Palliative Care for Pets

The worst part of having a pet is, without a doubt, having to say goodbye to them when they inevitably reach the end of their life. Like humans, pets can die from old age, disease or after suffering from an accident, and just like humans, they too deserve the best end-of-life care and dignity in their final days. 

Palliative care for pets typically begins a few months or weeks before their passing, providing you with sufficient quality time to spend with your beloved pet and allowing you to come to terms with your pet’s final days. 

What is Palliative Care for Pets? 

Palliative care is a compassionate approach to medicine that aims to relieve pain, alleviate symptoms, and make pets comfortable during their final days, allowing you to spend quality time with them and create lasting memories. 

Palliative care for pets can often be provided at home with the support and supervision of your pet’s vet.

When Does a Pet Need Palliative Care? 

Most pets need palliative care when: 

• Old age: They reach a senior age and begin suffering from various health conditions that impact their quality of life. 
• Terminal or incurable disease: They get diagnosed with a terminal disease (cancer) 
• Limited mobility: Their mobility becomes limited (they have trouble moving around) 
• Decrease in appetite: They stop eating 
• Chronic pain: They suffer from chronic pain 
• Progressive conditions: Your pet suffers from arthritis or neurological decline that steadily gets worse. 
• Treatment stops working: If your pet has undergone treatment that is no longer effective. 

Nobody likes to see their furry family member suffering, and palliative care is the best way to ensure your pet gets the highest quality of care in their final days. 

What Does Pet Palliative Care Include? 

Your veterinarian will help you establish a palliative care plan tailored to your pet’s needs. This plan usually includes: 

Pain Management 

Your pet’s vet will work closely with you to ensure that your pet’s pain and discomfort are managed effectively in their final days. Pets can’t tell us how they feel, but keeping an eye on them for visual cues, such as issues with their mobility, loss of appetite, and restlessness, can be great indicators of how your pet is feeling. 

Your vet can provide medication, injections, supplements, and therapies to help your pet manage their pain. 

Diet and Nutrition 

It’s normal for your pet to have a loss of appetite during the last days of their life. Older animals may also experience changes in their diet due to difficulty digesting certain foods. 

Your pet’s veterinarian will recommend the appropriate food and a diet plan to ensure they are receiving the necessary nutrition for their size and weight. It is also important to keep your pets hydrated. 

Making Mobility and Accessibility Easier 

Aging or sick pets will not be as mobile as they once were. Your vet may suggest ramps or products like orthopedic pet beds to make access and mobility easier. If your pet regularly sleeps or spends time on the second level of your home, it’s a good idea to move their things to the first floor, so they don’t have to worry about going up and down stairs. 

Place litter boxes or dog toilet pads, as well as real grass spots, at multiple locations around the house and in easily accessible areas, so your pet can access the toilet with ease. 

Exercise 

Some animals may still be able to maintain a gentle and low-intensity exercise routine, such as slow and short walks, puzzle games and gentle physical motions. Gentle physical activity helps them keep their energy levels up, prevents muscle atrophy, and can serve as a good distraction. 

Preparing to Say Goodbye

Nobody is ever fully prepared to say goodbye to a furry family member; however, there comes a point in time when it becomes evident that the end is near. 

Euthanasia is the ultimate act of compassion and love, and allows your pet to pass quickly and peacefully. 

Euthanasia is a very personal and difficult decision to make, but it is the right one. Your vet will consult with you and may make the recommendation that euthanasia is the best option, so you don’t have to make the decision alone. 

There are many resources available that can help you and your family prepare to say goodbye and to cope with the grief after your pet has passed away. 

Things to Remember 

Here are some essential things to remember about palliative care for pets: 

• Your pets have feelings: Your pet may sense that things are changing. Make sure you keep showing them love and attention, and follow their cues to respect how they are feeling. 
• Prepare young children: If you have young kids, it’s important to prepare them for this stage of your pet’s life. There are resources available that can help young children understand what is happening. 
• Quality time with your pet: Life is busy, but sometimes it’s necessary to slow down and cherish the small moments. Make sure to spend as much quality time as possible with your pet. You won’t
• Make sure your pet is not alone: Understandably, you can’t be with your pet 24/7, but depending on their condition, they may not be able to stay alone for long periods of time. Working from home (if possible) or having someone come and sit with your pet and watch them is a great idea. 
• Keep your vet updated: Your vet plays a key role in keeping your pet comfortable and relaxed during their last months and weeks. Ensure you keep them updated on any changes to your pet’s condition and schedule regular appointments to monitor your pet’s progress. 

At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options. 

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