My dog had to get put down. How do I deal with the pain?

Question

Fireguy17 · Accepted Answer

one day at a time.
I have grieved over the loss of a pet more than just about any person in my life.
There are grief counselors that can help.
Some people jump right in and get another dog right away, that helps.
I could not do that.
It is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life, but it is what you have to do for them.
It is the last act of love that you can do for them, for all of the times they have been there for you, you were there for them.
But sadly, it doesn't make it any easier or the pain and emptiness any less.
Everyone grieves differently, soon it will get easier, but you will never forget them.
You will fall apart when you move the fridge to clean and find one of their toys.
You will have good days and bad days, but after a while you will have more good days than bad days.
One day at a time, one day at a time.
I'm not sure if you had your dog cremated, I have done that with all of my pets. You can get a pendant that will hold some of their ashes so they will always be with you when you wear it.
I am a retired jeweler/jewelry store owner, and I have sold many of those to customers over the years.
I would even fill them for the customer if they could not do it.
Some are not too expensive, it depends on where you get them from, and what metal they are made out of.
Stay away from anything plated, get either stainless steel, or sterling silver.
Just look up ash pendants.

ohshee · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry to hear that dogs are like little kids they are your kids I've had to go through this before it is painful was it because of old age was it because something was wrong or was it because the dog bit somebody if it was because of old age or something was wrong just know it's out of pain and it's in a better place and wherever we go they go there too I can tell you a story my grandmother's dog hates lightning and thunder one day was lightning in the Thunder really bad in the dog got away my grandma called me I went looking for the dog and I could not find it I felt something had happened to it really bad I went back to her house and a friend of mine pulls up and every time he comes around we talk about spiritual things and as we were talking we're talkin about the dog I was listening to him and all the sudden I see his eyes get really really big and he goes oh my God you will not believe what I just felt and I said yes I will he goes what I go I felt it to you goes what I said I felt the dog brush against my leg because oh my God yes I just felt that how does that happen I said I knew the dog passed away and it was just telling us that it was okay and it is still around in another dimension can I believe your dog is too if you pay attention you will feel it brush up against your leg telling you it is okay

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I've never had to put down my own pet, but I grew up with my friend and her dog, and when he was dealing with crushing pain, she had to make the choice to put him down or let him suffer. Luckily she found this program where they personally come to your house and allow you to get your pet comfortable, then you have something like a mini funeral, and then the vet puts them down and they take an impression of the paws which you can keep and either you can bury your pet or they will take them away. We chose to bury in her backyard. It was still incredibly sad to go through because we all loved that dog deeply, but just knowing that we got real time to say goodbye helped a bit, but like with any death, it's one day at a time. The pain will never fully go away, but one day you'll wake up and it won't hurt as bad. And the next, maybe a little less.

Dee_Reynolds · Accepted Answer

Find something to keep your mind occupied. “Speak” to your dog, as you would at the grave of a loved one.

Starla1234 · Answer

Aw sorry to hear that 😔
I had to put dog down my old dog a few years ago aswell. There isn’t really anything you can do to take away the pain of losing a pet, but if they were suffering or in pain, you can at least try to take comfort in the fact that they aren’t suffering anymore. It won’t make you feel less sad, but it’s better than them suffering. I’d say wait a few months, then get another dog if you don’t already have one. Don’t feel guilty or like you are replacing your old dog, because you aren’t. It will definitely help brighten up your days, and you get to enjoy being a dog mum all over again. And you will feel extra good about it if you get a rescue dog, it will be very rewarding.

mark000h · Answer

I'm sorry. It's so hard to lose a pet. Just think about all the good stuff, all the times she was there for you. It's unfortunate that dogs don't live as long as humans because we view them as members of the family and it hurts to lose them.

trulyanattentionhog · Answer

How I deal with the pain of a loss is to understand that it’s okay to be sad and in pain and to try and accept what has happened, and once you’ve done that you can remember all of the fun and amazing times you’ve had with them and appreciate those times rather than the times that they aren’t with you, and then accept how you feel most of all, trust me it will take a little while to get over but as a poem once said, the dead never truly leave you, they’re somewhere very near, they’ve just slipped into the next room, I hope you feel better and I really hope this helps, I’m praying for you and this pain to go away, I don’t know who you are but I’m sending all of my love, feel better ❤️❤️❤️

BeMuse · Answer

Just grieve for a month or so and then go pick out a new pup to keep you company. Dogs have a relatively short life span. They are like bottle rockets. They are full of energy, life, and love for but a moment, and then they fade into darkness. Your pouch gave all the love it could give. Keep running with the pack, you will go through many dogs in your life.

