It's terrible but it will happen some day.
Question: What Do I Do When My Dog Dies at Home?
Answer:
What to Do When Your Dog Dies
A lot of owners, when waking to find their pet has passed, are flummoxed
by grief, and within minutes, have to face the question of "what to do
now". Obviously the body cannot remain in the home, and immediate burial
in the backyard might not be a possible option for various reasons.
Who to Call
If you wish to retain control of your dog's remains (for later burial,
or cremation), your first call should be to your veterinarian's office.
It's possible they may be able to send somebody out to collect the
remains if you, yourself, are not capable of transport. If the vet
clinic is not available to pick up remains, call your local animal
control. It's more than likely they will be capable of removing the body
from your home, but be sure to find out if you will still be able to
control the method of disposal. If you have a pet cemetery nearby, most
offer pick-up services as well as traditional burial services. If not,
call a mobile friend.
In extreme circumstances (you sat most of the night with your sick dog
and he expired in the wee hours of the morning, or it's a holiday,
etc.), you may be faced with handling the remains yourself.
What to Do With the Body
Clean him up. Wash around his mouth, anal and genital areas.
When a dog dies, all the muscles are relaxed, which may result in a
leaking of body fluids. Wash any blood or excrement off before storing
the body.
Position him if possible. If rigor mortis (stiffening) has not
yet set in, position his legs so they are tucked in, like he was curled
up, to prevent breakage.
Wrap him up, in a blanket you wish to have him buried in, or
any blanket you are willing to sacrifice.
Place the blanket-wrapped body in a large plastic garbage bag,
tie it tightly, and place in the freezer, to prevent further
decomposition and accompanying smells.
It takes approximately six hours in 15 degree Celsius weather for a body
to start to smell. The smell can quickly permeate an entire house once
it starts. Hotter weather/atmosphere will speed the decomposition.
Remember, you may have to store the body for any number of days until
you can have it properly taken care of.
Many aging or ill pets are euthanized by a
veterinarian of their owner's choice, but what happens afterwards? How
do you decide what to do with your dog's remains when your heart hurts?
Unfortunately, the practicalities of a dog's death must be dealt with,
whether you, the owner, are up to it, or not.
Pet Cremation: Pet Cremation is offered at most,
if not all, veterinary clinics, even if there is no crematorium
available (this would mean that your dog's remains would be shipped
away, and returned). Prices for cremation services, through your vet's
office, or through private crematoriums vary greatly.
Average
Prices for ServicesCremation Services- Private
pet cremation, your dog, and only your dog, can cost between $150 and
$350, dependant upon the size of your dog.
Individual Cremation, means that your dog will share
his space with others, but they will be separated, and you are still
assured of receiving your dog's remains after. This generally costs
around $75 to $200.
Mass cremation is the cheapest
option, but you will not be able to have your dog's ashes returned to
you. This option is available for $30 to $100, and not recommended if
you wish keep hold of your pets cremains, or spread them.
Pet Burial / Funeral:
Whole
body burial is the other preferred method of disposal. Whether in
nature, your own backyard, or at a designated pet cemetery, a lot of dog
owners derive comfort from interring their dog into a place they will
be able to visit periodically. Unfortunately, as health regulations have
become stricter, a home or nature burial may not be possible where you
live. Please check with your local bylaw offices, or state laws to see
if these restrictions will affect you.
Pet Cemetaries: Pet cemeteries are more common
than people might think. For a large list of pet cemeteries around the
world (Canada, United States, Australia and more), check this list of
International
Association of Pet Cemeteries members. Prices appear to vary
greatly,
and optional add-ins can bring your price higher. Once again, prices
are based on the size of your dog. Most pet cemeteries also have a
transport service, and will pick up your deceased dog from your home or
your vet's office.
Pet
Taxidermy and Freeze-Drying:
Two of the more extreme methods
of preserving pet remains are traditional taxidermy, and freeze-drying,
freeze-drying being the common of the two options. In addition, many
traditional taxidermists will not do pets. These can be expensive
choices, and shipping may be a hassle.
LifeGems:
What about having your dog turned into a diamond? Most of us
treat our dogs like gold, well, with today's technology, now we can
have turned into gems as well. LifeGem has discovered how to turn
your pets cremains into a sparkling, real diamond. Admittedly, this
website focuses on human remains, but they offer this service to pet
owners as well.
Personally I think its a little creepy.
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