Owning a pet can provide years of joy to the entire family. From disease to old age, there are several factors that could diminish the health and happiness of the animal. If your pet’s health is rapidly declining due to a terminal illness, you might be faced with the tough decision to stop treatment and place them in a pet hospice to make them comfortable at the end of their life. Below are three ways owners can prepare for end-of-life care for their furry companions. 

3 Ways to Cope With Placing an Animal in Pet Hospice Care

1. Think About Quality of Life

Although the pet’s absence will be felt by everyone in the home, think about whether prolonging their life will do more harm than good. If the animal is in pain, unable to clean themselves, struggling to eat or drink, or can’t move without difficulty, keeping them alive will only extend their pain and discomfort. When their quality of life is greatly reduced, placing the animal in a pet hospice might be the best decision. Trained professionals can make the end of their life more comfortable.

2. Behavioral Changes

Beyond discomfort, terminal illness can also cause behavioral changes in animals. If your furry family member was once playful, but is now aggressive, timid, or withdrawn around other pets or people in the household, that can be a sign of decreased quality of life. The staff at a pet hospice facility will know how to reduce discomfort or anxiety for your pet.

3. Speak With a Veterinarian

If you are on the fence about putting a pet in hospice care, speak with a veterinarian who focuses on quality of life management. They can go over medical records with you to provide insight on how the different health issues are currently impacting your pet and what will happen when the illness has time to progress. Having this information will make your decision easier.

If your pet is entering the final stages of their life, the caring and compassionate staff at Sweet Dreams In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Woodstock, GA, will help you through the process. Their in-home euthanasia services let animals peacefully fall asleep in a comfortable space surrounded by the people that love them. To learn more about pet euthanasia at home in Cherokee County, call (770) 880-1596. Visit the clinic online to learn more about pet hospice and end-of-life services.