You’ve just come home to find your beloved pet has passed away. Whether your beloved dog dies naturally or not, you’re heartbroken, and you’re not sure what to do next. Should you bury your dog in the backyard? Cremate them? Donate their body to science?
Losing a pet is never easy. But when your dog dies at home and it comes to deciding what to do with your deceased pet, you have a few options.
One popular choice is cremation. This allows you to keep your pet’s ashes with you or even scatter them in a place that was special to your pet.
If you choose burial, you’ll need to decide whether you want to bury your pet in a pet cemetery or in your own backyard. Either way, you’ll want to create a special spot for your pet’s final resting place.
You can also donate your pet’s body to a university or research institution for study. This can be a good option if you want your pet to help others, even after death.
Whichever option you choose, make sure you take the time to grieve for your loss. Your dog was an important part of your life and deserves to be remembered with love and respect.
Some Ways to Dispose of Your Dog’s Body at Home With Honor
Depending on your plans for your beloved pup’s remains, you have the same alternatives as when your dog passes away at the clinic, with the only exception being that you will have to deal with a few essential issues yourself.
Here are all of the choices in-depth:
You Can Bury Your Dog
Every pet owner knows the pain of losing a furry friend when your dog dies. While your pet’s death is always difficult to accept, there are different ways to cope with the loss.
For some people, burying their pet in the backyard is the best way to say goodbye. This option allows for a personal and intimate farewell and will enable owners to visit their pet’s burial site whenever they want, but check with local laws and local ordinances first. Pet cemeteries are another option.
Additionally, many people choose to bury their pet with a headstone or grave marker. This can help to create a lasting memorial for your furry friend.
Finally, some people opt to have a memorial service for their pet. This can be a nice way to honor your pet’s life while also allowing friends and family to share their memories and support each other during this difficult time.
Preparing the body
- First, you’ll need to wash them with soap and water. This will help to remove any dirt, fur, or other debris.
- Next, you’ll need to wrap them in a shroud, plastic bag, or a blanket. This will help to keep their body together and prevent any leaks.
- Finally, you’ll need to find a suitable location for the burial. It might be your backyard or a pet cemetery.
Once you’ve taken care of these details, you can proceed with the burial itself. Though it’s not an easy task, preparing your dog’s body for burial can give you a sense of closure during this difficult time.
Digging the Grave
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot to bury your pet, it’s time to start digging. Of course, the size of the grave will depend on the size of your dog.
A small dog will need a grave at least two feet deep, while a large one will need a grave at least four feet deep.
When you’re digging the grave, be sure to take your time. This is an important task, and you’ll want to make sure that it’s done right.
Once the grave is dug, you can proceed with burial.
Burying Your Dog
After you’ve prepared your dog’s body and dug the grave, you’re ready to say your final goodbye.
To begin, you’ll need to lower your pet’s body into the grave. You can do this by yourself or with the help of a friend or family member.
Once your pet is in the grave, you can say whatever words you feel are appropriate. This might be a prayer, poem, or simply a few words of love.
After you’ve said your goodbye, you can begin to fill in the grave. Be sure to pack the dirt tightly so that the grave will be secure.
Once the grave is filled, you can add a headstone or grave marker. This will help to create a lasting memorial for your furry friend.
You Can Have Your Dog Cremated
Cremation is another popular option for pet owners. This option allows you to keep your pet’s ashes, which can be helpful if you want to create a lasting memorial.
Additionally, cremation is often less expensive than burial. Therefore, this can be a good option for people who are on a budget.
Cremains (your dog’s ashes) can be scattered in a special place, such as your pet’s favorite spot in the park. This can be a nice way to honor your pet’s memory.
Finally, some people choose to have their pet’s remains made into jewelry or keepsakes. This can be a beautiful way to keep your pet close to your heart.
Making the Arrangements
If you decide to have your pet cremated, you’ll need to make the arrangements with a crematorium. A vet’s office might offer this service, or you can contact pet crematoriums directly.
When making the arrangements, you’ll need to decide whether you want a private or group cremation. Private pet cremations mean that only your pet’s body will be cremated. This option is more expensive but allows you to keep your pet’s ashes.
Group cremation is when several pets are cremated together. This option is less expensive, but you will not be able to keep your pet’s ashes.
Once you’ve made the arrangements, you can proceed with the cremation.
Taxidermy is Another Option
If you’re looking for a more unique way to memorialize your pet, you might want to consider taxidermy. Taxidermy is the process of preserving an animal’s body by stuffing it and mounting it on a display.
This option can be expensive, but it allows you to keep your pet’s body in its entirety. It’s important to note that taxidermy is a complex process and should only be attempted by a professional.
If you’re interested in this option, you’ll need to contact a taxidermist to make the arrangements.
Donating Your Pet’s Body to Science
If you’re not sure what to do with your pet’s body, you might want to consider donating it to science. There are a number of organizations that accept animal donations for research and education purposes.
This option allows you to help further the cause of science while also honoring your pet’s memory. If you’re interested in this option, you’ll need to contact a research facility or university to make the arrangements.
When you’re making the arrangements, you’ll need to specify what you would like to happen to your pet’s body. For example, you might want it to be used for dissection purposes or preserved for future study.
Saying Goodbye
When your pet dies, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by sadness and grief. This is a difficult time, but there are things that you can do to help yourself through it.
First, it’s important to allow yourself to grieve. This means that you shouldn’t try to bottle up your emotions. Instead, it would help if you allowed yourself to cry, scream, or do whatever else you need to do to release your emotions.
Additionally, it can be helpful to talk about your pet with other people who are close to you. This can help you to feel less alone in your grief.
Finally, it’s important to give yourself time to heal. This is a process that takes time, and there is no right or wrong way to do it.
Everyone grieves in their own way, and you will eventually find your own path through this difficult time.
Making the Decision
When it comes to deciding what to do with your pet’s body, there is no right or wrong answer.
Choosing the option that feels right for you and your family is essential. If you’re not sure what to do, take some time to consider all of your options.
You can also talk to your vet or another professional to get their opinion. Once you’ve made a decision, you can proceed with the arrangements. Whichever option you choose, it’s important to remember that this is a difficult time.
Give yourself some time to grieve and heal when your pet passes, and eventually, you will find your way through this difficult period. The grieving process is essential. Remember that your pet was loved and will be missed no matter what you decide to do.
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*photo by stomakhin – depositphotos