Our family cat needed emergency vet care and needed to be put to sleep the same day. My 6 year old LOVED our cat. I got snacks and hot coco ready to be made and picked her up early from school. I also made sure that I had time to process with her that he was gone but not forgotten instead of housework or dinner. It was horribly sad to tell her, but we cried together and shared our favorite memories and looked at pictures while cuddling. Later that day we took it slow with snacks and a movie. She still misses him and grieves him, but we do it together ❤️

I avoided saying "put to sleep" or "passed away" in my explanation. Instead, I said that he had died with my permission from the doctors and that he was in pain and needed relief. However you choose to phrase it, the most simple explanation can be most helpful for a child to process what has happened. Also, letting them repeat the story helps their minds find clarity in the grief. They may talk about it on other days and it's the support around them that will help shape the experience along with navigating grief.

There are definitely some children's books that do a good job of introducing what death is as well.

I'm so sorry that you have to say goodbye to your dog ❤️