Companion animal death

By Mary F Stewart, Honorary Member of SCAS; Senior Research Fellow University of Glasgow Veterinary School, UK

• unique new book on this sensitive aspect of veterinary work
• practical guidance for the whole veterinary team
• key issues, points to consider, action guidelines, and further information on each topic
• advocates professionalism and improved client care/satisfaction
• The death of a much loved animal, whether by euthanasia, illness or accident, is extremely stressful.

Unfortunately, in veterinary practice, it is a circumstance that cannot be avoided. Performing euthanasia is a frequent and sad task for veterinary surgeons, and few receive formal training in the support that they can give to pet owners and to each other. The Society for Companion Animal Studies, through their excellent pet loss befriending work and training programmes, have considerable experience in this field and have put together this much needed book especially for those in veterinary practice. The book includes:

• Effective strategies for dealing with emotional distress.
• Advice on how to avoid or minimise stress to all concerned - animal, owner and staff.
• Practical guidelines for dealing with the many circumstances and issues associated with animal death.
• Issue-based approach with key points highlighted for quick reference.
• Important sections on Children and Pet Loss, Grieving Animals and Replacing a Companion Animal.

Contents

Human/companion animal relationships; Introduction to animal death - why are some deaths so difficult?; Communicating with clients; Reactions to animal loss; Missing animals; Getting other animals; Coping with stress at work and supporting staff; Possible consequences of poor management; Potential offered by good management.

Readership

Veterinary practitioners; veterinary nurses; students of human companion animal relationships; veterinary undergraduates; animal welfare staff.

ISBN 0 7506 4076 6 : 192pp : 216 x 138 mm : 10 line diagrams : Paperback : May 1999.