Christina Aguilera reveals heartbreak after being forced to put down her 'beloved' dog Stinky

Christina Aguilera has taken to social media to reveal her heartbreak after being forced to put down her 'beloved' dog Stinky.

The singer shared the sad news with her fans on Instagram, with a video montage of pictures of her pet of 17 years.

Alongside the touching tribute, Christina wrote a poignant caption, explaining how Stinky was her 'first baby' before she became a mum to a little boy in 2008, and that he was by her side during many of her life's 'ups and downs'.

'I had to finally make the hard decision to put my beloved Stinky 🦊🐾🖤💔 down last night after an amazing 17 years together!', she wrote.

'You were my roadie through the tours...breakups...life’s many ups and downs...my 1st baby before I had any babies...The one and only forever 👑☝🏼🙌🏼 RIP, Stinky...

'Run free and with no more misery 💫🙏🏼🙏🏼', the singer wrote.

In the clip the star posted, Stinky is seen with Christina over the years, proving just how many moments the two shared and how special the pet was to her.

She picked rapper Kendrick Lamar's song 'Loyalty' to soundtrack the video, presumably alluding to Stinky's loyalty to her over nearly two decades by her side.

Fans of the 37-year-old were quick to comment on the post, sending their condolences to Christina, with many sympathising with the pain of losing a pet.

'I'm sorry for your loss! I have my dog too. He's 4 and I'm dreading the day that he passes. My condolences', one said.

A second wrote: 'I'm so sorry. 17 years of love and memories. RIP sweet pup.'

A third commented: 'Prayers! 17 years?! Amazing. Poor baby. I fear I will have to make that same tough decision in the future with my old girl.

Another added: 'Awww im so sorry for your loss😭 I know what its like to lose your best friend🐶🐾 stay strong👑💖💜 RIP Stinky'.