Senior Pet Hospice – What is it?
Ageing is an unavoidable part of life for all of us. It can be especially difficult when our pets get older and begin to develop age-related conditions.
Your previously healthy pet may begin to suffer from a range of difficult, painful and even debilitating medical problems, including arthritic joints, thyroid disorder, diabetes, vision and hearing loss, cognitive dysfunction, impaired function of the kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs, and even some cancers.
Some owners find that they simply don’t have the time to dedicate to their pet, as the need for care increases, while others discover that taking them to visit their vet so regularly can cause their pet further pain, stress and anxiety. In these situations, it may be the right time to think about senior hospice care for your beloved animal.
Fortunately, there are many pet hospices across the U.S. that are dedicated to giving animals the love, care, and compassion that they deserve in their senior years.
How do I know if my pet needs hospice care?
You know your pet better than anyone else, and will likely know automatically when it is time to consider hospice care. However, if you need reassurance that you are doing the right thing, or would simply like some advice, your regular veterinarian should be your first point of contact.
Some of the common symptoms experienced by senior pets include:
- Diarrhea, constipation and/or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing normally
- Coughing
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in amount of water consumed or passed
- Incontinence
- Stiffness and/or limping
- Unexplained lumps
- Weakness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Unexplained behavioral changes
- Weight loss or sudden weight gain
- Increased vocalization
Care for the remainder of your pet’s life
Pet hospice’s become homes for the animals that live there. They aren’t stark and impersonal like shelters, some veterinary offices or boarding kennels. They will also have the company of other pets.
If you choose to put your pet in a senior hospice, you are opting for them to live somewhere where their medical needs will be met and where they will receive the love and attention that they deserve in their final years. It is a selfless act of compassion that shows that you want the very best for your pet as they live out their final years.
At Home Heart Vet, we know this is a difficult decision, and we will be able to talk you through the entire process. If you have any questions about senior pet hospice care, please do not hesitate to contact Home Heart Veterinary End of Life Care today at 201-243-3222.
