It can be hard to imagine a time without your pet, but as pets reach their senior years, they become more vulnerable to illnesses and conditions that can affect their lifespan. By being proactive with preventive care and recognizing early signs of health decline, you can make changes that support your pet’s comfort and potentially extend their life. At the same time, it’s important to be prepared for the signs that indicate your pet may need end-of-life care, so you can provide them with comfort and peace. Here is a closer look at protecting your pet’s health and comfort as they age and preparing for end-of-life care.
Understanding When to Consider End-of-Life Care
Your veterinarian can help guide you when it may be time to start considering end-of-life care. This is often relevant if your pet has a terminal illness, a chronic disease, or shows significant signs of aging. Signs to watch for include:
- A terminal illness or disease, like cancer, organ failure, or chronic pain, that can no longer be treated
- A significant decline in quality of life and comfort despite treatment and medication
- Serious health symptoms, such as refusal to eat, significant weight loss, breathing trouble, chronic vomiting or diarrhea, loss of mobility, and chronic pain
Creating an End-of-Life Care Plan for Your Pet
Planning for end-of-life care can be emotional, and it’s normal to begin grieving even before your pet passes. Your veterinarian can guide you through this process and help you find resources and support. You may also find comfort in speaking with friends and family, joining a grief support group, or connecting with a therapist or spiritual advisor. Your veterinarian may recommend some or all of the following to keep your pet comfortable:
- Home palliative care or hospice care – This provides your pet with home or clinic comfort care, such as medication that eliminates pain and suffering at the end stages of your pet’s life.
- Pain management – This is the administration of a medication regimen designed to relieve pain in your pet’s final days, weeks, or months.
- Nutrition and hydration support – This is the use of gentle foods, nutritional supplements, appetite stimulants, anti-nausea medication, and IV hydration to improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
- Home or clinic euthanasia – When palliative care is no longer enough to maintain comfort, your veterinarian can help you decide whether euthanasia at home or in a clinic is the best option for your pet and your family.
Consulting with a Veterinarian About End-of-Life Care
At Tucson Veterinary Urgent Care, we offer end-of-life pet care Tucson, AZ. Our compassionate, experienced staff can help you determine if it’s time to consider palliative or hospice care or euthanasia and provide the aftercare support and resources you and your family need to come to terms with your decision. We are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week and 365 days a year. Please call ahead to let us know that you are on your way. We also offer online check-in services, and accept walk-in patients.