It's a heart breaking thought that no pet owner wants to consider, but putting a dog to sleep (euthanasia) is something we will likely have to consider when faced with our dog’s ill health and a reduced quality of life.

The decision to put a dog to sleep is always difficult and intensely personal. Unless there is a serious urgency such as an untreatable injury or illness, you will probably have time to examine your options and talk to family and friends. Ultimately the decision is yours, but base your decision on what's right for your pet's comfort and on your vet’s advice. Sometimes it is very hard to make such a decision when you are very upset, but your vet will have a lot of experience in this area and will hopefully advise you in a sensitive and kind way. We are fortunate as pet owners that we have the option of ending our pet’s pain or suffering in a painless and dignified way. Remember that it is quality of life that is important for our pets, not necessarily quantity if that life is not comfortable for them, or involves a lot of medical intervention for example. Having your dog put to sleep because they are unwell is a kind and unselfish decision.

The procedure is quick and, more importantly, absolutely painless. Your vet will administer a measured overdose of anaesthetic, and your dog will quickly slip into a deep and permanent sleep with no discomfort or distress. The drug is usually given through a vein in the front leg, and your vet may put a ‘line’ or catheter into the vein before giving the anaesthetic drug. You will usually be able to stay with your dog if you want to, unless there is a reason this is not the best thing for your dog (e.g. he/she is very unwell and the procedure needs to be performed before you can get there). Depending on your veterinary practice they may be able to come to your house to put your dog to sleep. Usually a veterinary nurse will also be present to hold your dog and help the vet administer the drug but often you can cuddle your dog or have him/her on your knee/the sofa. Occasionally if your dog gets upset or stressed a sedative will be given first of all so they are relaxed.

You will be given the option of burying your dog in your garden yourself, or you can have the vet take your dog away and ask for his/her ashes to be returned. Some people like to then scatter the ashes in a favorite place, or keep them in a special container. Tell your vet what you would prefer.

Don't feel foolish grieving. Unfortunately people without pets may not understand why you are so upset, or that to you, your dog was a member of the family. You may need to take off a few days from work. Grieving is a normal, healthy reaction to the loss of a family member - which our dogs really are. Don’t forget that putting your dog to sleep is the final kindness you can offer as a loving pet owner, however upsetting it is for us. It allows your pet to pass away gently and with dignity.

Time, of course, is the great healer. Creating a memorial can help, like holding a small remembrance service in your garden or planting a tree or plant, either where your dog is buried, or in a favorite spot. This can also help children with the loss of a pet as they watch the tree grow and blossom and remember their pet. Talking to someone who has been through a similar experience is also a great comfort, which is one of the reasons why The Society of Companion Animal Studies has teamed up with the Blue Cross to create a 'Befriender Service'.

Telephone 'Befrienders' are there to counsel and listen to pet owners who have been bereaved. Befrienders are volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, have completed a six-month training programme, and receive calls in their own home. They offer a 'listening ear' to help pet owners work through their loss.

You can contact their helpline on freephone 0800 096 6606 every day between 8.30 and 5.00pm. A co-ordinator will provide you with the contact details of the nearest available befriender. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.scas.org.uk. The site also offers a range of articles to give you all the support you need at this difficult time.

Remember that it is not silly to feel very upset, even devastated by the loss of your dog. If you feel very depressed please contact your GP or Samaritans to discuss how you feel. www.samaritans.org, 08457 90 90 90