Managing End of Life Pet Care
For most pet owners, their pets are good friends. Saying good-by to a beloved pet after years of loving companionship can be difficult. Equally as hard is the process of managing end of life care. It helps to have someone share the load in caring for your friend in his final days or weeks of life. You can find good support from our Columbus, OH, veterinarians and our trustworthy staff of Hamilton Road Animal Hospital. We offer valuable input, guidance, and end of life services at our animal hospital for pet owners with pets that are entering their final stages of life.
Understanding End of Life Care
Pets suffering from a terminal pet illness can benefit from palliative care. Palliative care services range from pain management to treatment of respiratory problems, dietary intolerances, fluid retention, and other symptoms associated with your pet's illness. Our Columbus, OH, veterinarians can help you choose the right diet for your sick pet and recommend supplements to boost his strength and energy. Palliative care is designed to help your pet live a more comfortable life and function the best he can in his current state. These services won’t cure a terminal pet illness, but can make your pet’s situation easier to bear.
Euthanasia
Over time, your pet's symptoms may worsen to the point where palliative care won’t ease his suffering and pain. You'll notice your pet no longer enjoys the simple pleasures of life like eating, playing, being petted or loved. Physically, he may be too weak to stand, walk, or control his bowel movements. He may also be in constant pain. When your pet's quality of life diminishes to the point of no return, our veterinarian may recommend euthanasia for your ailing dog or cat.
Euthanasia is the process of putting an animal down using a lethal injection to ease the pain and suffering of a debilitating illness or disease. The procedure is quick and painless and makes it possible for your pet to pass away in peace. Pet owners might choose to be with their dog or cat during the procedure, holding their pet in their arms so he or she feels loved to the end.
Our Columbus, OH, veterinarian can help you determine when euthanasia is the best medical option for your pet. We’ll answer any questions you may have about this procedure and help make it as easy as possible for you and your pet.
See Our Columbus, OH, Veterinarian at Our Animal Hospital for End of Life Care
To learn more about our end of life services for pets, contact us at Hamilton Road Animal Hospital in Columbus at (614) 239-0027.
