After your pet has passed away, there are some changes that will occur to your pet’s body that you should be aware of. These are normal changes that occur after death, but we want you to feel prepared for what to expect as it can be alarming if you don’t know what is happening. We understand reading about this way can be distressing, but in our experience having the knowledge in advance can help reduce the distress when the time comes.
The release of bodily fluids
One of the first changes you may see will be the release of bodily fluids. This is relatively common and can happen when a pet’s body relaxes.
To prepare for this we encourage you to lay them in a position similar to them sleeping on top of a large towel or blanket; on their side with their legs bent and tucked in close to their body, and their head in a comfortable neutral placement.
If you have any absorbent potty pads or towels place a couple of them under your pet’s rear end. If you have your pet put to sleep at the vets, they usually will do this for you or help you do this.
Rigor mortis
The next change you may notice over time is rigor mortis. This may occur an hour or so after your pet has passed away, but there is no definitive time scale for it starting.
Rigor mortis occurs because their body is no longer receiving oxygen and energy. A chemical change occurs in the muscles causing them to freeze up in the last position they were in. Rigor mortis isn’t permanent; it eventually subsides but is it important to know about so you can try to place your loved one in a comfortable dignified position before it occurs.
As mentioned in section one we encourage you to lay them in a position similar to them sleeping on their side.
We recommend you replace the potty pad under their rear end if it is soiled or wet and to also place another under their head and mouth like a pillow.
We then suggest wrapping/swaddling them in the towel or blanket as it can help keep their bodies tucked in position and make them easier to carry.
If your beloved pet is put to sleep at the vets, ask them to help you do this if that makes the process easier for you.
We understand that seeing your loved one who has passed can be emotionally devastating, keeping their body in a comfortable and peaceful state may help ease this difficult time for you and your loved ones.
If wrapping your beloved animal up in a blanket as suggested above is too difficult at this time, laying a blanket or towel for them to be placed on and then placing another over top of them is also a dignified option.
Having them wrapped in a blanket or laying a blanket on them can help slow the natural decomposition process as well as offering a more peaceful appearance.
We don’t recommend wrapping your pet in anything other than a blanket or towel, this is because a blanket or towel is absorbent as well as breathable.
Decomposition
If you want your pet at home with you before seeing us, cannot get to us, or we cannot see you for a day or two after your pet has passed away, there are some other stages you may encounter.
As time passes rigor mortis will subside and the start of decomposition will occur. During this time, you may start to notice a smell coming from your beloved pet. This is natural and a normal part of death.
If you haven’t already and you feel comfortable doing so, you may want to place your pet in a separate safe space where the smell may not affect you as much. Ideally, this should be a cool, dark, dry area. If possible, do not keep your pet outside or in a warm environment. Warmth can speed up the decomposition process and being outside may expose your pet to insects and other animals.
If you have facilities to keep your pet in a refrigerated space or in a freezer, either at home or at a trusted vets practice this is an ideal option. Not everyone is comfortable with this or has the capability to do so (especially if their pet is a larger animal) so we understand if this is not possible.
We know following these steps may be hard and extremely upsetting but doing these small gestures for your pet will help this transition be a smoother more comfortable experience.
If you need any support or additional advice we recommend contacting Blue Cross Pet Bereavement support or give us a call to talk to a member of the team.