Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

As a pet owner you are likely to someday face the decision to euthanize your pet and as a veterinarian or veterinary technician you are the one to perform this euthanasia. The reason for euthanasia may be depending on the animal, for instance illness, age and behavioral problems or depending on the needs of the owner or the society, so called convenience euthanasia.
Many different euthanasia methods can be used when putting an animal to sleep. The method preferred in animal hospitals is pharmacological euthanasia either by inhalation of anesthetics or by injection of a euthanasia agent.
If the pet owner wishes to be present during the procedure it is important to prepare him for what will happen. Many animals are sedated before the euthanasia in order to reduce anxiety and to ensure a softer transition between life and death. The euthanasia agent can then be administrated for instance intravenously or intraperitonealy. A veterinarian should always determine the death of the animal by examining its vital signs. There are various options available regarding body care, communal cremation and individual cremation among others.
As staff at an animal hospital you are often facing difficult situations when meeting pet owners in grief. It is important to understand the grieving process they are going through in order to talk to them about their grief and emotions. After all, veterinary technicians are often the ones pet owners turn to looking for support, comfort and understanding.