When your pet is reaching the end of their life they may need ongoing care to help them stay comfortable and happy. Our Parrish vets explain what hospice care is and what you can expect for your dog or cat with this service.
What to expect from dog or cat hospice care
Whether your pet is your first four-legged companion or one of a few you've had in your life, the knowledge that your dog or cat is nearing the end of their life is often heartbreaking and daunting.
Maybe they have had health issues for a while and are showing signs of nearing the rainbow bridge, or perhaps they've received a terminal diagnosis of cancer or another disease. No matter their situation, you're likely wishing for just a bit more time together - and also not wanting them to suffer.
These are likely just some of the conflicting emotions you're experiencing right now - and that's completely okay. Fortunately, for you and your beloved dog or cat, pet hospice care can help preserve your pet's quality of life and help make them as comfortable as possible during their last days.
Veterinarians can provide supportive hospice care for pets with degenerative diseases or terminal illnesses, helping to manage their symptoms, reduce pain, boost their energy level and stimulate their appetite.
While your pet will not be cured, this time in hospice (also known as palliative care) can provide you with two more times together. We frequently advise clients to consider pet hospice care as a bridge between wellness and euthanasia. At this point, pet owners have made the difficult decision to forego curative treatments for their pet's life-threatening illnesses.
With decades of skill in expertise in veterinary care, our team at Ellenton Animal Hospital can help you develop a compassionate end-of-life plan geared to your pet's specific needs, including performing a complete quality-of-life exam, prescribing food and medication to manage pain and offering humane euthanasia.
When is hospice care a good option?
If your veterinarian has diagnosed your pet with a life-threatening illness, your four-legged friend is showing signs of clinical decline, or is approaching old age, now is a good time to learn more about dog or cat hospice care. If your pet has any of the following medical conditions, you should consider starting the conversation:
- Cancer or other incurable illness
- Long-term disability such as neurological disease or advanced arthritis
- A disease for which diagnostics or aggressive therapy options have been declined in favor of comfort care
- A long-term or progressive disease such as kidney disease, liver failure or heart failure
In addition, it's pertinent to consider whether your pet is in severe pain or is still engaged with their environment, surroundings and family.
How can I tell if my pet is in pain?
As loving pet owners who have spent a significant portion of our lives with our animal companions, it is heartbreaking to consider that they may be in pain or have a lower quality of life. Having said that, many of us will face this dilemma during our pet's lifetime. While we all have bad days, if the bad days outnumber the good, it's time to consult with your veterinarian about next steps.
Here are some signs your pet may have a poor quality of life:
- Not eating or drinking well
- Sleeps a lot
- Seems depressed
- Losing weight
- Reduced activity level
If your pet is dealing with severe pain, they may gradually start to show subtle symptoms such as:
- An increase or decrease in grooming behaviors
- Panting or changes in breathing
- Shaking or trembling
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Being hesitant to play or jump onto higher services (due to joint pain)
- Other problems with mobility and moving their body
- Hiding or not interacting with others like they used to
- Exhibits aggressive behavior
- Increased vocalizations (howling or meowing)
Remember that each animal will be unique, and your pet may continue to eat, drink or try to do activities despite disorientation or pain. They may not cry, whimper or display other outward signs normally associated with pain.
The best way to tell whether your pet's specific symptoms are related to their condition or something to be concerned about based on their medical history and status is to ask your vet.
How can I help my pet be comfortable at the end of their life?
If you and your pet are spending their last days together, we want this to be a peaceful period for both of you. Alleviating pain and reducing stress will be two of our team's essential priorities.
That's why it's important to have your Parrish veterinarian perform a comprehensive physical exam to check for underlying health concerns that should be treated.
You can also make sure your pet's bed is extra comfortable, with lots of cushions and their favorite toys nearby.
Late in life, some pets develop incontinence (loss of bladder control). If this is the case for your pet, make sure their living space is clean and dry. If necessary, use a sling or lay down a towel to assist your pet in getting up to urinate or defecate.
How much does dog and cat hospice care cost?
The cost of pet hospice varies greatly depending on the level of service and location of support. Our veterinarians work hard to ensure that your four-legged family member's final days or weeks are peaceful, comfortable, and pain-free.
We can work with you to address any questions or concerns you may have, develop an individualized plan geared to your pet's needs and provide a cost estimate for any services that may be required. And of course, we are always here to provide comfort and support to pets and their families.
What should I ask my veterinarian about end-of-life care?
When it comes to finding appropriate end-of-life and pet hospice care for your cat or dog, you may have many questions. This list may be a good place to start as you consider service providers:
- Do you provide pet healthcare and pet hospice care services, and can they be customized to fit my and my pet's needs?
- Are there any aspects of my pet's health condition that require further clarification or testing?
- Which treatments or solutions would be best for my pet, and why?
- Are there side effects for any recommended treatments or medications I'll need to watch for?
- Are you able to provide a cost estimate for hospice care services?
As end-of-life pet care is always a deeply personal decision, it's also prudent to consider the time, emotional and financial investment you and your family can devote to your pet's care. Of course, it can be difficult to consider your pet's treatment may be limited by budget constraints.
However, for most pet owners, finances play a significant role in their decision. Always be reasonable and honest with yourself and others about your current capacity, capabilities, and values. Furthermore, do not be too hard on yourself; remember that your financial situation is not a reflection of your love for your pet.
Also, you might consider what your pet would want. Consider your pet's overall quality of life, and whether they are still enjoying daily routines, activities, meals, etc. If your pet is unlikely to regain well-being and an improvement to quality of life with treatment, might it be kinder to consider hospice care or euthanasia?
How can I deal with the loss of a pet?
It's perfectly normal to spend time grieving the loss of your pet and to feel a range of emotions - after all, they were a huge part of your life for a significant amount of time and you two have shared a lot of memories together.
You may choose to memorialize your pet and share happy memories with others who cared about them. Seek help from trusted family and friends (particularly other pet owners). There are also many pet loss support groups, such as the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, and possibly local groups in your area.
If you have children, you may also consider how to involve them in the decision-making process, as well as conversations and memorials.
If you feel the need for counseling services, look to your local veterinary college for options. You might consider speaking to a healthcare provider if your feelings if you are experiencing severe or persistent feelings of grief and loss.
Pet Hospice Care at Ellenton Animal Hospital
If you've been wondering whether it's time to consider end-of-life care options for your cat or dog such as pet hospice care, our vets are always here to address any questions or concerns you may have about our services.
We are committed to treating your beloved pet with dignity and providing them and your family with support and comfort during your grief process.
Our trained veterinary team can assess your pet's health and make recommendations for appropriate care, from performing a comprehensive quality-of-life exam to prescribing pain management tools and techniques and providing humane euthanasia.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.