I have to put my dog down, what do I tell my children?

Question

I have a 5 year old boy and an 8 year old girl. The vet told me I have to put my dog down. Please give me some ideas on how to handle this situation.

Answer 1

This takes a lot of finesse. You need to sit down with your children and explain that your dog is very sick and the doctor suggested that your dog will be given a medicine so he wont suffer anymore and unfortunately, that medicine will mean the dog will die and they will not have him anymore. You will need to talk frankly with your children that all living things die whether we like it or not. Do not tell them the dog will be put to sleep (will scare them when they go to sleep).

Have a long discussion about birth and death and that there is a time to be born, a time to die. With the joy of a birth also comes the sadness of death and that we can be strong as we bid our beloved pet goodbye. Have them spend quality time before they say their final goodbye. After a period of time, consider getting another dog or cat, to bring the circle of joy back to your home. They need some time to grieve for the death of their pet.

You need to tell them that often we must do things we dont want to, so our pet does not suffer any longer, and that those decisions are some of the hardest we make.

Tell you children why your dog is ill so they will understand you are being compassionate. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

TRUE APBT is absolutely right, it's nice to see people still have common sense. Bring on the thumbs down. Personally my opinion, for this dog, would be to put him down. He is aggressive and this isn't the first time he has gone at someone and it isn't just children he goes after, it is bound to happen again and why risk someone really getting hurt? And it is funny that on this site (well the way people on here talk) it is never the dogs fault always the child's fault, I'm not saying it is never the child's fault because most times it is but, there are times when it is not (people sometimes, dogs are bad and they are not all the time provoked), no matter how you look at it if you have children and dogs not only do you need to teach your children how to act with animals but the dog NEEDS to be trained to tolerate things. It is not normal or good if your dog attacks someone who is taking something from it, ESPECIALLY when it isn't even in the dogs mouth. It's not right nor is it acceptable. Now I have a Doberman and a Pit mix so maybe because of the breeds I have I'm more small minded when it comes to things like this, but if one of my boys pulled a stunt like this they would be put down.

Answer 3

I had a similar situation when my kids where that age. Our family dog got hit and killed by a car. I told them the truth.

It is hard, but they have to know about death and putting it off isn't going to make it any easier. Your 5 year old may not "get it" yet, but your 8 year old will probably understand.

Kids are very resilliant and bounce back a lot quicker than you could imagine. They are much stronger than we give them credit for.

Just sit down with them and explain it to them in a way that they will understand... such as... "Rover is very, very old and has been sick for a long time and when pets are this old and this sick, it is time for them to go to pet heaven, and so we are going to take Rover to the vet and the vet will send him to pet heaven." Just a suggestion.

This is a very hard situation, but one you can get through with honesty and a lot of support to your kids. Also, even thought this is a hard situation, this will make it easier on them (and you) when a family member dies...

Good luck to you and I am very sorry for your loss.

Answer 4

This is such a sad situation, but we all have gone through it before, and even though it hurts a lot we all learn and grow from this! I would simply say, that Scruffy is such a wonderful puppy and we all love him so very much, but Scruffy has gotten really sick lately, and since he is so sick scruffy has to go to a better place now were he can be better. I know you both will miss him so very much, but he'll never forget you two, because he has been given so much love he'll be there for you no matter what, just like you have been there for him!

Good luck on this, its extremely hard, i still remember when my parents did this to our dog and I was 14 at the time. Take caution and be very understanding.

Answer 5

{{{HUGS}}}
I am sorry you are having to deal with the pending loss of your dog. In addition to the other suggestions, you may also want to chat with the staff at the vet's office, or consult with the vet personally. They deal with this all the time and they may offer additional tips to you for your kids. Perhaps the vet will personally explain the situation to your children. Maybe the staff will have some literature, brochures, pamphlets to read.

Your kids can make a special memorial for their dog. They can make a collage picture frame of the dog, or share funny stories. Also, if your children are in school, please inform their teachers. Even if your kids are not reacting to the dog's death publicly, they may be hurting inside. This will definitely affect them in school.

Answer 6

I'm so sorry to hear that. Just this last friday I had to put my dog down. It was very sad for my family (with 3 kids ages 2-7). They we're actually there. My husband and I explained to them that the dog was very sick and that he was going to die, which he was and that the vet was going to give him a shot that would put him to sleep now so he didn't have to suffer. The kids miss the dog and we've all shared our cries and hugs. Just be supportive of their feelings. Your kids are old enough to understand death so don't try to tip-toe around it, explain it to them like you would an adult.

Answer 7

Just tell them the truth. Although don't take them with you to the vet, let them say goodbye at home. When I was younger (about 10) we lost our dog. The only way I felt better was when 5 months later we got a puppy. I suggest not waiting that long. Puppies can really heal your heart. Good luck!

Answer 8

I can't really tell you how to prepare them, but if they say that they miss him tell them to write or draw something and then tie it to a balloon and let go and watch it fly up in the air. Also you can have them help you plant a tree or flower and have a rock engraved with his name... that way he can keep giving to the world even if hes not here. Tree give oxygen, a home to animals, a flower give bugs food and shelter for the rain. I am so sorry to hear about you having to put your dog down. But at least you know that you gave him a great home and a wonderful life.

Answer 9

Tell them what the vet said and explain to them in their language so they'll understand.

We had to put our dog down 2 years ago. We were honest with our kids.

Answer 10

I think they are too small to understand the details.So it is better to prepare them that the doggy may not be with them for long . Being sick.
That they have to say bye to him.And after that , let them not meet. They are too small.

Not how it will be done. That can come later

I do not know where it is done. At Vet's ? That would be easier for the children. In any case I don't think the little one need to see more.