Respecting your pet’s dignity, maintaining their comfort with compassionate hospice care
Often, the most meaningful decisions in life are the hardest to make. No one appreciates this fact of life more than your community veterinarians in Lakewood, California, at Bloomfield Animal Hospital. We see and experience those hard decisions each day, the ones that our valued clients make with the best interests of their beloved furry and four-legged family members at heart.
Our compassionate hospice care and “pets gaining their angel wings” service honors and respects your family’s wishes as you transition as a household and embark on this end-of-life journey alongside your pet. We respect that your decisions are personal. We are here as your support system to answer any questions you may have and provide sound guidance throughout this process. We will be as “present” as much as you and your family may require, knowing that each client’s experience, preference, and situation is unique.
What is hospice for pets?
Hospice. Palliative. End of life. Regardless of what it’s called, the experiences and services behind these terms go beyond the act of putting a pet “to sleep” or helping them gain their wings. We perceive this as yet another stage in your pet’s life and want you to see it that way. This is a healthy approach to aging and your pet’s evolving needs and health. Just as we saw your canine or feline companion grow from puppyhood and kittenhood to adulthood, we are all supporting these next steps together. During this twilight part of your dog’s or cat’s life, we work closely with you to manage discomfort or any new challenges that may arise. Our kind, professional, and empathetic veterinarians and staff know that it takes time and requires some space to get accustomed to a future without your pet in it.
What are some ways I can help my pet stay comfortable and happy?
The answer to this question is very specific to your pet. Generally, we want to work with you to address every aspect of your pet’s well-being, going beyond their physical comfort. We must ensure that your dog’s or cat’s social and emotional needs are being met, too. You can think of these factors and considerations as a pyramid, with the physical stuff on the bottom. This may include changes to how you move or “handle” your dog or cat. Or, specific modifications may be made in the home to support utmost comfort. The mid-layer of this pyramid accounts for social interactions and engagements to prevent your pet from becoming isolated, while still striking a balance (respecting an aging or sick pet’s boundaries and symptoms). Emotional considerations reside at the top of the pyramid, focusing on keeping your pet’s stress to a minimum while retaining their dignity.
A few suggestions:
- Surround your fur-baby with their favorite things, like a special toy, a comforting blanket, or a pillow.
- To prevent pressure sores among pets with mobility issues, ensure their sleeping spot has plenty of cushion and is warm and cozy.
- Some pets with illnesses or those in their older age may experience incontinence. Regularly check your pet for wetness and soiling. Consider purchasing products like a sling or making one on your own with a towel to ensure their comfort.
What if I’m thinking about taking the next step?
When that time comes, we will talk about your pet’s current condition and their prognosis. We want you to be able to make the right decision for your pet and your family as a whole. Bloomfield Animal Hospital also discusses the procedure for your pet gaining its wings with you, as much as you’d like us to anyway. The entire process is deeply personal. We know that everyone says their goodbyes in their own way. We have found that the approach of remembering and celebrating your pet’s life – who they were and not their final moments – is often quite healing and meaningful as the household transitions with acceptance and peace.
If you are worried about any changes with your pet, do not hesitate to contact Bloomfield Animal Hospital. Our Lakewood, CA team can be reached at (562) 383-7788 today.
