What to Expect: End of Life Care for Pets

The thought of losing a beloved pet can be distressing for anyone. Unfortunately, this is an inevitable part of life. Trying to cope with the impending death of your pet can be very difficult. Your pet may have been diagnosed with a terminal disease, or he has simply approached the sunset of his life. Either way, it is not easy, but it helps to know what to expect. As you approach your pet’s final days, you can find the best way to minimize any distress.

 

Understanding Your Options

You can choose the end-of-life care that works for you. You can choose to care for your pet at home as their health declines. You can do this under the supervision of your veterinarian to minimize discomfort. You can also choose to end his life through euthanasia. You can find out the best ways to ensure that your pet’s final days are dignified and peaceful.

 

Helping Your Elderly Pet

If your pet is in his golden years, he may be experiencing distress from aging symptoms. Talk to your veterinarian about any health issues that need to be treated. Undiagnosed issues can cause rapid deterioration of the animal’s health. Surrounding your pet with some things that he loves will help to provide comfort.

 

A warm sleeping area is important. Pets with limited mobility can develop sore spots, so you need to provide lots of bed cushions. Check the pet regularly in case of incontinence or poor bladder control.

 

Is Your Pet Suffering

When deciding on end-of-life care, there are things to consider. You need to determine if the pet is in pain. It is important to realize that the animal may be suffering without showing outward signs of pain. Just because he is not crying, or whimpering does not mean he is okay.

 

Your pet can continue eating and drinking right through pain and disorientation. Some signs that he may be suffering include reclusiveness, gasping for breath, and excessive panting. Food pickiness and reluctance to play or move can also be due to pain.

 

Pet Hospice Care

Palliative care, also known as pet hospice care, is a good option for a pet that is suffering. If it has been established that the illness is terminal or a cure is not possible, you may need hospice care. The goal of the care is to ensure that the pet’s final days are as comfortable or pleasant as possible.

 

Using medication, diet, and human interaction, your pet can find comfort in a hospice. The best hospice care is based on the principle that death can be dignified. Be careful not to prolong the life of a suffering pet.

 

Choosing Euthanasia

If you are considering euthanasia, you need to talk to the vet. Euthanasia provides a peaceful and painless end to a pet that is suffering. Veterinarians have special training to provide gentle and humane death. The vet will inject the pet with a sedative before administering special euthanasia medication. The entire process takes a few minutes, and the animal will not be aware of the end of life.

 

Consult your veterinarian to find out the best end-of-life care based on your pet’s needs. Your vet can recommend the best hospice care where necessary. Your vet can also offer advice on when and if to euthanize.

 

To learn more about end-of-life care for pets, contact Lakeville Family Pet Clinic in Lakeville, Minnesota at (952) 595-6500 to book an appointment today.