Receiving a terminal diagnosis for your beloved furry friend is devastating.
While nothing can prepare you for their loss, providing them comfort and dignity as their health declines is a gift.
Here are 6 tips to help you care for a terminally ill pet.
Stay Informed
The first step is educating yourself about your pet’s diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. Have an open and honest discussion with your vet. Ask questions like:
- What is the typical progression of this disease?
- What symptoms may occur and how can they be managed?
- What is the pet’s expected remaining lifespan?
- What treatment options may extend their quality of life?
Understanding the likely course of the disease will help you prepare emotionally and arrange the care they need.
Do additional research online or ask your vet for reliable resources about their condition. Being informed will empower you to make the best decisions for their care.
Provide Comfort Care at Home
Caring for pets at home allows them to stay in a familiar, comforting environment. Make them comfortable by providing:
- Soft bedding away from high traffic areas
- Their favorite toys, treats, and blankets
- Slower-paced short walks for dogs or supervised outdoor time for cats
- Regular grooming if they enjoy it
- Medications prescribed for pain, anxiety, nausea, or other issues
Adjust their care as needed to accommodate decreased mobility, appetite changes, or incontinence. Place water and food bowls close by if they have difficulty moving.
Carry smaller pets gently if stairs are difficult. This maximizes their quality of life.
Consider Their Diet
Consult your vet about adjusting their diet. Spoiling pets with delicious foods they enjoy can bring joy during this time. However, terminally ill pets may require:
- Prescription food for kidney disease, cancer, or other conditions
- Supplements if their appetite decreases
- Hand feeding if they have difficulty chewing or pain
- Changing frequency if they struggle with digestion
- Feeding smaller, more frequent meals if nausea occurs
An appropriate diet tailored to their needs keeps them as comfortable as possible. Monitor their food intake and alert your vet to any significant changes.
Pursue Integrative Therapies
Alternative options like acupuncture, massage, or CBD oil may complement traditional treatment. Talk to your vet about safe integrative therapies to alleviate pain, anxiety, nausea, or other issues impacting their comfort.
Some pets benefit from seeing an integrative vet trained in these modalities.
Manage Your Own Emotions
Caring for a dying pet while grieving their loss is extremely difficult. Be gentle with yourself during this time. Seeking support can help you manage.
Strategies include talking with empathetic friends and family, joining online support groups, practicing self-care, and making arrangements for after their passing.
Consider a home euthanasia plan for when their quality of life significantly declines. Having the procedure done at home by a vet allows your pet to relax in a soothing environment surrounded by family in their final moments.
Look for veterinarians from around your local area who offer this service.
Cherish the Time You Have Left
While heartbreaking, this period also presents a meaningful opportunity to make your pet feel extra loved. Shower them with affection and quality time together.
Celebrate the joy they’ve brought to your life. Capture paw print impressions, photos, or video to cherish.
Consider making a bucket list of their favorite activities to enjoy together one last time if they are able.
The ultimate gift you can provide your terminally ill pet is respecting when it’s time to let them go peacefully. Being present with them through their final days honors the loving bond you share.
With proper information, preparation, and support, you can ensure their comfort up to their final moments.