Understanding Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
As our pets grow, age, and confront health challenges in their senior years, our role as their caregiver also shifts and expands. Beyond seeing to our pet’s basic daily needs, it also becomes our responsibility to ensure they receive the best possible care and comfort in their final days. As your pet’s end of life draws nearer, this responsibility can be a heavy weight to bear, and it’s completely normal to have questions or need additional support outside of friends, family, or your veterinary care provider.
This is where animal hospice and palliative care providers come in — offering professional, compassionate support for you and your pet during their final stages of life.
What is Animal Hospice and Palliative Care?
Much like hospice and palliative care for humans, animal hospice and palliative care (AHPC) focuses on improving the quality of life for animals who are facing life-limiting illnesses or nearing the end of their natural life. These forms of care emphasize pain management and physical symptom control while also addressing the emotional needs of you and your pet, allowing you and your pet to live their remaining days in comfort and dignity.
When to Consider Hospice or Palliative Care for Your Pet
One of the most common questions for pet owners is, “How will I know when it’s time for animal hospice and palliative care?” Your veterinarian is a crucial resource on this question, and should be your first advisor on analyzing your pet’s overall quality of life and determining next steps.
AHPC is typically recommended when a pet has a condition that is not responsive to curative treatments or when their prognosis, whether due to illness or natural end of life, is limited to a few months or less. Signs that your pet may be ready for AHPC services include:
Declining health: When your pet’s overall health is deteriorating, and conventional treatments are no longer effective.
Chronic pain: When your pet experiences persistent, noticeable pain and/or discomfort.
Decreased mobility: When your pet struggles to move around or perform daily activities due to age- or health-related issues.
Loss of appetite: A significant decrease in appetite can be a sign that your pet is nearing their end of life.
Quality of life: If your pet is experiencing additional signs of distress or decline, such as weight loss, difficulty with urination/defecation, a dull or depressed demeanor, or lack of engagement in their usual activities.
Is your pet having more bad days than good days? That’s an important sign that their quality of life may be on the decline, and it could be time to consult an animal hospice and palliative care provider.
How to Find Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
To locate a reputable provider for animal hospice and palliative care, start by consulting your veterinarian for recommendations. They can provide valuable guidance and potentially connect you with local resources they trust.
Additionally, you can search for pet hospice organizations or providers online — many offer reviews and testimonials from other pet owners, and can answer questions directly about the kind of care you can expect if your pet goes into their care.
Caring for Your Pet and Yourself in the Final Days
Caring for a pet in their end of life can be challenging, both physically and mentally. You may experience anticipatory grief and all the emotions that come with it, so it’s essential to take care of yourself as well. Here are some tips to help you and your pet during this difficult time:
Embrace quality time: Spend as much time as possible with your pet engaging in activities they enjoy, whether it’s gentle play, cuddling, or simply being by their side.
Maintain a comfortable environment: Ensure your pet’s surroundings are safe, warm, and comfortable, with their favorite blankets and toys within reach.
Get informed and plan ahead: Take advantage of the guidance and support from your veterinarian and/or pet hospice provider to address any concerns or questions you may have, and think ahead about important end-of-life decisions before they need to be made.
Celebrate your pet’s life: Book a photo shoot, create a memory book, or find other ways to commemorate your pet’s life and capture the special moments you’ve shared, so they’re always with you.
In summary:
As scary as it may sound, animal hospice and palliative care exists to help you and your pet during their final days. By seeking out these services, you can breathe a little easier knowing that you’ve done everything possible to care for your pet’s physical and emotional needs, so you can both enjoy their remaining time with all the love and dignity they deserve.