The death of a pet can, occasionally, be very unexpected. The result of a car accident perhaps or through sudden illness. This can be devastating and may take several days, weeks or even months for the loss to sink in. These types of death can leave us with feelings of guilt and/or anger. These feelings are normal but do ease through time.

Children can be very upset by the sudden death of a pet, it may provoke feelings of abandonment. They may become concerned, if very young, that their parents are also going to die

Euthanasia derives from the Greek for "a gentle death." It is a great gift to be able to avoid pain and suffering and to allow an animal to die quickly and painlessly. It is a very emotional time, certainly for the owner and the vet. Taking the decision to let go of a treasured companion is never easy and your veterinary surgeon will guide you about when the time is right. Asking yourself a number of questions may help you with the decision.

Is the animal:

Answered Yes to any of these questions? Then euthanasia may be the best/last option for your pet.

Once the decision to have your pet put to sleep has been reached, a vet or nurse will explain the process and what to expect.

It is at this point that people can be too upset to discuss the process but please try not to be afraid to ask any questions.

You may want to arrange the appointment at a time when the practice is quiet.

You will be asked to sign a consent form giving the vet permission to carry out euthanasia and, as owners, you should be asked if you want to stay with your pet.

There are no hard and fast rules about whether it is better to stay with your pet while the injection is administered. Some people find it comforting others find it distressing.

You have to decide which you feel most comfortable with.

Your pet will be given an injection (usually a barbiturate) and this is usually given into a vein in the front leg, although some types of injection are given into a muscle. A nurse often helps the vet with this. The injections are similar to an anaesthetic and the animal will usually fall asleep within seconds if it is given into the vein. Once your pet loses consciousness, it will then stop breathing and the heart will stop; this usually takes about a minute, but can take longer especially in patients with poor circulation. There may be a few muscle tremors or deep shallow breaths, but this is quite normal. The eyes normally stay open and sometimes the animal may lose control of its bladder. You will now be given a few moments with you pet if you want time to say goodbye.

Although very distressing it is also very peaceful, and we always stay with our dogs to give comfort and reassurance in their last moments of life.

Most people leave their pet with the vet who will arrange cremation. If you prefer to take your pet home for burial please inform the vet or nurse before the euthanasia is performed (BE AWARE you may have to inform the local authorities if burial is your plan)

Veterinary surgeries send all deceased pets for cremation. Pets are communally cremated and the ashes are then buried. If you prefer to have an individual cremation and want the ashes returned your veterinary practice will, usually, make these arrangements on your behalf

The grieving process is individual but usually consists of a number of stages: disbelief, pain, anger, guilt and acceptance. The first stage is disbelief and shock. It may be hard to accept the animal is no longer with us and the house may feel very empty. The next stage is pain, anger and depression. This is the time you need the support of family and friends and a listening ear. Many people will experience feelings of guilt; "Did I do the right thing?" "What could I have done to prevent it?" This is normal and will subside in time. The last stage of the process is acceptance. You have accepted the reality of the loss of your pet and can now look back with happiness on the many pleasant memories of your time together.