Considering hospice care for dogs and cats is challenging. However, it is beneficial because it ensures the pet’s best quality of life possible.
In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain hospice care for pets - what it means, how to find the right one, and how much it costs.
Content:
- Understanding Pet Hospice Care
- Choosing the Right Pet Hospice Services
- Costs and Starting a Pet Hospice Journey
- Conclusion
Understanding Pet Hospice Care
Hospice is specialized support for pets with advanced age or terminal conditions to maintain quality of life until they are euthanized or die naturally.
Unlike regular veterinary care, which focuses on diagnostics and treatment, the goal in hospice is to keep pets comfortable and content during their final moments. Basically, the focus shifts from cure to care.
Hospice care is not new. However, it has gained popularity in recent years as pets live longer and are increasingly considered family members.
“The best way to learn more about the field is to join the IAAHPC (International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care) and to look into free webinars/CE lectures about the subject,” advises a Reddit user. In the meantime, you can use the Petcube Pet Cam 360 to monitor your dog 24/7.
Choosing the Right Pet Hospice Services
The right pet hospice “prioritizes the pet’s comfort, pain management, and emotional well-being, while also supporting the grieving family,” studies explain.
When choosing a pet hospice provider, it is critical to consider the scope of its services. The standard provider should focus on several aspects of pet hospice, including:
- Pain control
- Proper nutrition and hydration
- Increased mobility
- Elimination assistance
- Mental enrichment
- Hygiene maintenance
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Improved comfort
Another important factor is communication. Studies suggest that when it comes to taking care of old or sick pets, “good communication is key.” Work with hospice providers that are transparent, open for communication, and have positive feedback from other clients.
Costs and Starting a Pet Hospice Journey
The cost of pet hospice is variable. The key factor is “whether veterinary visits and consultations take place in the pet’s home, in a veterinary clinic, or by using veterinary telemedicine services,” says Mary Gardner, DVM, in an article for PetMD. The price is also determined by where you live and the provider.
Before embarking on a pet hospice journey, it is essential to compare the pros and cons. If the pet is suffering and its quality of life has significantly declined, euthanasia might be the better option.
Making the decision is hard, and staying objective is even harder. Collaborating with your trusted veterinarian is critical at this point. The vet will be able to make an objective assessment of the pet’s status and help you make the right choice.
Many pet insurance plans cover hospice care. We recommend the Petcube Emergency Fund. The fund covers up to $3,000 for emergency vet bills and unlimited access to online vets. You can claim a 27% discount on the fund by clicking this link.
Conclusion
Pet hospice is a sad topic for parents. However, with the right provider, the benefits for the pet are immense. Always talk to your vet and decide on the best care plan for your pet if dealing with old age or a terminal condition.
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