Hospice & pain management

What is palliative care for pets?

Palliative care for pets is a philosophy of care in which a decision is made to decline or withdraw the pursuit of curative therapy for a life-limiting illness. It offers your pet the comfort and dignity they deserve when they suffer from a disease that is not curable or that is difficult to treat. Your vet can help you improve the quality of life for your pet by providing hospice services and pain management. They can also advise on steps you can take at home to make your pet more comfortable.  

How to know if palliative care is right for your pet

Discussing with your vet can help you make the best decision for your pet by first helping you to understand the nature of the disease your pet has and the potential impacts it may have on your pet’s physical and mental abilities. Once you have all of the facts, you’ll also need to consider your pet’s activities and daily living when making decisions about the right course of care. If you decide to pursue palliative care, your vet can help you create a palliative care plan that works for you and your family.

Pain management treatments

Palliative care treatments focus on physical comfort by relieving symptoms like pain and nausea though a combination of medications and non-medical treatments, with the goal of achieving maximum comfort for your pet. Non-medicine based treatments include: 

• Medical acupuncture - Acupuncture can alleviate pain by releasing painful trigger points in muscles, reduce abnormal nervous system activity, and sending signals to the brain that modify a pet’s perception of pain
  

• Massage - Massage techniques can be performed at home and taught by your vet to comfort and soothe your pet
  

• Therapeutic Laser - Laser therapy reduces inflammation and increases circulation which can work to reduce overall pain your pet is experiencing
  

• Physical therapy - Physical therapy exercises can be implemented to maintain mobility and preventing and managing pain

Making your pet comfortable at home

The following can help your pet maintain mobility longer in your home. 

• Adding non-skid surfaces - For rooms with hard floors, area rugs or other surfaces with more grip can be added to reduce changes of slipping and increase mobility. Some clients use the interlocking floor tiles often seen in children’s play areas. 
  

• Raise food and water dishes - For pets with limited mobility, adjusting the height of their food and water bowls so that they can eat and drink with their spine in a neutral position minimizes back pain during feedings. Alternatively, you can teach your pet to eat or drink from bowls placed in front of them wherever they are resting.
  

• Watch out for stairs - Supervising your pet on stairs can prevent injury when they are physically limited. For pets still able to climb up and down themselves, grips can be added to the stairs to prevent slipping. For those unable to climb stairs, a baby gate or other blockade can be used to prevent access. If a large pet with limited mobility needs to climb up stairs or walk a long distance, a sling can be used to assist them with getting from point A to point B. 
  

• Creating resting spaces near loved ones - Creating comfortable hangout spaces for pets who are seriously compromised that are near family areas can help pers remain engaged with their loved ones and boost their mood.