Companion Animal Death A Practical and Comprehensive Guide for Veterinary Practice

About this book

A unique new book for the veterinary surgeon and other members of the veterinary practice team, Companion Animal Death will help the whole team deal more skilfully, sensitively and successfully with everyday issues associated with animal death. Companion Animal Death takes a positive and practical approach to the needs of clients, the welfare of animals and the personal and professional well-being of the veterinary practice team. The emphasis throughout is on the importance of trust, sensitivity, and good communication at every stage. 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. Companion Animal Death 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; and important sections on children and pet loss, grieving animals, and replacing a companion animal. It is an essential purchase for every veterinary practitioner, veterinary undergraduate and veterinary nurse. Additional copies in the veterinary practice will prove an invaluable reference source for staff.

Contents

- Human/companion animal relationships
- Introduction to animal death - why are some deaths so difficult?
- Communicating with clients
- Reactions to animal loss
- Pre-euthanasia
- Euthanasia
- Post-euthanasia
- Children and pet loss
- Grieving animals
- Missing animals
- Getting another animal
- Coping with stress at work and supporting staff
- Possible consequences of poor management
- Potential offered by good management
- Index

Customer Reviews