What is End of Life Care?
At Marcello Veterinary Hospital, we do everything we can to make sure the final days or weeks of your pet's life are comfortable, calm, and pain-free.
We do this by conducting a complete quality of life exam, prescribing medication and food for pain management, as well as offering humane euthanasia.
One of the hardest choices you can make as a pet owner is to let your cherished dog or cat go.
Whether your furry friend is in their golden years or has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, there are many emotions you may feel or deal with during this loss.
Preparing for End of Life Care
Watching your beloved pet suffer day after day as he approaches the end of life is a heart wrenching, painful experience.
Before you and your pet struggle through one more day, call us at Marcello Veterinary Hospital to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.
Below we answer a few of the questions we are asked most frequently about veterinary end-of-life care.
- What is end-of-life care?
During this time, pet parents have decided to withdraw or decline the pursuit of curative therapy for illnesses that limit an animal's life.
Our vets have years of skill and expertise in veterinary care to help you develop a compassionate end-of-life plan customized to your pet's needs.
- What are some signs my pet may be ready to pass?
Some behavioral and physiological signs that your pet may be ready to pass include:
- Depression
- Chronic or severe pain
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Extreme fatigue or loss of energy
- Erratic breathing
- Change in appetite or loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Hides or withdraws from people
Remember that every animal is unique, and your pet might keep eating or drinking, even if they are in disorientation or pain. They might not exhibit outward signs that are usually associated with pain, like whimpering or crying.
Please ask your veterinarian, because they will be able to inform you if these symptoms are abnormal or alarming depending on your cat or dog's medical history. - How can I help my pet feel healthy and comfortable at home at the end of their life?
Throughout this time, our experienced vets will work with you to help make your pet more comfortable by making sure they aren't in pain or experiencing distress.
Our team will conduct a comprehensive physical exam to make sure there are no underlying health issues that need to be treated.
At this time, ensure that your pet's favorite items or toys are within close reach, and create a comfortable bed for them including lots of cushions or blankets to help them feel more comfortable.
If your pet is incontinent (has lost control of their bladder), regularly inspect their living area to make sure it isn't wet or soiled. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a towel or sling to help get your pet up to urinate or defecate if required.
- How can I prepare for euthanasia?
Once the quality of life assessment has been completed to make sure all other alternatives have been exhausted, we might send your cat or dog home with pain management medications until your appointment.
We might be able to arrange your appointment time for when it will most likely be quieter at the clinic, such as at the very beginning or end of the day. However, with unpredictable illnesses or injuries, this is not always possible.
If you have children, it can help to provide age-appropriate explanations of what will happen in advance to prepare them for losing their furry friend.
You might want to bring your pet's bed, or a comfortable blanket or pillow, with you for them to rest on.
If you have other pets, you can also bring them to the appointment, so they can understand the loss and sniff your pet's body following euthanasia.
You may decide to sit with your pet, so you can comfort them while the vet provides the medicine via injection.
- What will happen during the euthanasia process?
We will ask you if you'd like to stay with your pet for the euthanasia process. This is an important factor to take into consideration - some people aren't emotionally capable, and any choice you make is okay.
You might choose to be present when they are sedated, then leave the area during the euthanasia itself. You might also ask a family member or friend that your pet knows and likes to take your pet to this final appointment or to stay with your pet while you leave the room.
We have hand-chosen medications that make the procedure painless and induce pets to drift off into peaceful and permanent sleep.
Many animals take one last, deep breath as they pass away. Some will urinate or defecate when they are euthanized due to the total relaxation that occurs.
Euthanasia is not painful for animals. After this, your pet's eyes might still be open. Your vet can close them if you wish.
The vet will listen to your pet's heart with a stethoscope to confirm that they are gone. We like to allow owners as much time with their pets as they need following the procedure, and are committed to treating every pet owner with as much sensitivity and compassion as possible. The entire process typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- What happens after euthanasia?
You are able to decide what happens to your euthanized cat or dog's body. You could keep the body to bury personally, choose cremation, or have your pet buried in a pet cemetery. It may be helpful to consider this decision well in advance.
Our vets at Marcello Veterinary Hospital partner with Pet Angel, a nearby business that offers pet cremation services, complimentary grief resources, options for urns, keepsakes, and permanent memorialization. Please ask about this service if you are interested.
Every person and pet is unique and can respond differently to the loss of your cat or dog. Children may have questions or feel very sad for a few weeks.
Adults may feel a range of emotions, from heavy grief to guilt, sadness, emptiness, or relief that their pet is free of pain and that their condition will no longer have to be managed. As vets, we have seen the entire range of emotions, and all are valid and normal.
Don't forget to take care of yourself afterward. Talk to family and friends, or you can even join a pet loss support group. If you have persistent feelings of grief that are interfering with your or your family member's mental health, you might want to consider mental health counseling.
Vet Euthanasia
Marcello Veterinary Hospital offers euthanasia services for pets who are terminally ill and suffering. We perform these services with the tenderness and expert care that you would expect for your cherished animal companion. We have been providing compassionate care through all phases of your pet’s life, and we will continue the same kind, understanding care when the end of life draws near.
Our veterinarians have the greatest compassion for animals and for their owners at difficult times such as these. Our main focus is on making your pet as comfortable as possible while allowing you to say goodbye.
We will give you time with your pet, and explain the procedure and what you can expect to happen so that you are prepared.
We have hand-chosen medications that make the procedure painless and induce pets to drift off into peaceful and permanent sleep.
Cremation
Afterward, we partner with Pet Angel, a nearby business that offers pet cremation services, complimentary grief resources, options for urns, keepsakes, and permanent memorialization. Please ask about this service if you are interested.