How to Bury a Dog in a Backyard With Wild Animals

Have a small funeral to remember your beloved pooch.
i Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

Losing a four-legged family member never is an easy thing, especially when you have to worry about keeping his grave site safe. If you have coyotes, raccoons or other wild animals lurking around your yard, you'll need to take a few precautions before burying your beloved pooch.

Proper Casket

If you bury Benson without protection, his scent may attract wild predators. Burying your beloved furry friend in a sturdy casket seals in some of his scent, keeping him hidden from wild animals. A strong casket also helps keep his remains secure just in case animals start to dig. You’ll be able to order a casket already made or you can build a sturdy wooden box yourself. By making his casket, your whole family can get involved, attaching messages or toys to the inside walls, allowing everyone to grieve.

Hole Depth

You’ll need to bury him far enough below the ground so that wild animals can’t smell him and excessive rain waters don’t open up his grave. His grave should be at least 2 to 3 feet deep. However, check with your local town government first. Some places do not allow home burials or may require you to bury your deceased pooch at a specific depth and away from water sources.

Fencing & Repellants

Keep pesky wild animals away by securing Benson’s grave in a gated area – even if you simply surround his grave with chicken or barbed wire. If you don’t have a way to put up a small fence, use animal repellents. Your local pet store has granules and sprays designed to keep animals away. You can’t smell them, but a coyote won’t want to go near the area. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some varieties are designed to last for up to a month.

Consider Cremation

Have your canine’s remains cremated. You’ll be able to bury the cremation container just as you would a casket. Cremation prevents rotting flesh, limiting any smells or odors that might attract wild animals lurking around your yard. Additionally, cremation can be helpful if you have a large dog. Burying a big casket can be a lot of work and you already have enough going on. The hole you must dig for a cremation box is much smaller, but you’ll still want it to be plenty deep enough.

Before You Dig

Your backyard is full of all kinds of wires and pipes hidden far below the ground. You don’t want to run into a headache of accidentally hitting a gas pipe while you’re prepping for your pooch’s funeral. Make sure you have someone out to evaluate your yard before you dig a big hole. Call your gas company, explain that you plan to dig and they’ll send someone over for you to figure out where gas and power lines lie on your property. It’s one extra step, but it’ll save you from running into major problems.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

the nest

×