In-Home Pet Hospice Care
“I can’t think of anything more rewarding than making the last years of a pet’s life the best they can be.” – Unknown
Many pets have incurable or chronic diseases that require more care toward the end of their lives. Pet hospice (or veterinary hospice) provides that extra attention to make your pet comfortable and happy for as long as possible.
What Is Veterinary Hospice
The goal of veterinary hospice for cats and dogs isn’t to cure or treat an illness. Instead, it's to ease the symptoms, like pain and nausea, that pets may have at the end of their life. It’s an option that helps pet parents make their senior pets, or those with terminal illnesses, more comfortable.
Pet hospice can:
- Improve your pet’s quality of life
- Provide extra time with loved ones
- Help you recognize when your pet is nearing the end
How long do pets in hospice care live?
Like people, pets are unique individuals. The amount of time they live while under hospice care varies. It has a lot to do with your cat or dog’s diagnosis and medical condition. It could be weeks to months to even a year, depending on how your pet responds to our integrative care.
We use traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) along with standard veterinary practices to treat pets in hospice. Adding acupuncture, herbal remedies and nutritional therapy to a hospice care plan often extends a pet’s good days beyond what conventional drugs can do.
What does in-home pet hospice care include?
We customize your pet hospice plan according to your pet’s condition and how we can best meet your needs. Pet hospice services performed in your home may include:
Pet examination
During an exam, our veterinarians check for pain, swelling, fever and other symptoms that need to be addressed.
Veterinary Records Review
Our veterinarians learn about your pet’s medical background, diagnosis and previous treatments.
Pain and anxiety management
Many pets experience pain toward the end of life. But it can be difficult to tell since most animals try to hide their discomfort. The changes they feel in their bodies may also cause pets to become anxious. Our veterinarians are experts at spotting signs of pain and anxiety. They use medication, adjustments in the home environment and acupuncture in an attempt to relieve symptoms.
Home environment consultation
When pets develop difficulties with seeing, hearing, balance or moving around, it helps to change things around at home to make life better for them. Our veterinarians assess the environment and recommend adjustments that can provide extra comfort and make it easier for pets to navigate their home.
Nutrition consultation
Nutrition can play a big role in helping your pet feel good. Our veterinarians evaluate your pet’s diet and suggest changes, including ways to stimulate your pet’s appetite. In some cases, food can even be therapeutic. For instance, cancer thrives off of sugar. So eliminating that from your pet’s diet can slow cancer growth.
Mobility management
To have a good quality of life, pets need to be able to move on their own. Whether it’s to get to their food bowl, go outside or follow you around the house. Our veterinarians work with your pet to help maintain their muscle mass and keep them active.
Medication management
Pet hospice care includes managing your pet’s medications. Our veterinarians regularly review prescriptions and supplements to ensure they’re meeting your pet’s needs.
Fluid therapy
Staying hydrated is essential for feeling good. Some pets may need a boost of fluids, which we can do intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SQ).
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is beneficial for a wide range of symptoms including pain and nausea and has minimal side effects. Your veterinarian will determine if it could be useful in your pet’s situation.
Vitamins and supplements
In addition to targeted nutrition, supplemental vitamins and minerals may help your cat or dog—our veterinarians may recommend them to address specific symptoms or to increase your pet’s energy and stamina.
Quality of life assessments
Veterinarians routinely assess if animals in hospice care are suffering. At the forefront of that evaluation is determining if your pet is in pain or if there are any other challenges. Our veterinarians use all the tools at their disposal to alleviate discomfort so your pet continues to enjoy life. When it becomes clear that your pet is declining, our veterinarians will discuss this with you.
Euthanasia planning and guidance
One of the hardest parts of being a pet parent is deciding if and when to do euthanasia. In pet hospice, our veterinary professionals get to know you and your pet. They can provide guidance that’s personalized to your situation. Luna Veterinary Care also provides in-home pet euthanasia and coordinates cremation services.
Quick access to veterinary advice
A major benefit of pet hospice is the peace of mind that if something comes up, you can get expert guidance right away. You can email our veterinarians with questions. For urgent matters, we’re available by phone. Our care team is typically able to return urgent calls within a few hours.
How much does dog and cat hospice care cost?
Our in-home pet hospice services can fluctuate, depending on your pet’s needs. Usually, the initial consultation is around $300 while follow-up visits are about $250.
Learn About Pet Hospice Near You
Luna Veterinary Care provides pet hospice services in the Phoenix area. Not sure if pet hospice is right for your cat or dog? Call or text us at 855-459-1066. Our care coordinators are available to answer questions and discuss options to help you make a decision you can feel good about.