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re: What to tell kids when it’s time to put their dog down?
Posted on 9/12/25 at 7:09 pm to 4cubbies
Posted on 9/12/25 at 7:09 pm to 4cubbies
I tell them that it is time for the dog to go and live with Jesus and that he will be dearly loved and cherished by the same God who loves us and gave his life for us.
0
Posted on 9/12/25 at 7:11 pm to GRTiger
quote:
How old are the kids?
6 yo girl. 8 yo boy and 11 months.
We got a kitten a couple of months ago so the kids will still have a pet, at least This dog has always been aloof but they do love her. They know she’s an old lady but I know they aren’t ready to say goodbye. Me either.
Posted on 9/12/25 at 7:13 pm to 4cubbies
Sorry brother. It is never easy.
Google the Rainbow Bridge for dying pets. We always told our children that our dying pets crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Take care!
Google the Rainbow Bridge for dying pets. We always told our children that our dying pets crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Take care!
Posted on 9/12/25 at 7:36 pm to 4cubbies
We treat our pets better than our parents.
The pets don't want, nor need to suffer
Tine heals all wounds. It stings for sure
That's what I've done from fish and frogs to our beloved dog of 15 years. Tough for all.
The pets don't want, nor need to suffer
Tine heals all wounds. It stings for sure
That's what I've done from fish and frogs to our beloved dog of 15 years. Tough for all.
Posted on 9/12/25 at 7:48 pm to 4cubbies
Posted on 9/12/25 at 9:15 pm to 4cubbies
Our kid was 10 when we had to put our first dog down. We told her after school that day, as we didn't want her to be upset the whole school day thinking about it.
The vet came to the house. Our daughter went into the bedroom with mom while I held our beloved Belle in my lap on the floor.
When it was over, I went into the bedroom and we all cried our eyes out. My daughter didn't ask too many questions, but we were upfront that Belle was very old for a dog her size (100+ pound black Lab), and we didn't want her to suffer any more.
Your kids will get it, but it isn't easy.
The vet came to the house. Our daughter went into the bedroom with mom while I held our beloved Belle in my lap on the floor.
When it was over, I went into the bedroom and we all cried our eyes out. My daughter didn't ask too many questions, but we were upfront that Belle was very old for a dog her size (100+ pound black Lab), and we didn't want her to suffer any more.
Your kids will get it, but it isn't easy.
Posted on 9/12/25 at 10:14 pm to 4cubbies
Tell the kids the dog was a Nazi
Posted on 9/12/25 at 11:09 pm to 4cubbies
We struggled with the same thing until my 10 year old looked at us one day and said “I think it’s time we take Fido to the farm”
We knew at that moment, he would be okay dealing with it.
We knew at that moment, he would be okay dealing with it.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 8:39 am to 4cubbies
It wouldn't do me any good to lie, the truth would be running down my face. I never had to go through it with a child though, the first dog that we put down my son was too young to grasp what happened and the second one he was in highschool.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 8:45 am to 4cubbies
quote:
I’ve had my dog for 15 years and she’s struggling. I’m taking her to the vet tomorrow to discuss the end of her life. I kind of want to lie to the kids and tell them the vet asked to keep her or something when it’s ultimately time for her to go to sleep. Idk how to handle this. Kids are in elementary school.
Sounds like a couple of tough decisions. Dogs will push through and hide a lot and it’s hard to know when. Such a tough call to make. I’m sorry, and then the whole family thing on top of that and you probably have to put your feelings aside about what sounds like your dog or a dog your close to to handle the situation for your family. Make sure to take time for yourself. Losing a dog is tough.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 10:37 am to 4cubbies
Strongly consider having the dog put to sleep at home. The dog feels less anxiety, and the kids will have a comfortable space to say goodbye. The mobile vet will give you as much time as you need afterwards, and then will take the dog with them to do whatever you elected to have done (paw print, etc.)
Sorry. We had to put down a dog earlier this year in front of my 11 and 13 year old. Especially if you have a boy, let them know they don't have to act tough, and that they'll regret it later if they don't pet the dog while the drugs are being administered, etc. My son was all stand offish at first, I went over and whispered the same into his ear, and he then got down with the dog to say goodbye, instead of sitting on the sidelines.
Sorry. We had to put down a dog earlier this year in front of my 11 and 13 year old. Especially if you have a boy, let them know they don't have to act tough, and that they'll regret it later if they don't pet the dog while the drugs are being administered, etc. My son was all stand offish at first, I went over and whispered the same into his ear, and he then got down with the dog to say goodbye, instead of sitting on the sidelines.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 10:37 am to 4cubbies
Tell them you found a nice farmer to adopt the dog.
My parents still pulled this when I was an adult.
Like I didn’t know since I was a kid.
I think it just made my mom feel better.
