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15 Steps to Take When Your Dog Dies at Home

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Losing a beloved pet is never easy, especially when it happens in your home—expected or unexpected. We’ll walk you through important steps to help you handle the immediate aftermath with care and respect for your pup. These suggestions aim to provide comfort and guidance as you begin the process of saying goodbye to your dog.

Take Time to Process

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The moment you realize your dog has died can be shocking. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions. So, allow yourself to sit quietly, cry if you need to, or talk to a family member. There’s no right or wrong way to react or process things. Remember, your feelings are your own.

Check That Your Dog Has Passed

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As hard as it is, make sure your dog has actually kicked the bucket. You can do this by checking for signs of breathing or a heartbeat. If you’re not sure, call your vet right away. They can guide you over the phone or even come to your home to help ascertain that your dog has truly passed.

Reach Out for Help

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You don’t have to handle this alone. Instead, call a friend, family member, or neighbor who can be with you. Having someone to lean on can make a big difference. Also, if you have children, talk to them gently about what’s happened because sharing this experience can help everyone cope.

Make Your Dog Comfortable

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Move your dog to a quiet spot in your home. You might want to use their favorite bed or a large blanket to wrap up their body. This gives you and your family a calm place to say goodbye, which can equally help everyone with the grieving process.

Call Your Vet

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Let your vet know what’s happened. They can advise you on the next steps and discuss options for your dog’s remains. However, many vets offer cremation services or should be able to suggest pet funeral homes. They’ll also need to update their records, especially if your dog was getting treatment before passing on.

Think About Final Arrangements

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You have options for your dog’s remains, like burial or cremation. If you want to bury your dog at home, check if it’s allowed in your area. If not, pet cemeteries are another better option. If you decide to go for cremation, you can keep your dog’s ashes. 

Take Care of Practical Matters

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If you’re not having your vet care for the remains, you’ll need to make plans soon. In warm weather, keep your dog in a cool room or wrap them in a blanket and place them in a large plastic bag. This helps preserve your dog’s body while you decide what to do next.

Create a Memorial

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Remembering your dog can help you heal. You could make a photo album, plant a tree, or keep their collar and tag in a special place. Some people like to have a portrait made or get a piece of jewelry with their dog’s picture. These reminders can be comforting as time goes by.

Look After Yourself

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Grief can wear you out, so remember to eat, drink water, and rest. It’s okay to take time off work if you need it. You might find it helpful to join a pet loss support group or talk to a counselor. Taking care of yourself is important during this sad time.

Decide What to Do with Your Dog’s Things

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When you feel ready, think about what to do with your dog’s belongings. You could give some items to an animal shelter or want to keep certain things to remember your pet. There’s no rush—do whatever feels right. If you have other pets, they might like having some familiar items around.

Tell People Who Knew Your Dog

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Let your dog’s groomer, walker, or kennel and everyone who took care of your dog while it was alive know what happened. They probably cared about your dog, too, and would want to know. This will also prevent them from sending reminders or messages that might upset you later.

Watch Your Other Pets

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If you have other pets, they might miss your dog, too. Animals that stay together are usually close friends. Try to keep their routine normal and give them extra attention. When they seem sad or start acting differently, talk to your vet for advice.

Have a Small Ceremony

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Getting together with family or friends to remember your dog can help you feel better. You could share stories about your pet over dinner or have a small gathering in your backyard. Invite people who knew and liked your dog. See it as a chance to talk about the good times you had together.

Keep Memories in a Creative Way

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Doing something creative can help you deal with your feelings. Write down your favorite memories with your dog. You can even make a scrapbook or start a blog about your dog. These activities honor your pet and can make you feel better as you work on them.

Look to the Future

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As time passes, you’ll start to feel better. Moving forward doesn’t mean you’re forgetting your dog. When you’re ready, you might want to volunteer at an animal shelter or help foster dogs. Helping other animals can be a nice way to remember your own pet and find meaning in your loss.

Written by Jace Lamonica

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