END OF LIFE CARE AND EUTHANASIA
COMFORT DURING THIS difficult and overwhelming time
Experiencing euthanasia of your beloved pet is a difficult and overwhelming time. Here at Prairie Hills Animal Hospital, it is our mission to not only inform you but calmly guide you through this challenging process while minimizing discomfort and stress as much as possible. We use a dedicated comfort room away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the clinic to ensure you have the quiet and space needed when saying goodbye to your cherished companion, as well as a private exit so that you may leave when you are ready. Our veterinarians are committed to handling the process of euthanasia with care and respect.
How do you know when it is time?
Just as every pet is different, the decision to euthanize is not cookie cutter for each pet and family. The following are a list of changes in your pet’s behavior that may indicate it is time to start discussing euthanasia:
- He or she has stopped eating or drinking.
- He or she has chronic pain that cannot be controlled with appropriate treatments.
- He or she is no longer interested in their favorite activities.
- He or she cannot stand without assistance.
- He or she has difficulty breathing.
feeling concerned? Let’s talk about your options
Of course, many of these may be caused by treatable medical conditions. We are here to discuss diagnostic and treatment options during end-of-life care before euthanasia when appropriate.
As is often the case during end-of-life care, your pet may have good days, where they are not experiencing the above symptoms or the symptoms are less severe, and bad days, where their symptoms are more severe. If the number of bad days slowly starts to increase, and your pet appears to be experiencing more bad days than good days, it may be time to discuss euthanasia.
We will gladly walk you through any questions you may have regarding euthanasia, options for remains, judging your pet’s quality of life, and managing your grief. Call to schedule an appointment.
End of Life Care
While your pet may be experiencing difficulties secondary to aging and disease processes, we understand that you may not be ready to let go, but you want your pet to be as comfortable as possible. This is where end-of-life or hospice care is implemented. After a complete physical exam and discussion of your concerns for your pet, our veterinarians will work with you to develop a plan to keep your pet as comfortable as possible in their final days while you prepare to say goodbye. Treatments to address such discomforts as pain, nausea, dehydration, and lack of appetite may be considered. Please call to schedule an appointment.