The average lifespan for a dog is around ten and twelve years. This means most owners are going to go through the painful experience of losing their dog. Losing a pet is never easy, but knowing what to expect when your dog dies may provide some comfort.
If your dog dies at home you will need to make arrangements to deal with the body. You'll need to decide whether or not you wish to retain control of the body or leave it to the professionals.
Call the vet
The first person you should call is your vet. If they don't have the facilities to handle your dog's body as you wish they will be able to direct you to someone who does. If there is a Pet cemetery in your area, they are also usually able to make collections.
Tasty Tips
At times you may have to transport the body yourself. If you don't think you're of capable of driving, don't try! Ask a friend or family member to help you.
If it's going to be more then a few hours before you can get your dog to proper facilities you will need to do something about the body. Remains will begin to decompose and produce an unpleasant odor after just six hours in warm weather. If it's warmer, decomposition is faster. So if at all possible, try to keep the body somewhere cool.
It's never an easy time losing a valued member of the family but you just have to hold onto the happy times that you enjoyed together.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
null Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Hearty Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew Dog Food
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Small Bites Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Large Breed Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a large bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Savory Stew with Chicken & Zucchini Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Related articles
Dog Jumping: Why They Jump & How to Train Them Not To
Learn common reasons why dogs like to jump on you, interesting facts about breeds that jump the most & highest, and how to stop their jumping behavior.
Taking your dog to the vet
Trips to the vet can be a challenge for dog owners. Read these tips to have a better vet visit for your dog, including transporting the dog with a carrier.
Options for Boarding Your Dog When You Go Out of Town
Explore your options for boarding or kenneling your puppy when you travel. Learn what you should and should not do here.
How to Find an Amazing Vet for Dogs You Love
Choosing a veterinarian for your dog is extremely important to your dog's health. Consider these things when choosing a vet for your canine friend.
My Dog Was Sprayed By A Skunk: What Should I Do?
Learn what to do if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, including determining where they were sprayed and tips for getting the skunk smell off of your dog.
Time for a Gut Check: Prebiotics and Probiotics for Dogs
What exactly do prebiotics and probiotics for dogs do, and what's the difference? Educate yourself about your dog's gut health with this overview.
Facts About Kidney Disease in Dogs
Learn what kidney disease is in dogs and what can cause it. Learn the signs of kidney disease in canines as well as potential treatment options.
Registering Your Dog as a Therapy Dog
Learn about therapy dogs, the training that therapy dogs go through, and what you need to do to register your pup with a therapy dog organization.
Odd Behaviors of Dogs: Running in Their Sleep and More
Learn all about your dog's odd sleep behaviors, including snoring, twitching, running in his sleep, and what they all mean.
Are Cucumbers and Zucchini Safe (& Healthy) for My Dog?
Learn helpful information on whether cucumbers (and zucchini) are a safe & healthy snack for your dog.
Liver Disease in Dogs: Facts That Dog Parents Should Know
Learn the facts about liver disease in dogs, such as how to spot symptoms, what causes it, treatment options & how nutrition impacts liver health.
How to Recognize and Ease Stress in Dogs
Learn the physical signs that your dog is stressed, such as changes in appetite or increased urination, common causes of stress and tips for stress relief.
Do Dogs Sweat? How Your Dog Keeps Their Cool
Learn if your dog sweats like you do, how hot dogs keep themselves cool and signs that your dog might be overheated.
How to Give a Dog a Pill: Helpful Tips & Methods
While getting a dog to take a pill can be tricky, learn valuable tips for helping them to take pills, liquids and other medications without a fuss.
Dogs and Ticks: Protecting Your Pup
Everything you need to know about dogs & ticks: identifying different types of ticks, what diseases they can cause and how to prevent future tick bites.
Five Most Intelligent Dog Breeds
Learn about the five smartest dog breeds, such as border collies, german shepherds and poodles, and what makes them so trainable and intelligent.
What Happens When My Dog is in Heat?
Understand what it means for your female dog to be in heat and what you can do to provide her with the best care.
Leaving a Dog in the Car: Hot & Cold Temperature Concerns
Learn why cars can be a very dangerous place to leave your dog, including how quickly temperatures can get too hot or cold & alternatives to leaving them.
Dog Ear Cropping, Tail Docking and Other Cosmetic Canine Surgeries to Avoid
Learn about the most common cosmetic canine surgeries like dog ear cropping, dewclaw removal & tail docking, and why vets usually recommend avoiding them.
Do Dogs Have Periods?
Learn more about if female dogs can have periods, when they can happen and a lot more about their estrus cycle.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.