Last Updated on March 21, 2022 by Dogs Vets
How To Plan For Your Dog’s Passing
Death is inevitable to both humans and animals. And like your loved one’s death, it’s hard to say goodbye to your dog, which has become your good friend for a certain period.
You’ve fed them, taken care of them, played with them, and needed them for comfort and friendship. But it’s essential to understand that your time together will soon wind down, and your furry companion will perish in this world.
Thus, no matter how difficult it is, you need to plan for your dog’s passing as early as possible. The process may be challenging, but it’s the only way to ensure you can pay homage to your dog while preparing yourself emotionally for their death.
In this article, you’ll have a walkthrough of how to plan for your dog’s passing.
1. Make The Necessary Arrangements As Early As Possible
As your dog ages, they’re also moving closer to their final days. That said, it’s best to prepare in advance to ensure you’re ready for their death.
These preparations can include a pet care plan and pet insurance. When you have these things in place, you can rest knowing you have enough funds to pay for the expensive veterinary care and funeral.
When your dog’s death comes, you also need to know what you want to do with their body. This is where the funeral plan comes into play. It usually involves decisions as to how to dispose of their remains. Generally, there are two options to consider. You can choose to bury or cremate your pet.
If you decide to have your dog’s body buried, you can pick whether to do it at home or in the cemetery. If you want to save some money, you can go for a home burial. But if you want to ensure unlimited access to your pet’s grave, having them interred in a pet cemetery can be an excellent idea.
On the other hand, if you opt for dog cremation, you need to prepare for the costs you’re going to pay. The expenses usually differ, depending on your pet’s size. If your furry friend is big, you may have to pay a higher amount as well.
2. Talk To Your Veterinarian
As a parent, one of the most challenging things to do is decide when to euthanize your dog to end their suffering. Dealing with this kind of situation can be heartbreaking, but you need to include it in your plan to make the entire process more manageable.
Thus, if you feel like your dog’s death is getting nearer, make sure to talk to your veterinarian about it. By doing so, you’ll obtain expert advice as to why it’s best to euthanize your pet or not. Your vet will explain your dog’s situation and inform you whether you’ve already exhausted all other options to treat them.
However, if you believe your furry friend’s condition is deteriorating, find time to discuss the matter with your vet as early as possible to prepare and make the necessary plans.
3. Allocate Some Time For Your Dog
When your dog is dying, time becomes a limited resource. As such, allocating quality time for your pet should be part of your plan.
Before your animal is gone, it’s best to cherish the time you’ve left with them. For instance, you can make an effort to do all the things you and your dog love to do together.
Whether they love fetching a ball or rolling around to get a snuggle, there are many activities you can do to make your pet’s remaining time on earth more memorable.
Moreover, if your furry friend loves walking around the neighborhood, you can schedule some ‘walk’ time moments before their passing. But in case walking isn’t possible due to their deteriorating medical condition, you consider loading them up in a stroller. That way, you and your dog can get some fresh air while spending quality time with each other.
4. Take Photos And Other Memorable Keepsakes
Another way of planning for your animal’s passing is to take photos and other keepsakes such as a paw print, which you can frame and mount to your wall. In most cases, your dog’s pictures during their remaining days may not be good to look at.
But these things can serve as your last memory about them after their passing. A few days after your furry friend’s death, you can quickly look at the photos and the paw print to remind you that they’re in a better place now.
5. Arrange A Memorial Service
Planning for your dog’s passing includes arrangements for a memorial service. With all the years you’ve spent together, it’s just right to pay homage by remembering your pet through the service. So, if you’re planning a memorial service, below are some activities and themes you may consider doing:
- Stories: Many people around you have encountered your dog in different ways. Because of this, it can be an excellent idea to invite your family and friends to the service. Encourage them to tell beautiful stories about your furry companion. For example, your neighbors might have something to say about your pet when they’re a puppy. Your friends from the dog park might also share stories about how friendly your pet was to other animals.
- Pictures and songs in a slideshow: You can also celebrate your dog’s life by gathering your favorite photos of them and creating a digital slideshow. You can also include a playlist of songs that you and your dog both love in your slideshow to make it more heartfelt.
- Butterfly release: This activity can also be a great addition to your dog’s memorial service. Typically, releasing butterflies means something significant for many cultures. For example, in some countries, butterflies during a memorial service represent endurance and hope.
Wrapping Up
Preparing for your dog’s death can be painful and sad. It can be something you may have to deal with for a long time. But like all other living creatures, it’s essential to acknowledge that your pet will perish, and you have to plan for it.
Therefore, if you want a good plan for their passing, make sure to keep the information mentioned above in mind, and you’ll be in the right direction.
Facts Check:
We hope you enjoyed this article… What are your thoughts?
Рleаse feel free to share with us in the comments section below!
