In-Home Hospice Care

When "nothing more can be done,"

your pet might benefit from

in-home hospice care.

If your veterinarian has informed you that further treatment options are limited, or if you sense that your pet's final days are drawing near, you may want to consider the option of in-home hospice care. This specialized form of care aims to provide comfort and enhance the quality of life during the remaining days or weeks of your pet's life.

The end-of-life period can be a profoundly meaningful time, fostering even deeper bonds between pets and their caregivers. After years of companionship, our pets rely on us more than ever before. Ensuring their comfort requires vigilant monitoring and management of various factors crucial to their well-being, including pain, anxiety/distress, hygiene, nutrition, hydration, breathing, and ability to get around or mobility.

During a home hospice appointment, caregivers receive comprehensive education on these aspects and more. Techniques for promoting quality of life are demonstrated and taught, empowering caregivers to provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.

Without proper education and support, this stage can inadvertently lead to silent suffering for pets. Animals are masters at masking their pain; in their natural instincts, they conceal weaknesses to avoid becoming prey, and at home, they strive to shield us from distress, often continuing to display affectionate gestures despite their discomfort.

Another crucial consideration is the caregiver burden, a facet frequently overlooked when it comes to pet care. This encompasses the added strain of being unable to leave your pet for extended periods, the constant worry about their potential decline and the fear of not being able to alleviate their suffering, or worse, the possibility of them passing away in your absence. Additionally, there's the burden of feeling guilty about prolonging the end of their life, adding an emotional weight to an already challenging situation.

Various circumstances may affect the decision-making process. Some caregivers may face physical limitations that hinder their ability to provide care, while others may feel overwhelmed by the financial burden of ongoing medical expenses. There's no one-size-fits-all approach during this challenging time. What's essential is to maintain perspective and develop a compassionate plan that aligns with both your and your pet's needs.

For many pets, particularly those battling cancer, having an emergency plan in place is crucial in case their condition deteriorates rapidly. Pets at Peace can collaborate with you and your regular Veterinarian to assess what's feasible and devise a hospice care program that accommodates everyone involved.

Please feel free to email or to call Dr. Scarzella to see if hospice care is right for your pet.