Interstate · Answer

I went through the same thing the beginning of July of 2019. And to this day, I still go through it from time to time. If it was very recently, it will not be anytime soon. Basically you will just go through this dealing with it as you would any other time you have suffered the loss of a loved one. It is important to occupy yourself with other activities for the day, so you aren't obsessing

Pink2000 · Answer

I’m sorry for your loss. We had to put my dog down as well last year. I never fully got over it. I still cry over him sometimes but I got a new dog and that helped a lot. I just imagine that when I die he will be greeting me in heaven. So I know I’ll see him again one day. Hopefully soon.

bigbluey · Answer

Gosh I’m really sorry! I think the first thing you need to do is cry. Crying is healthy and it helps you feel better. Then you need to keep moving forward. I know you’ll still feel sad, I had to do this, but your life cannot be slowed down you got to keep busy let me know how you feel later! PM me

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I'm so sorry for your loss, My Dog, Heaven was put to sleep on 3/31/2016
and I left her in that examining room and she tried coming with me
and she couldn't and I can see her to this day so heartbroken but
I believe someday we will be reunited with our loved ones and pets
that passed away

fireforeffect · Answer

This is very hard and I am so sorry for you. I am a volunteer for an Animal Rescue and I have had foster dogs of mine that were so ill, that they died in my arms. To this day it breaks my heart to think of them. I try to save everyone, but some are just too far gone.
What you can try and do is remember the good times. Remember the love you and your dog shared. Remember the love in your dog's eyes as he (or she) looked at you. Also remember that your dog is no longer feeling any pain, and that your dog is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge, playing in the sunshine, chasing butterflies. Your Dog is waiting for you at the Rainbow bridge, waiting for you to escort him over the bridge into heaven.

bubbles328 · Answer

Grieve don’t try rushing past it just feel the pain and let it run it’s course. My parents had a dog when I was born. She was lovely and was put to sleep when I was 15 so I never knew life without her. She went on every holiday with us and was always there. It was heart breaking when she died. I kept seeing her in the corner of my eye around the house but it was my mind playing tricks

Leonharted · Answer

The pain you feel exists because that dog brought you so much happiness. The sadness you feel is simply that happiness removed. This means you have happy memories with your dog, and you should focus on them. You also have the gift of knowing when your dog will die, which means you can give him a wonderful last day, and let him die as happy as possible.

England4eva · Answer

you will never replace the love you had for your dog but you will heal better if you love another pet. If getting another dog is too painful get something else like a hamster or turtle. But it’s best to invest in another furry (or Shelly) friend to speed up your recovery.

sean1234 · Answer

My 1st dog died naturally. Others might have put him down. At any rate. #1 you get over it and #2 just as people die and will be brought back in the 1st resurrection, there is a place for animals also.

Guido · Answer

I'm so sorry for your loss. A dog is a member of the family and a companion. It's a hard time. I have lost many dogs over the years and every one is hard to let go of. Just remember the good times you had and his/her unique personality. I have many fond memories of every dog I have had and how each one made my life better.

Birdlegs · Answer

Yo same mine was put down before the day before I went home for Thanksgiving break and I didn’t stay home for Christmas break for more than 5 days cuz of it. Tbh I haven’t really dealt with it yet so 🤷🏾‍♂️

lucas262 · Answer

Nurses came to take our dig away, didn't know what was wrong, she couldn't get up.

They called later and said we had an hr to get there. I'll never forget hearing those words.

Was a tough day.

Having lost my dad a few months prior.

dustybiker · Answer

So sorry to hear. Been there a number of times. Just allow yourself to feel everything. You push the emotions away it takes longer to heal. Keep a photo close, helps with the empty feeling.

Anonymous · Answer

Let yourself grieve. If you need to be sad, be sad. If you need to be angry, be angry. If you can't tell how you're feeling, flip through your playlist until you find a song you can vibe with. Give your body what it asks for in terms of emotions, as long as it isn't destructive. I'm so sorry for your loss 🖤

Mistanacerroni · Answer

the only way u can, by suckiung it up and being a man, you only choose to be sad and deal with pain,
when u decide to tough it out and forget about it u dont feel pain.. so why choose to be sad about it?
I've lost a good friend i truly loved and im cold and uncaring about it, no problems, jus shut off ur feelings, they aren't needed, emotions are useless they won't help you at all

Luopio27 · Answer

Losimg a loved one is never easy to get over, weather its a pet or a human.

All you or anyone can do is focus on the next best things in life. When you are more healed up, then it is time to nring back pictures and other objects that bring you memories.

