What is what to do when my dog dies?

It's incredibly painful to lose a dog. Here's some information on what to do when your dog dies:

• Immediate Actions:

  • Confirm the Death: Ensure your dog has passed away. Look for signs like lack of breathing and heartbeat.
  • Comfort: Allow yourself and your family to grieve. This is a significant loss.
  • Contact Your Vet: Your veterinarian can confirm the death and provide guidance on next steps and options for aftercare. They can also assist with paperwork if necessary. Check your vet's website for their after hours procedures.

• Aftercare Options:

  • Burial: If permitted by local ordinances, you can bury your dog at home. Check local regulations regarding pet burial depth and location restrictions. Some pet cemeteries also offer burial services.
  • Cremation: Many veterinary clinics and pet crematories offer cremation services. Options include individual cremation (ashes returned to you) and communal cremation (ashes not returned).
  • Veterinary Disposal: Your veterinarian can arrange for the remains to be handled through a professional pet crematory or other appropriate means.

• Considerations for Aftercare:

  • Cost: Burial, cremation, and veterinary disposal all have different costs. Discuss these with your vet or the cremation service.
  • Personal Preferences: Think about what feels right for you and your family. Do you want a specific burial site? Do you want to keep your dog's ashes?
  • Religious or Cultural Beliefs: Your beliefs may influence your aftercare choices.

• Grief and Mourning:

  • Allow Yourself to Grieve: Don't suppress your feelings. It's okay to be sad, angry, or confused.
  • Memorialize Your Dog: Create a memorial, such as a photo album, a scrapbook, or a donation to an animal charity in your dog's name.
  • Talk to Someone: Share your feelings with friends, family, or a grief counselor. There are also pet loss support groups available online and in person.
  • Take Care of Yourself: Ensure you eat properly, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that you enjoy.
  • Children and Grief: Help children understand what happened in an age-appropriate way. Be honest and allow them to express their feelings.

• Other Important Matters:

  • Notify Microchip Company: If your dog was microchipped, contact the microchip company to update their records.
  • Cancel Pet Insurance: If you had pet insurance, cancel the policy.
  • Donations: Consider donating unused pet supplies to a local animal shelter.

Losing a dog is a difficult experience. Remember to be kind to yourself and allow yourself the time you need to heal.