The passing of a cherished pet is a tough time for any pet parent; it can be challenging to determine the next course of action. Some prefer burying pets in the backyard, as this seems to be the most convenient way to take care of their remains respectfully. However, doing this is not the safest option and must be avoided at all cost.
Burying Pets in The Backyard: Why You Should NOT Consider This Option
It’s not easy and can even give off an unpleasant smell.
The process begins with digging up an area in your yard where you will bury them. Needless to say, this isn’t always easy. On top of this, if the remains is only buried superficially, it will give off an unpleasant odour in the air as the body decomposes.
Your pet’s body can become a shelter for bugs and other animals.
There’s no guarantee your furbaby will have a proper resting place if their body decomposes naturally, which happens pretty quickly outside. Their remains become a home for bugs and animals looking for shelter underground, especially during the winter months.
You may be at risk of exposure to diseases and harmful organisms.
If your pet has had diseases such as the common and very highly contagious Parvovirus, the organisms can stay in the soil for up to nine years.
Burying your pet in the backyard would pose a health risk for yourself, family members and other animals in the household when they get in contact with the ground. We all know how much dogs love to dig holes and can quickly uncover the remains. If your other pets, particularly dogs, are not vaccinated, they can easily catch this. It is most times fatal and a horrible way to go.
If you decide later on that burying is not the right option, digging up their remains could also pose additional health risks. Bacteria from their decomposing body will likely find their way into your living environment afterwards.
It’s an environmental hazard.
Burying an animal can lead to major environmental problems like water contamination and soil erosion. What starts as a loving gesture could end up being something much worse for Mother Nature than anticipated.
Drugs used to put them down can poison other animals
In most cases where pets are put to sleep, vets and healthcare providers use an extremely concentrated anaesthetic agent, which results in a very peaceful death. However, this drug, Pentobarbital, persists in the buried body for up to a year. The euthanasia solution will poison any animal scavenging on the remains.
What To Do Instead of Burying Pets in The Backyard
Available in many cities in Australia are pet cremation service providers. They cover a variety of options and offer price ranges that suit most pet owners needs. Costs may differ based on the size of your pet, as well and the features and inclusions.
Pet Angel Funerals, a family-owned, independent pet crematorium servicing greater Brisbane and Gold Coast, offers packages that will give your pet a graceful and dignified cremation — a farewell they truly deserve. Our goal is always to bring ease to the families left behind and ensure that this difficult transition is as stress-free as possible.
If you’d like to know more about our services, please click HERE.
Updated original BLOG 16-06-2021
