A dog’s final days can be a painful time for both dogs and humans. There is no “right time” to euthanize a pet and deciding when to take that step is a difficult and personal decision. Being prepared for that challenging time can help you and your family cope with the grief and sadness that come from losing a pet.

There are several websites that assist with pet bereavement and can help guide owners in the choices that need to be made in a dog’s final days, such as:

• Deciding whether to euthanize a pet
• Knowing when and where to euthanize a pet
• What to expect when a dog is put down
• Options for burial, cremation, and memorials
• Understanding the stages of grief

Kids may be especially vulnerable to the death of a pet. There are many good books available to help explain pet loss to a child, including Fred Rogers’ When a Pet Dies and Herbert Nieburg's Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children.