It is difficult to learn that there is nothing you can do to treat your dog.Putting down your pet is not the only option.Pet Hospice can help give your dying or older pet the best quality of life as they live out their final few weeks or months.If you decide that hospice care is the best option for your dog, you should work with your vet to develop a care plan that includes pain management, proper nutrition and good hygiene.
Step 1: Determine if veterinary Hospice is right for your pet.
If your pet has been diagnosed with a terminal condition or there is nothing else to be done, Hospice is an alternative.If you can meet your pet's needs, they can live out the rest of their lives instead of being euthanized.Keeping your pet comfortable is the goal of Hospice care.
Step 2: Understand what is included in veterinary hospice care.
It's not a service where you send your pet to live in a dog nursing home.In- home care is where the main caregivers are.You manage all aspects of your pet's care, even though the vet teaches and instructs you.If the dog is unable to travel to the veterinarians office, a vet can make house visits to provide emergency medical care or do a check up.The vet won't give you medication, shots, or help you clean wounds.
Step 3: Do you have the time to commit to Hospice care?
Since you are in charge of your pet's care, you should consider your life and decide if you have the time and energy to devote to it.You should think about your family as well.Would they be willing to help you out, or would you be the one caring for your pet?If you have the money, you should devote it to this care.Hospice care is a wonderful way to say goodbye to your pet, but it can be difficult for you.Will you be able to give your dying pet Hospice care during their final weeks or months?
Step 4: Do you know if your pet is in pain?
If your pet is not in serious pain, you should choose hospice care.If they are in serious pain, you should talk to your vet about other options.If your pet is in pain, try to figure out what you can do to make it better.If your pet is in pain, they won't whine or cry.They may still eat or drink.There are no common signs of pain.Your pet may experience respiratory signs, like panting a lot or having trouble breathing.hiding away and not being as social are behaviors that your pet may experience.They may not want to leave.Pets may become more picky about food.
Step 5: Avoid prolonging your pet's life.
It is difficult to lose a pet.Hospice care can help make your pet's last days and weeks more comfortable and dignified, but you should make sure you are not prolonging their life because you can't let go.Do you think pet hospice is a good idea for your pet?Take into account your pet's suffering, life expectancy, and quality of life.You don't want to let go of what is best for you and your pet, and that's why you have to think about it.
Step 6: Consider the possibility of death.
Your vet can help you have a gentle and humane death for your pet.The pet is given medication to end their life.Your vet can tell you if this is an option for your pet.If your pet is suffering and no longer enjoying life, Euthanasia is a good choice.
Step 7: Discuss end of life care with your doctor.
Your vet can help you make the decision to keep your pet under hospice care.The vet will teach you about what you need to do during hospice care.Every vet doesn't specialize in pet hospice care.If you want a recommendation for a vet who provides Hospice care in your area, you can ask your vet.You can contact animal agencies, such as the Humane Society.They can help you find a Hospice center in your area.It is an intensive commitment for you to care for your pet.In order to provide continuous supervision, you will have to be an active participant in your pet's care.You will take care of the animal, not the vet.
Step 8: Don't forget to educate yourself.
Education on the ailment your pet is suffering from is part of veterinary hospice care.Symptoms, the way the pet will decline, and any other processes at the later stages of the disease are included in the education.Your vet will help educate you on your pet's condition and how best to care for them.
Step 9: A hospice care plan should be designed.
You and your vet will work together to create a care plan for your pet.How best to meet your pet's specific needs will be covered in this plan.The plan takes into account your family's needs and wishes.The treatment for your pet's specific type of pain will be outlined in the hospice care plan.How to change bandages or care for wounds will be covered in the treatment plan.Any nutrition information will be included in your treatment plan.
Step 10: Consider the costs.
Hospice care can be expensive.Hospice vets make house visits to check on sick pets, which can cost more than a regular vet visit.It's possible that the medications and pain management treatments are very expensive.As you make a decision about Hospice care, you should talk to your vet about how much it will cost.You have to consider the cost of having someone come to your home to walk your dog, sit with your cat, or feed your pet a special meal.Hospice care may be covered by some pet insurance plans.Look into pet insurance plans to find one that fits your needs.
Step 11: The pet has pain.
Pain management is an important aspect of pet hospice care.Your vet can help you learn the signs of pain in your pet.They might tell you to give your pet oral pain medications or teach you how to administer them through injections.Eliminate as many environmental stressors as possible for your pet in order to reduce their pain.
Step 12: Ensure your pet gets proper nutrition.
It's important that your pet gets everything they need to meet their specific needs.You have discussed your diet with your vet.You might have to buy a special food to feed them.Your vet may suggest supplements for your pet.
Step 13: Your pet should be hydrated.
Your pet needs a lot of hydration.Helping to reduce sensitivity to pain is one of the benefits of hydration.Encourage your pet to drink water.Talk to your vet about how to keep your pet hydrated if they don't want to drink.
Step 14: Take care of your pet's quality of life.
Making your pet happy is part of the quality of life.Spending a lot of time with the family, letting them play with toys, or going on short walks are some of the things that might be done.Your pet should be active and mobile in their final days.They may need to go slower.If you have a pet, you may need ramps or other mobility aids.Keeping your pet moving can help them go to the bathroom on their own.
Step 15: Take care of your pet.
Keeping your pet clean is an important part of Hospice care.Many pets are not well cared for.If this is the case, try to keep your pet clean.sores and infections can be caused by urine and feces on the skin.Remove mats from coats and keep them clean.Any discharge, wipe nose, eyes, and mouth.To clean your pet, use a warm, damp cloth.
Step 16: Prepare for the death of your pet.
Hospice care can help you through the grieving process.During the last days of your pet's life, Hospice care gives you time with them while you accept the fact that nothing can be done.Hospice care can help you adjust to the fact that your pet is going to die.Before you have to say goodbye, you can enjoy some last minute quality time with your pet.
Step 17: Consider at- home deaths.
At- home Euthanasia is an optional service for veterinary pet Hospice.The option is more comfortable for you and your pet.As your pet passes away, they can stay in the comfort of their home.Not every Hospice service offers at- home Euthanasia, but your vet may be able to help you find someone who will do it for you.