- Stay Close to Them. Many dogs will seek comfort during this time and may desire more attention and care. …
- Don’t Introduce Your Dog to New People or Places. …
- Maintain Normal Activities as Long as Your Dog Is Able. …
- Talk to Your Vet If Medication Is Needed.
The fact that our dogs are unlikely to outlive us is a difficult but unfortunate reality of dog ownership. Almost all dog owners will have to deal with their dog’s death at some point.
The transition can be made easier by being aware of a dog’s behavior prior to death as well as what to anticipate during the procedure.
This article will examine the behaviors and warning signs of a dying dog, whether it is humane to put your dog to sleep naturally or whether you should always take your dog to the vet, as well as what happens after.
Give Yourself Time to Grieve
Pets are a part of the family. So its perfectly normal to grieve when your dog dies. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself to grieve, knowing that it will take time for you to heal. Dont rush the process, Bergeland says. You (and your pet) deserve this period of grief.
Sharing your sorrow with loved ones can often help you cope with the loss of a pet. Online communities are another place to find animal lovers who can relate to what you’re going through. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor if there is a nearby hotline or support group for pet bereavement.
“Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re having a hard time coping with loss,” advises Bergeland. “Seek out pet support groups or consult a therapist or social worker Talking with someone who can support you in recognizing and processing what you’re going through is crucial. “.
RELATED: How to Comfort Someone After Their Pet Dies
Determine What Services You Want
It’s time to make your decision about what you want to do with your pet after he passes away if you haven’t already. The veterinarian who handled the procedure needs to inform you of your options if your pet was put to death. Since city and town ordinances typically don’t permit dogs to be buried at home, cremation is the most common option. If there is a nearby pet cemetery, burial might be an option.
Handling the Body
Although it is unpleasant to discuss, you might need to handle your pet’s body. If you want to bury your pet yourself but can’t immediately, you must properly store the body. You will also need to properly store the remains if you want to have your pet cremated or have the burial handled by a business that can’t immediately take the remains. If your pet passes away during the night or on a holiday, this might be the case. However, some pet cemeteries offer 24-hour phone support for this kind of circumstance. The most crucial thing to remember is that the deceased pet’s remains need to be handled as soon as possible.
An animal’s body starts to rot as soon as it dies, which is a cruel reality. The body will soon start to smell bad and draw insects. The hotter the temperature, the faster the rate of decomposition. The stiffening of the joints, or rigor mortis, typically starts 10 minutes to 3 hours after death and can last up to 72 hours. Again, the temperature will affect this process. Ideally, rigor mortis won’t develop before the remains are handled properly.
FAQ
What medication can I use to euthanize my dog?
Most veterinarians use a medication called pentobarbital. When a patient takes an excessive amount of the anesthetic pentobarbital, their heart and lungs can stop. It is a very humane drug to use for euthanasia because it is an anesthetic and puts the patient’s brain to sleep before they pass away.
Can my dog pass away at home?
What to Do if Your Dog Dies Naturally at Home. You can ask your veterinarian for advice if your dog passed away suddenly at home, but it’s probably simpler to go right to a pet cemetery or a crematorium. You will need to bring your pet to their facility in either case.
How long does it take for a dog to pass away naturally?
Some sick dogs deteriorate rapidly in a matter of hours, while others may take several days or even weeks to pass away. The period of time between when a dog naturally dies is undefined. Before their deaths actually occur, other dogs may appear to be dying for days or weeks.