What Are the Best Ways to Say Goodbye to Your Dog?

Since dogs are such understanding, faithful and loyal companions, we often end up relying on them emotionally. Sometimes even more than we rely on other humans. As a result, our dogs end up depending on us for their emotional needs as well. 

Man and dog have shared a bond like none other for centuries. It can be unbelievably difficult for us to mourn and say goodbye to our furry friends. As your pooch grows old and sick, there might come a time when you will need to end their suffering. Dogs aren’t scared of death, since the unpleasant part for them is going through the pain. When it’s their time to depart, your job is to make sure they go with as little pain and as many good memories as possible. 

We’ve broken down the process into steps to make the experience less painful for both you and the dog. The following practices should also assist you through the mourning.

1. Gratitude

You need to start by talking to your dog. Tell your dog how wonderful it was to share their companionship. Talk to your dog about all the beautiful memories you made together. Even if your dog doesn’t understand the exact words, it will understand the sentiment behind them. 

Talk about all the things that you wanted to say but never got a chance to. Make sure there isn’t anything left in your heart and your dog knows how much you love it

2. Re-visiting Favorite Memories

Talk to your dog about all his favorite places to visit — the dog park, lake, or tennis court. Discuss the games you two used to play. If you see a peck of excitement on your dog’s face, take them to visit these places even if you have to carry them in a blanket. Revisit and relive your favorite memories. 

If you’ve got some of your dog’s favorite crunchies and treats left over, make sure you treat them with all of them on that day. If there’s some other food that they’re very fond of, make it possible so they can devour it. If it might upset their stomach, give it to them just before they pass away.

3. Goodbyes

Talk to your dog about how it’s time for them to leave. Let your pooch know that the vet is coming over to help your soul leave your body. Tell them, “You’ll just get a shot and go to sleep after that. It’s not going to hurt.” 

If you’ve got kids and other pets in the house, make sure you give them enough time to say goodbye to each other. A good departure equals gratitude, revisiting favorite moments, and getting enough time to say goodbyes.

If a vet’s visit to the home isn’t possible, make sure you take your dog to get the shot at the end of the day so you don’t have to sit in the waiting room.

4. Funeral

Your dog must have given you wonderful moments during its lifetime, so make sure you give them an end they deserve. You may opt for cremation services, grow a tree in your dog’s name, and bury the ashes around the tree. You can also opt for a proper burial and invite your close friends to honor your dog. It doesn’t have to be a day-long event. Just get a dog casket and some flowers, and share a few words to mourn and honor the time they spent with you.