End Of Life Care
As pets become elderly, or battle a terminal illness, their needs change and they require specific care.
End of life care, also known as palliative care, refers to the time that we know a pet’s condition is incurable, however their quality of life is still acceptable, so we are not ready to put them to sleep. At this point our focus is keeping them as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.
End of life care considerations may include:
- Monitoring weight and food consumption, potentially changing their diet to more tempting or higher energy foods
- Monitoring pain levels and providing increased pain relief if needed
- Monitoring mobility levels, and providing supportive care to prevent pressure sores or other problems related to inactivity
- Monitoring toileting habits and ensuring pets do not become soiled if they are unable to hold their bladder or bowels
- Monitoring symptoms of illness and treating if needed
Ultimately, pets that will not recover from illness, or are reaching the end of their natural lifespan, will need to be euthanised to prevent suffering. It is rare for pets to pass away peacefully during their sleep, and it is not advisable to wait for this to happen.
We provide end of life care appointments with a vet or nurse to discuss the above factors and help guide you through this difficult time.