My parents still pulled this when I was an adult.
Like I didn’t know since I was a kid.
I think it just made my mom feel better.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 10:40 am to 4cubbies
Just went through this with my young kids as well. We let them say goodbye to our cat that’s been with them their entire lives. We explained the situation and while difficult, this is a part of life. Let them mourn and let them know they can ask any questions any time about it. Be honest and let them grow.
Sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 10:46 am to 4cubbies
So sorry. Few things worse, particularly with younger kids that grew up with a pet.
Maybe say something along the lines of:
“Our dog is very sick and hurting, and the vet has a special medicine that helps pets die peacefully, without pain. It’s called euthanasia, and it’s the kindest thing we can do when someone we love is suffering and can’t get better.
“It’s normal to feel a lot of different things right now. I feel sad too. We’re going to miss our dog so much, and it’s okay to cry or talk about it whenever you need.”
They'll need time to process and grieve. Maybe let them later plan some kind of memorial? I have gotten these stone plaques and had their pictures engraved with their favorite pet names. We have 3 stones out in the back yard for previous pets. Kind of like a small pet cemetery.
Maybe say something along the lines of:
“Our dog is very sick and hurting, and the vet has a special medicine that helps pets die peacefully, without pain. It’s called euthanasia, and it’s the kindest thing we can do when someone we love is suffering and can’t get better.
“It’s normal to feel a lot of different things right now. I feel sad too. We’re going to miss our dog so much, and it’s okay to cry or talk about it whenever you need.”
They'll need time to process and grieve. Maybe let them later plan some kind of memorial? I have gotten these stone plaques and had their pictures engraved with their favorite pet names. We have 3 stones out in the back yard for previous pets. Kind of like a small pet cemetery.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 10:51 am to 4cubbies
quote:I’ve never been in this situation but this sounds like a terrible idea. You’re going to have to tell them eventually
I kind of want to lie to the kids and tell them the vet asked to keep her or something when it’s ultimately time for her to go to sleep.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 10:53 am to IT_Dawg
We had to do this 2 years ago. If you are questioning it it’s time. I fought it for about 4 months just being selfish. You know deep down when it’s time.
I made sure the kids told him bye before they left for school. Then we had someone come to the house and put him down on his favorite spot in the house with my wife and I right by his side. We told the kids he passed away on his own during the day. It was the best way I could think of to give them the news. I normally don’t try to hide reality of life from them but I just couldn’t bring myself to tell them we had to put him down. Best of luck to you and very sorry y’all having to make this decision.
I made sure the kids told him bye before they left for school. Then we had someone come to the house and put him down on his favorite spot in the house with my wife and I right by his side. We told the kids he passed away on his own during the day. It was the best way I could think of to give them the news. I normally don’t try to hide reality of life from them but I just couldn’t bring myself to tell them we had to put him down. Best of luck to you and very sorry y’all having to make this decision.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 10:57 am to 4cubbies
“I’m taking the dog behind the shed and shooting him”
Posted on 9/13/25 at 11:06 am to 4cubbies
My dad told me this when I was older.. As in a teenager, but he said a pet is the best way to teach a kid about death. And I doubt my parents ever sugar coated anything and I turned out half decent. Just tell them the dog is old and has to be put down. Bury it in the back yard with them (the last dog I had was buried in my back yard.. In fact I think every dog I had ended up buried in the back yard. I was told its good for the soil, but I am sure its frowned upon by people. IDK why, it just seems like people let the vet take care of it).
But yeah, people and pets and anything alive dies, its part of life. At some point in their life they will have to deal with it, used the dog to teach them that things die.
But yeah, people and pets and anything alive dies, its part of life. At some point in their life they will have to deal with it, used the dog to teach them that things die.
Posted on 9/13/25 at 11:06 am to 4cubbies
quote:
Idk how to handle this.
1. Tell them the truth.
2. Be o.k. with grief. Studies show that the loss of pets can cause more grief than loss of family/friends, because relationships with other people are complicated and mixed. Positive feelings and negative feelings. Relationships with pets are usually just positive. So lots of grief is normal with pets.
3. You are a Christian if I recall correctly. If so, you can tell them that several prominent theologians and ministers throughout history such as John Wesley, C.S. Lewis, and at least one Pope (Paul VI) opined that animals we loved may be present in heaven (you don't have to tell them about those who have expressed the opposite opinion), so they may get to see their pet again.
4. Sorry about that. Losing pets sucks.
This post was edited on 9/13/25 at 11:08 am
Posted on 9/13/25 at 11:39 am to 4cubbies
One of toughest things.
Humane, removing suffering, focus on joy brought life.
Does not make it easier.
Hang in there.
Humane, removing suffering, focus on joy brought life.
Does not make it easier.
Hang in there.
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