Is Hospice Care the Right Choice for Your Pet?   by Chris Darling

in Family    (submitted 2011-11-15)

There's a growing trend among the world of pets and their families. Whereas many didn't have a choice when it came time to see their pets off to the next world, either losing them suddenly or having to choose euthanasia, quite a number of pet owners are now opting to prolong their pets lives so that they can die naturally. Those who do so are not trudging along this rough road alone. They've opted to use mobile vet clinics and hospice care to make their furry family members comfortable in the last days of their lives.

What is Pet Hospice?

While pet hospice services have been around for quite some time, they are relatively few and far between and most people will admit to not knowing they exist. Most pet hospice services are modeled after human hospice services. The mobile vets who visit your home to care for your pet will help you to control his pain and the symptoms of his illness while at the same time preparing you for the end of your beloved family members life.

The major difference between human medical care and hospice and hospice for pets is that veterinarians have the distinct ability to euthanize pets when their suffering becomes too great for them or their owners to handle.

What Does Pet Hospice Entail?

Much like human hospice, pet hospice is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet in his last days or weeks. Depending upon his condition, your dog or cat may need pain management, fluid injections for continued hydration, or a special diet. Others need relief from constant nausea as well, depending upon their medications and conditions.

Hospice care isn't just about your pet's medical needs. The power of touch is incredible and your hospice vet will help you to understand how you can best comfort your pet when he needs you most. Some animals respond very well to gentle, therapeutic massages while others simply need your presence and love. Either way, you'll learn how to make the time you have left into quality time so that you can say goodbye on your own terms, rather than very suddenly in a cold room in your vet's office.

Hospice usually occurs in one of two settings. Less common but sometimes available is a hospital setting where your pet can be made comfortable and receive monitoring while you are not available to take care of him. More common is to have a mobile vet who offers hospice care visit your home to help you with your needs.

How Do I Choose?

It is important to remember that hospice care will only prolong your pets life. The point at which you choose hospice care is going to be a point at which you realize medical care is no longer an option and that your pet's condition cannot be reversed.

That said, there are instances where hospice is not appropriate, such as when your pet is in extreme pain and can no longer be helped; or if he was the victim of a sudden accident. If your pet's condition is slowly deteriorating, pet hospice can be a true blessing in that you will have a little bit of extra time with your loved one before deciding when euthanasia is most appropriate. Your hospice vet will come to your home at that time as well, ensuring the situation is as stress-free as possible for your pet - and for you.

Take your time and talk to your vet about whether he offers mobile vet and/or hospice services. Knowing in advance what you will do if your pet becomes ill will make the situation easier to handle when it arises.

About the Author

Sometimes, a mobile vet clinic is more convenient then transporting your loved pets to the local animal hospital. If you are in the Delaware and Pennsylvania area and are in need of mobile veterinarian services, contact http://AtHomePetVetCare.com.