Guideline for Companion Animal Palliative Care
When your dog's condition is dire and there's no cure, the hardest decision you might face is choosing between euthanasia and dog hospice care. The latter, though still uncommon, can offer your beloved pet comfort and dignity in their final days.
In this guide, we'll explore dog hospice care, its services, why it matters, and how to find the right hospice care provider for your pup. We'll also shed light on the difference between in-clinic and at-home hospice care. So buckle up, and let's dive in!
What is Dog Hospice Care?
Dog hospice care is a compassionate choice for ailing pets nearing the end of life. While it shares similarities with human hospice care, it's essential to understand that it doesn't always mean euthanasia is imminent.
To better understand dog hospice care, we turned to Dr. Robin Downing, DVM, hospital director at The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management, and Dr. Elke Rudloff, DVM, a veterinary emergency & critical care specialist with BluePearl Pet Hospice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Pet hospice care is a specialized choice for dogs nearing the end-of-life stage. Yet, in most cases, euthanasia isn't necessarily a part of their care plan. Instead, the focus is on managing pain, ensuring comfort, and improving the pet's quality of life.
Unlike traditional veterinary care, the goal of dog hospice care is not to treat a medical condition. Instead, it centers on providing comfort, and partnering with pet parents to ensure the best quality of life for their beloved pets.1
Services Offered in Dog Hospice Care
Dog hospice care providers offer a variety of services to ensure your pup's comfort and quality of life. Key services typically include:
- Pain Management: Your dog may receive medications to relieve pain, anxiety, and other symptoms. Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, heat therapy, and hydrotherapy, may also be used.
- Mobility and Hygiene Assistance: For pups struggling with mobility, providers may offer ramps, special harnesses, or exercises balls to aid in movement.
- Nutritional Support and Hydration: Staff work to ensure your dog eats an appropriate diet and remains hydrated. Custom diets and nutritional supplements may be prescribed.
- Emotional and Grief Support for Pet Parents: As much as the focus is on the pet, providers also offer guidance to pet parents during this difficult time, often through partnerships with grief counselors or pet loss support groups.
In-clinic vs At-Home Hospice Care for Dogs
Dog hospice care can take place in various settings, such as clinics or at home. Here's a breakdown of each option:
In-Clinic Dog Hospice Care
In-clinic pet hospice is intended for pets that are not responding well to traditional veterinary treatment. Such facilities, equipped with certified veterinarians and technicians, offer 24/7 end-of-life care for your dog.
In addition to the care team, these facilities may also have the support of a veterinary social worker or grief counselor. Moreover, they may provide the option for hospice-assisted death.2
At-Home Dog Hospice Care
Providing hospice care for your dog at home might be an option if you prefer your pet to remain in a familiar environment. To make this happen, you'll need the guidance and support of a trusted veterinarian.
You might also consider working with a veterinarian who makes house calls. Such vets often work independently or in partnership with primary care practices. An alternative is a well-trained veterinary technician with a relationship with you and your pet.1
How to Tell if Dog Hospice Care is Right for Your Pet
Whether dog hospice care is suitable for your pet depends on many factors, including your pet's illness, their quality of life, and your personal beliefs. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Chronic illness or terminal diagnosis with no viable treatment options
- Severe pain or discomfort that traditional treatment cannot manage
- Difficulty eating, drinking, or moving comfortably
- Inability to breathe easily or independently
- Inability to urinate or go to the bathroom
If you have any doubts, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide valuable insights and help guide you toward the best decision for your pet.
Choosing the Right Hospice Care for Your Dog
With so many options, finding the right pet hospice provider can be overwhelming. Here are a few resources to help you:
- Start with your primary care veterinarian, who may have a hospice care team or can provide referrals.
- Look into Blue Pearl Pet Hospice, which offers a variety of in-home services, including senior care and end-of-life services, such as virtual quality-of-life consultations.
- Consider Lap of Love, which has veterinary hospice practices across the country.
- Use online directories such as Vetangel.com and Inhomepeteuthanasia.com to find more options.
FAQs
How Much Does At-Home Dog Hospice Care Cost?
Costs for at-home pet hospice services typically range between $300 and $650. This might cover a home evaluation, a wellness plan, and one month of care. After your pet's passing, there will be additional costs for body aftercare.
Can I Perform Certain Tasks, Like Wound Care, Myself During At-Home Hospice Care?
With your vet's guidance, you can learn to perform certain tasks, like wound care, at home. Ask your vet care team to create a video demonstrating proper care techniques, or schedule a coaching session in person.
How Do I Know My Pet's Quality of Life Score?
Veterinarians often recommend using quality-of-life (QoL) scales to help gauge your pet's QoL. Check out the Alice Villalobos Quality-of-Life Scale and the Lap of Love Quality-of-Life Scale for more information.
[1]: Shanan, A., & Shearer, T. (2023). What Is Animal Hospice and Palliative Care?. Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals. doi:10.1002/9781119808817.ch2[2]: Kanda, S. (2024, May). Pet Hospice in the US - Market Research Report (2014-2029). IBIS World. Retrieved from https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/pet-hospice/6410/
- In certain aspects, dog hospice care shares similarities with human mental health care, as both focus on reducing suffering and ensuring comfort, while improving the quality of life.
- For pet owners prioritizing the mental health and wellness of their animals, exploring pet hospice care options can offer a holistic approach to end-of-life care, emphasizing compassionate care and emotional support.
