Loving Them Through Goodbye: Planning End-of-Life Care for Your Dog
- Vickie Foster
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The most difficult decision a pet owner will face in regard to their pet is the treatment of a beloved pet companion as it reaches the end of life. Caring for a pet in decline is the last loving act that a pet parent can perform. As painful as it can be you’ll be glad you addressed your pets needs and made its final days comfortable.
Your dog can have any number of situations that lead it to life end stages. Among these are:
The diagnosis of a life-limiting illness
The decision not to pursue curative therapy
The downhill progression of a disease that may affect a dog’s daily living.
It may be challenging to know when your pet is suffering from an end stage disease. While pets are suffering they may not show signs of it. Most pets won’t whimper or cry. A pet pal may still eat or drink like normal with no sign of pain or disorientation. A pet may be experiencing pain if it has excessive panting or gasping for breath. It may start to be reclusive, be reluctant to move or have food pickiness. Your veterinarian can help you to access these behaviors for signs of illness.
When your beloved companion reaches its final stage of life it is essential to talk with your veterinarian about a palliative care plan. This management plan should allow you to understand your dog’s condition and how it will affect its quality of life. You and your vet can talk about your dog’s lifestyle and its daily activities. This will make it easier to determine a good quality of life for your pooch as he moves through care.
The most important piece of your dog’s palliative care plan is pain management. Other therapies besides pharmacology approaches are available to treat your pet’s pain. A dog can obtain comfort from a massage performed by a training provider. A massage therapist can also teach you how to perform the massage at home. Physical therapy can provide methods for maintaining mobility and preventing and managing pain.
You can follow steps at home to increase your pet’s comfort.
Add non-skid flooring to help your pet move in his area easier. A good method is to use the interlocking floor tiles used in children’s play areas.
The food for a dog should be in raised food and water dishes to help them keep their back in a neutral and less painful position. Place the bowls at elbow height.
Block access to stairs and only allow them to use stairs with your supervision. If they are too heavy to carry while navigating stairs, use a sling or a long towel to wrap under their body to assist them in getting up.
Surround your pet with its favorite things, like a warm blanket and its cherished squeaky toy.
Pressure sores can be a problem in pets with limited mobility. Minimize sores by providing a sleeping spot with lots of cushioning
Dogs may develop loss of bladder control. Frequently check your pooch for any wetness or soiling. Use the sling to help your pet get up.
Taking measures like these and implementing a palliative care plan for your pet can help him be comfortable and surrounded in his loving home during his final days.They are giving your pet the best chance possible at increased comfort for the time they have left.
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