Losing Your Beloved Pet: When They Leave Us Behind

If you ever had a dog you would know how they always become a family member, a companion, a baby and a loyal soul. This bond is often very emotional and when they leave us, we feel sad and lost. Mostly pets like dogs and cats leave us after a while as they have short lifespan but the memories and the moments we share get cherished forever in our hearts. When we witness the death of our first pet, we get overwhelmed, confused and sad but at this moment we have to have emotional strength, patience and courage to let go of that little soul that once was our everyday sunshine. Here’s what you should do when your dog dies:




Before imagining the worst, first you have to confirm that your dog is not ill or have any other condition as pulse and heartbeat can be irregular then. If not, check your dog's pulse and heartbeat at home to confirm the health status.




If you aren’t able to confirm your dog’s health status, contact a vet immediately or visit the clinic for checking and guidance regarding the same. Always make sure to confirm your dog's demise before proceeding further.



If your dog has passed away, be strong and inform people close to you regarding the same. Use a blanket or towel to lift and handle your dog’s body with care. Keep your dog remains in a clean, dry and cool space on an elevated platform.



Decide if you want to perform cremation or burial for your pet, take advice from other pet owners, your family members or the vet as they can connect you with local cremation and burial services for pets.



Collect old photos, videos, paw prints or any other memorable stuff you had with them and keep it at a safe spot or frame it for cherishing memories and their companionship.



Allow yourself to miss them, feel free to cry and to feel emptiness as it would help you to move on. Talk with friends, family and colleagues about your pet’s habits, the memories you had together, their goofy antics and your overall bond.

Losing your pet dog isn’t easy but something that is inevitable and natural. Coping with a pet loss can be overwhelming but you have to be calm, patient and keep strength through this time. So always remember to make good memories with your little ones as they are not going to be there for a long time but for them, their whole life is going to be spent with you, keep them happy, making sure they enjoy every day with you playing, enjoying and relaxing in your care.

Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Why is losing a dog so painful?
   Losing a dog is painful as we share an emotional bond with them, they give us unconditional love and constant companionship. We become attached to them as they become a member of our family and part of our daily life and our world.
2. What is the rainbow bridge?
   Rainbow bridge is a mythical place before heaven where pets go when they die. They remain healthy, happy and free from pain there till their owner passes away and join them there, at which point both of them cross the bridge together into eternal joy.
3. Did my dog know I loved him before he died?
   Yes, your dog absolutely knew you loved him as they understand love through voice, touch, smell, caressing and warm presence. This connection transcends the final moments making them feel loved and comforted even if you are not physically there.
4. Will my dog forgive me for putting her to sleep?
   Putting your dog to sleep isn’t an easy decision and is an ultimate act of compassion to free them from pain and suffering. So there’s nothing to forgive and your dog won’t hold it against you. Dogs live in the present and trust you to protect them, they would remember your love, kindness and know what you did was for their best.