Losing a beloved pet is a heartbreaking experience, and it’s even more distressing when it happens at home. It’s a painful moment that leaves us feeling lost and unsure of what to do next. In this article, I’ll guide you through the necessary steps to take if your dog passes away at home. Understanding the process can bring a small measure of comfort during such a tough time.
What to do If Dog Dies at Home
Coping With Grief
Grief over a pet’s death often mirrors grief over human loss. It’s common to experience a whirlwind of emotions, such as sorrow, anger, denial, guilt, and eventually acceptance. Notably, the healing journey may last longer for some people, shorter for others, varying from individual to individual.
Illustratively, someone might feel guilt and constantly think ‘If only I’d taken the dog to the vet sooner,’ or an elderly person who has lost their companion may feel a deep void in their everyday routine. Head-on coping strategies exist for these emotions. For instance, honoring your grief, acknowledging your pain, and understanding that it’s okay to mourn can enable you to navigate through this uncomfortable maze of emotions.
Support Options Available
In grappling with grief, support is essential. Numerous avenues exist that can provide comfort during this emotional time.
One such option is a pet loss support group, where you can share feelings and experiences with others who’ve lost their pet. Secondly, professional assistance from therapists who specialize in pet bereavement counseling can be beneficial in addressing any chronic, intense feelings of grief.
Lastly, memorializing your pet can provide solace. This act might involve creating a scrapbook, setting up a corner in your house with your pet’s things, or even planting a tree in the pet’s memory. These small actions can serve as a constant reminder of the love you shared with your dog and provide a pathway to healing.
Immediate Steps to Take
Confirming the Death
Initially, there’s no delay in determining if the dog has indeed passed away. You may verify it by looking for essential signs of life, namely breathing and heartbeat. A common example includes using a mirror to detect breathing. The mirror gets fogged up when it’s held in front of the nostrils if there’s still breath. Similarly, placing a hand on the chest helps determine the presence or absence of a heartbeat.
Creating a Peaceful Environment
Once the tragic reality of death is confirmed, the subsequent step revolves around creating a peaceful environment at home. This involves turning off loud noise sources such as TVs and music systems to maintain calm and decorum. Furthermore, for other pets that might be affected by the event, it’s crucial to allow them to sniff and see their deceased companion, helping them grasp the situation, as observed in numerous cases.
Options for Handling Your Dog’s Remains
Burial Options
Selecting a suitable burial spot signifies the first step. Home burial allows you to set a personalized and private memorial. However, local regulations on pet burial differ from one area to another, emphasizing the importance of checking local laws. Aside from home burial, established pet cemeteries provide a formal option. They offer marked graves and perpetual care, though may have fees involved.
Cremation Services
Cremation provides an alternative to burial. Two types of cremation services exist, namely: private and communal. Private cremation allows you to receive your pet’s ashes in a designated urn. However, private cremation involves higher expenses compared to communal cremation, where multiple pets are cremated together and ashes aren’t returned. It’s important to consult your vet or a trustworthy pet crematory for details on each option.
Other Alternatives
With advancements in technology, other alternatives for handling your pet’s remains have surfaced. One example is taxidermy, the art of preserving your pet’s body via mounting or stuffing. Aquamation, a form of water cremation, serves as an increasingly common eco-friendly alternative. Another unique option is turning pet ashes into diamonds. However, it’s crucial to consider the financial implications and personal comfort with these alternatives.