The literal translation of euthanasia, from the Latin, is 'good death'. That, of course, is a bit of a contradiction in terms, and the decision to euthanase an animal is never an easy one for a client.

Discussing the right time
Obviously, it is the veterinary surgeon's role to explain and discuss euthanasia with the client. In reality, though, you may find that some clients find it difficult to raise the subject with the vet, or want to talk about it with someone else before they make the final decision.

The decision to put a pet to sleep can only ever be made its owner. But you can be an enormous support by helping them 'work through' the decision, perhaps thereby giving them the courage to raise the subject with the vet, perhaps just helping them understand that they are 'doing the right thing' after they've discussed it with the vet.

However, you should never discuss the euthanasia of a specific animal without knowing the client well, and being certain that the vet feels that this is an appropriate option. There would be nothing worse than giving the client conflicting signals at this very dificult time.

If it is appropriate, you can help the client just by getting them to ask themself:

• Does the animal appear to be in pain? (signs to look out for include vocalising, depression, reluctance to move, loss of appetite and a generally dull demeanour).
   
• How is the pet's appetite? (any pet that is disinterested in food or drink, or has no appetite has a reduced quality of life).
   
• What is the pet's general demeanour like? (behavioural changes can indicate serious illness - look for aggression, lethargy, exercise intolerance and lack of response to stimuli).
   
• Is the animal able to maintain a good standard of cleanliness? (pets, like us, prefer to be clean. Matted coats and/or soiling of the coat or bedding indicate a serious deterioration in quality of life).

In many cases, you will be talking through things that they will already have discussed with the vet. But it can be an enormous help to the client to go through the decision making process more than once, or with more than one person.

Afterwards
Some clients will find it comforting to talk about the experience, especially with a member of staff with whom they feel at ease (perhaps someone who helped to care for the pet during recent illness). If you have lost a pet yourself, you will know from first hand experience how hard it is to deal with the huge gap that losing a much loved animal leaves.

Do try not to give clients a rehearsed spiel about pet loss. Speak from the heart, and appreciate that everyone deals with such matters in different ways. Some people prefer to be alone to deal with their grief and will appreciate being allowed to do so.

Backup literature is very useful, since a client may not take in everything you say if he or she is very distressed.

The following may prove helpful:

• Leaflets providing information about the crematorium chosen by the practice
   
• Leaflets giving answers to common questions asked by clients about euthanasia
   
• "Absent Friend" books available to purchase or borrow