- Release Your Grief
When your most loved pet passes away, from the inside you feel sadness.It's important to recognize that your grief is not only normal but also essential.This is the beginning of acknowledging that your beloved family member has left you.
- Take Deep Breaths and Stay Calm
Take a deep breath and try to calm your mind. Take slow, deep breaths. We know that the sudden death of a beloved pet can make you panic and feel unable to think properly. But, try not to panic! That will only serve to miss out on your last moments with your pet and deepen your grief.
At this time, pets are often thought to be dead, but are found to be alive, breathing very shallowly and still. They know that death is coming for them, but because you are with them, they can face it with peace of mind.
If you think he's in pain, it might be time to say goodbye. If you're planning to let him pass away naturally, it's best to keep it as peaceful and quiet as you can.
This last time, just take as much time as you need to spend with your pet's remains and let yourself feel the sadness of losing him.
It's totally fine to take as long as you need. There's no right or wrong way to do this.
- Gently stroke your pet to bring them comfort and peace
It's so sad when a pet dies. After they're gone, their body will start to stiffen. This usually happens in about two hours. It starts with their hands and feet, then their abdomen, head, and then the whole body.
Until then, just stroke it gently and help it close its eyes and mouth. Let's help it relax its body together.
If your dog is a big one, it might be a bit tricky to move, so why not lay out a bath towel or bed for them to relax on?
There's no need to remove all items from his body. He doesn't need to be restrained anymore, he's free now.
If he passed away with medical items still on his body, it's okay to remove them. He's an intact and uninjured angel now, so he no longer needs them.
- Gently Clean Your Pet's Body
Let's help it clean its body together! This little angel came into this world as pure and innocent as can be, with loving parents to help clean it. I hope that when it dies, you, as its parent, will help it one last time.
Gently wipe its entire body with a warm towel, comb its fur, and never rinse it with water.
After a little while, the muscles will start to relax, and the body fluids will start to flow out of the mouth or anus. This is perfectly normal, but it won't happen if your pet is dehydrated or hasn't eaten.
If your pet is lying on the floor or furniture, just spread a towel under their body to keep them nice and comfortable.
- Keep Them Warm & Cool Down in Summer
If you'd like to keep your furry friend in your home for a little longer, say 2 to 3 days in the winter and 1 to 2 days in the summer, we've got you covered!
It's really important to make sure the room is nice and cool.
If you need to store your pet's remains or have them cremated, just get in touch with your local animal hospital or a relevant organisation. They'll be happy to help.
- Create a Peaceful Environment for Your Pet
Most people like to put it in a place that gives them the most peace of mind.
Just a quick note: it's probably best to choose a place that's not too sunny and dry.
All you need to do is prepare a suitable cardboard box, lined with towels or a pet's nest, and you're all set!
Once you've placed the remains, it's time to add its favourite toys and food.
You can even put mementos, flowers, electronic candles, and anything else your heart desires! Please do your best to give it some peace of mind.
Tell it how much you love it, think about it, and pet it softly. Hold its hand through its final hours.
- Allow Other Pets in the Home to Say Goodbye
If there are other pets in the house, it's totally fine! You can even do it in the same room (just a heads-up, he's not dying of an infection).
Please let the pets that are still alive say goodbye to him. They need to know, otherwise he might wonder and look around for him.
Don't you worry, it's nature's way of doing things and your pet will know what's going on.
It's always a good idea to learn about your pet, even if they're already in good health!
It's also a great way to help your pet cope with life and death events with ease.