Dog of 16 3/4 years old died...

[grmnchck]

...my precious dog (Chow/Husky mix) passed away in her sleep.  I found her after I came home from work.  Rigor moris has set in already.  I handled her with my bare hands, wrapped her into a blanket and brought her to my animal hospital.  Now I read that it was not a good idea that I handled her with my bare hands.  Does anyone know why???

[grmnchck]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments.  I really appreciate it!  

I thought it was weird when I read the "warning" about wearing gloves while handling a dead dog.  I just had to ask in the moment of heartache.  I carressed her for a long time before my friend came over to help me get her to my vet.  And I had the hardest time saying good-bye.  She looked so peaceful and like she was only sleeping.  I miss her so much.  And I am grateful that she stayed in my life for almost 17 years.  I know I am very lucky considering she is a larger dog.

I will never forget her!

[Ghilly]

I am so sorry for the loss of your dog.  Sixteen-plus years is a wonderful age, however, for any dog to live to, you are fortunate to have been blessed with so many years with her.  As the others have stated, I can think of no reason at all why it would be dangerous for you to have handled her after her passing, rigor mortis or not.  Common cleanliness tells us that we should wash our hands after handline ANY animal, alive or dead, so as long as you took care of that basic thing, I can't see any reason why you should not have done as you did.

Again, my deepest sympathies on your loss.

Ghilly

[ginger899]

I too am sorry to hear your dog passed away. Sure 16 more years is a good age for a dog to live to. But it's no consolation because we miss them so, no matter what age they are when they go.

No harm at all carrying her with your bare hands. Whyever not? She died of old age, not presumably anything highly contagious or dangerous
I have heard that one certainly should not handle a rabid dog, dead or alive, with bare hands.
Unless you were aware she had a contagious or infectious disease at the end, there would be nothing dirty or infectious about your girl.

I am so sorry, please accept my condolences.

[TwoBitsMom]

I apologize for the mix-up....
SHE ..was a lucky dog...God Bless Her Beautiful Spirit and Soul...She is much loved.
Connie

[TwoBitsMom]

I am so sorry about the loss of your dog. 16 plus years, is an amazing life for a large dog. It is a blessing when a dog lives a long life, and is able to die in the comfort of his own home, where he feels safe.
I do not know why you are worried about having touched your dog after he died....you touched him while he was alive, and you never contracted anything from him then, did you...?
I don't know where you read this, but I have never heard of such a thing. I have handled all of my dogs with bare hands after they die. I wash them up and trim their nails...I wrap them in a blanket...I even kiss them, and have never been told that I could not.  
I think you did the right thing.  If in doubt, you can always ask your vet.
Again...I am sorry about the loss of your dog...
Bless his Beautiful Spirit and Soul....he is much loved.
Connie

[tonyb286]

I am not aware of any particular reason not to touch your dog with bare hands after rigor mortis has set in. Maybe someone else has suggestions about it. All I can think of are the obvious things, like washing your hands thoroughly afterwards.

I just really wanted to write and say I am very sorry for your loss. At least she passed away quietly and in her sleep, presumably of natural causes. Tony