Veterinary Hospice
In-Home Consultation - $449
Heartstrings is the area’s premier pet hospice dedicated to providing compassionate palliative care, in-home euthanasia, and comprehensive aftercare services. Our practice is committed to offering complete end-of-life support for pets, allowing families to focus on grieving without the burden of making arrangements. At Heartstrings, we understand the importance of honoring the bond between pets and their families during this difficult time, providing a comforting and supportive environment for both pets and their human companions.
What is hospice and how can it benefit our family pets?
At Heartstrings Pet Hospice, we offer a compassionate and family-centered approach to veterinary care for dogs and cats facing terminal illness or old age. Inspired by human hospice care principles, our specialized service is designed to preserve your pet's comfort and quality of life until they pass naturally or the family decides on euthanasia. Unlike routine veterinary care, our hospice appointments are tailored to address specific needs and focus solely on palliative care rather than diagnostic procedures or frequent visits. Our goal is to support the emotional bond between you and your beloved pet while providing guidance on compassionate end-of-life care. Choosing veterinary hospice is a deeply caring decision for your family pet, emphasizing comfort over curative measures during this sensitive time.
It’s important to note that veterinary hospice appointments are arranged based on need and do not encompass routine care (such as daily or weekly visits), blood work, or diagnostic procedures. Our primary objective is to sustain the emotional bond between humans and their animal companions while imparting knowledge on providing palliative care. Receiving the disheartening news that “there’s nothing more we can do” doesn’t imply that euthanasia is the sole recourse. Veterinary hospice care offers a distinctive approach to meeting your pet’s end-of-life needs. This approach is centered on effectively managing symptoms and maximizing their well-being for as long as possible.
Why Veterinary Hospice Care?
Facing a diagnosis of a terminal illness in your pet or navigating the challenges of advanced aging, also known as Geriatric Care, can be overwhelming. Alternatively, you might be seeking ways to cherish the remaining time with your beloved companion before saying goodbye. Whatever your situation, at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, we understand the diverse circumstances you may encounter. We are committed to exploring additional steps to ensure a compassionate end-of-life journey.
At the heart of our approach is the meticulous administration of pain medications with precise dosing instructions, complemented by a customized and effective symptom management strategy. Heartstrings Pet Hospice values the client-doctor relationship and offers additional interdisciplinary services to support your family. Central to our hospice care philosophy is educating you about your pet’s medical condition, an area in which our veterinarians invest considerable time and expertise.
When you collaborate with a veterinarian from Heartstrings Pet Hospice to create a personalized care plan for your beloved companion, you gain the support of a dedicated hospice care team. This team includes our compassionate hospice care nurses, who work closely with your hospice veterinarian to provide timely assistance, guidance, and access to resources.
We believe in empowering you with comprehensive information to make informed decisions that align with your pet’s needs and honor your family’s wishes. While we cannot make the decision for you, we are here to offer support by sharing our medical expertise and helping you develop a plan that prioritizes your pet’s well-being and respects your family’s preferences.
Veterinary hospice care encompasses a broad range of services, including but not limited to:
- Providing education on the progression of the end-stage disease and what to expect next.
- Improving your pet's comfort through effective symptom management.
- Providing guidance on establishing an environment that fosters support and comfort.
- Identifying and managing discomfort with effective therapeutic interventions.
- Optimally addressing symptoms to improve your pet's comfort.
- Providing additional dietary support to enhance your pet's health.
- Addressing and overseeing incontinence management as required. Incontinence refers to the inability to control bowel or bladder function, leading to involuntary leakage of urine or feces.
- Assisting individuals with mobility needs through education or prosthetic aid as needed.
When addressing your pet’s end-of-life phase, there are multiple steps you can implement at home to improve their comfort. For more details, we invite you to visit our Resource Center on our website. Additionally, we suggest consulting with your family’s veterinarian to explore further options for providing comfort-focused care for your cherished companion. If you find it helpful to connect with other families who have gone through this difficult experience, we welcome you to visit our Facebook page. There, you can peruse their posts and draw insights from their stories.
Selecting a Natural End
Considering alternatives to euthanasia due to personal or religious beliefs, some pet owners explore the concept of a “natural passing” for their pets. Before delving into this option within our practice at Heartstrings Pet Hospice, it’s important to understand some sensitive aspects. If you find such details distressing, feel free to skip this section.
In nature, survival often means a swift end for the weakest or slowest animals, usually through predation. Our pets, however, live in a protected environment far removed from these natural forces. Unlike in the wild, where few animals reach old age, a “natural passing” for pets is more accurately described as an “unassisted biological death.” This process does not typically involve a peaceful closure like falling asleep.
In cases where euthanasia isn’t chosen, pets may succumb to their primary disease, each presenting unique challenges. For instance, heart failure can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, a condition akin to suffocation rather than peaceful passing. Essentially, death comes when the brain no longer receives adequate oxygen.
It’s important to acknowledge that while this portrayal of unassisted biological death may seem grim, it reflects common reasons families may hesitate with euthanasia. Nevertheless, death is a natural part of life, and pets pass away daily without medical intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hospice care can begin whenever you elect to cease curative options for your pet. Of course, this time will be different for each pet’s disease process – see our common diseases page for cats or dogs for more information. Most veterinary hospice patients have two to three months left, at most. However, this can be difficult to judge, and hospice care can be continued as long as needed.
Pets may not express pain in the same way humans do, but there are several signs that can indicate your family pet is experiencing discomfort or pain. Keep in mind that individual pets may show pain differently, and these signs can vary between species. Here are common signs that your family pet may be in pain:
Changes in Behavior:
- Increased aggression or irritability
- Withdrawal or hiding
- Unusual vocalizations (whining, whimpering, growling)
Altered Eating Habits:
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Changes in drinking habits
Limping or Lameness:
- Difficulty moving or reluctance to walk
- Limping or favoring one limb
- Stiffness, especially after rest
Changes in Grooming Habits:
- Decreased grooming or over-grooming a specific area
- Changes in coat condition (dull, unkempt)
Restlessness or Agitation:
- Difficulty finding a comfortable resting position
- Pacing or repeatedly changing positions
Facial Expressions:
- Grimacing or wincing
- Excessive panting (in dogs)
- Changes in eye appearance (squinting, tearing)
Changes in Posture:
- Hunching or arching of the back
- Guarding or protecting a specific body part
- Reluctance to lie down or difficulty getting up
Sensitivity to Touch:
- Yelping or flinching when touched
- Avoidance of certain areas being petted or handled
Changes in Elimination Habits:
- Straining during urination or defecation
- Changes in litter box habits (for cats)
- Signs of discomfort while eliminating
Excessive Licking or Scratching:
- Constant licking of a specific area
- Excessive scratching, especially around joints
If you observe any of these signs in your pet, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian promptly. Pain management and treatment options can vary based on the underlying cause, and early intervention can improve your pet’s comfort and well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential for preventive care and early detection of potential health issues.