Never tried anti-depressants so I can say if they work.

donnny2367764 · Answer

You can grieve. It's perfectly acceptable, normal, and extremely healthy. Sorry for your loss.

boobliker · Answer

I am still trying to get over mine three years a go I think of him every day it never goes away but the pain will after six months or so Hug some on e you love helps and tell every one they have passed that too help me.

purplepoppy · Answer

Would it have been kinder and better for the dog to go another day? Probably not. Comfort yourself in knowing you did the right thing for the dog not yourself.

sensible27 · Answer

I don't really know what to say, something that would help.. but, "love is so short, forgetting is so long" in the end there's only so much time, try to make the most of it.

scooogy · Answer

My foster dog's owner moved away and I had a feeling like I'd never see my foster dog again, which is why I spent some last hours with him at his owner's house before we said goodbye.

Friends come and go, but we have our memories for good.

AviatorTom · Answer

Be content that your dog us no longer in pain. Go through the usual steps of mourning, it's okay. And down the road, when the time comes, get another dig. That dog won't replace your dog but you can share new good times together.

AnthonyJ01 · Answer

It is painful, but always remember there is no more pain and they will be waiting on you when you arrive home.
Pets are like children and they mean as much. Take time to heal and remember this. They would want to to find another ND save them, give them the same love that you gave your previous pet. I have lost multiple pets and it hurts when they depart, but the pain is only temporary.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

I listened to this the day I found out Sammi was put to sleep. There's another one but I can't recall what it is, at the moment.

kamalravi25 · Answer

Your dog would always want you to be happy. Even when it's not around.

humanearth · Answer

Move on, over my 5 decades on Earth. I lost a lot of pets.

jshm2 · Answer

Cremate it and keep it's urn on the mantlepiece, then howl at it every night?  It's not that difficult, fam. You're a fucking adult. Things get older and die, as will you. Circle of life.

es20490446e · Answer

by being grateful that this is just one bad thing among the many good things life still offers you.

BobbyC65 · Answer

I posted this same kind of question about my cat passing away four years ago and nobody on this site seem to care. So just deal with the pain. Move on.

Staximus · Answer

You just deal with it. It's part of life. Having to put my dog down was pretty bad, but not as bad as watching my parents die. I have a couple friends who had children die. I don't know how they even go on living after that.

Anonymous · Answer

I assume you were close to the animal and had a healthy relationship with it. So you grieve. Just like with the end of any relationship.

InYourHead · Answer

Be with your family and friends that care about you and mourn with them

TheBigGuy9 · Answer

Time and remember the good times. Also, if you’re close with God you know you will see her/him again. That helps tremendously.

FýrdracaDócincel · Answer

Tell yourself that they're in a better place even though dead is just an inescapable black pit of non-existence and nothingness. Oops.

DanielBlack1904120 · Answer

I had to do that with my Butters. She was the only one that made me happy. all you can do is grieve & it will get better but not like it was with them

Sorue · Answer

Remember it for the times you had with it, how happy it was. I had to do the same,

JohnK123 · Answer

I’m sorry just remember the good times and it’ll go by i had to deal with something similar a few years ago it was extremely sad

emperor90 · Answer

It takes time to heal but do something to distract yoir mind

noohair · Answer

It is like losing a family member. The seven steps of grieving is a good process. Very sorry.

Mikey2008 · Answer

sorry about your dog he was probably lucky to have you and im sure he loved you just as much as you loved him.

guessnotasimp · Answer

My cat died and i went to the gym.. thats how i deal with it

Hispanic-Cool-Guy · Answer

Mourn it for about a day then get another dog.

Twalli · Answer

Know that you saved it more pain.

TsAubreyKate · Answer

I’m sorry for your loss

pizzalovershouse · Answer

Know st least it's not suffering till it dies

Anonymous · Answer

omg i'm so sorry for your loss

MJtheCoach · Answer

You should’ve been a better dog owner

Guardian45 · Answer

Like the death of any family member

888theGreat · Answer

I still miss Chico. over two years.

anylolone · Answer

Cry? Burry by hand? Drink a lot?

Joker_ · Answer

I'm sorry for your loss

SphynxUK · Answer

With time.

Anonymous · Answer

Only good mut is a dead mut

Citizenkirk · Answer

One day at a time

Heartache0405 · Answer

Get another dog

Londi73 · Answer

Get another

My dog had to get put down. How do I deal with the pain?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

My puppy bites me really hard, what can I do?

My dog had to get put down. How do I deal with the pain?

Most Helpful Opinions

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

My puppy bites me really hard, what can I do?

We're glad to see you liked this post.