How Long Does it Take for a Buried Dog to Decompose?

How long does it take for a buried dog to decompose?

Dogs are the most faithful friend of humans. But it is sad to say that dogs also die. Like humans, they also die and are buried. But how and when they are buried and decomposed.

There are many reasons why you might want to know about dead body of dog. The burying process and decomposition of dogs depend on the size, age, climate condition, and the process of how deep you buried the body of your dog. 

So how long does it take for a dog to decompose? Fully decomposition of a buried dog takes 6 months to 18 years. The period of decomposition depends on how deep you buried your dog.

If you buried your dog deeper in the ground it will take eighteen years. Otherwise six to twelve months are enough.

Dog owners have many questions in their minds. If you are a dog owner, you don’t need to go anywhere. We will answer your all questions in this article. 

Period of Decomposition of Dog’s Body  

How long does it take for a buried dog to decompose?

Fully decomposition of a buried dog takes 6 months to 18 years. The period of decomposition depends on how deep you buried your dog. 

But if your dog died and you didn’t burry it will decompose quickly more than average period. Decomposition depends on the different factors such as depth, burial method, climate condition, age and breed of dog. 

  • Depth

Depth is that where the carcass is buried.

  • Burial method of carcass

The burial method is a method of placing the carcass in the grave and covering the carcass with soil.

  • Climate condition

It has great importance in this matter. In a hot climate, carcasses will decompose more quickly than in a cold climate. 

  • Age of dog 

Younger dogs decompose faster as compared to an older age.

  • Size of dog  

Large breed dogs take fully decomposition than small breed dogs. Large breed dogs also take more time as compared to small breeds.

We have concluded the best information for you. All the answers you need to know are here.

How Long You can Wait After your Dog Dies?

How long does it take for a buried dog to decompose?

Are you worried about your dog’s carcass? No need to worry we will let you know how long you can wait?

After the death of your dog, you can wait up to 2 to 3 hours. You can touch and feel the body getting cold.

If you wait more than the above time, the first decomposer (flies) will settle on the carcass. After this, carcass will start to spread rotten smell.

What to do if your Dog Dies at Home?

Unfortunately, if your dog dies at home and you don’t know what to do with the carcass, so continue reading. You will get the necessary information.

  • First step 

Don’t be get bother. You can call your vet immediately.

  • Second step

If your vet is not available within 2 to 3 hours then, it’s time to go to a pet cemetery or a crematorium. Either, you can transport your pet’s carcass to their facility. 

  • Third step

If you cannot the expenses of the cemetery, you can ask your vet to dispose of the carcass.

  • Last step/choice

If you are unable to pay expenses of vet or cremation, a garage, backyard, or basement is sufficient.

Five stages of dog’s decomposition

There are 5 stages of a dog’s decomposition. You can see all these stages when the carcass is left above the ground.

  • Fresh

Period of decomposition starts when the blood stops pumping, the body gets cold. If your death happened by an accident, the blood will start to drain towards the pressure area.

Flies and ants are the first decomposers. More likely flies arrive fast on the dead body and feed on the blood and flesh. Flies also lay eggs on the dead body. It can be dangerous if the dead body is not buried at the time.

  • Bloating 

Bloating is similar to swelling. In this stage bloating appears on the dead body of canines. Bloating in the dead body appears due to carcass. All gases in the carcass build up and make fluid. This fluid pushes out of the dead body.

If you did not take care of the dead body before bloating, it causes a very bad smell. 

  • Active decay

In this period the size e of the dead body gets reduced. Body flesh is left in a little amount and the blood is completely gone. The irritating smell of carcass has reduced.

  • Advanced decay

The remaining parts of carcass are decomposed in this stage. Fur and the dry bones will be gone by the end of advanced decay.

  • Dry remaining

This is the ending stage of carcass decomposition. Only dry bones, dry skin, and cartilage are left.

How to bury a dog without smell?

A carcass of dog spread its smell over the atmosphere in 2 to 3 hours. It is a good idea to bury the carcass before the smell spreads over it.

Veterinarians recommended that the carcasses be covered with lime. If lime is not available you can also use some other materials similar to a lime. This will help you to reduce the unpleasant smell of carcass and fast decomposition.

A buried dog can also spread over its smell and other animals can smell it. The carcass emits gases after decomposition.

Euthanasia is a gas that involves a concentrated anesthetic drug. It can linger in a deceased pet’s body for up to one year.

Can I keep my Dead Dog at Home?

How long does it take for a buried dog to decompose?

There is no doubt, that dogs are adorable pets. The faithfulness of dogs is famous in the animal world.

You and your family will be sad after the death of your furry friend. Your grief and love are okay. Most dog owners want to burry their furry friend at home.

You can keep your dog’s carcass at home for several hours but not for the whole life. Remains of the carcass should be kept in a freezer or a refrigerator until the cremation or other arrangement takes place. 

Final Thoughts

We hope you will understand all the necessary information about how long it will take a buried dog to decompose. After the death, body releases some gases which cause unpleasant smell and make the environment unhealthy. 

So understanding all the above factors, it is good to decompose the carcass fast as much as you can.

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