashes in a special urn.
Ultimately, the decision between burial and cremation is a personal one, and there is no wrong choice. Select the option that feels most comforting and meaningful to you.
7. Coping with Grief
Losing a dog is a profoundly painful experience, and it’s essential to remember that grieving is a process. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and everyone copes with loss differently.
Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions that come with saying goodbye to a beloved companion.
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who understand the depth of your loss. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, whether that means talking to a trusted loved one or seeking the guidance of a professional grief counselor.
Find ways to honor your dog’s memory, such as creating a photo album, commissioning a piece of artwork, or making a donation to a local animal rescue in their name.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to grieve at your own pace. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to take as much time as you need to process your loss.