Hospice Care: The BIG Picture
It is an honorable and yet challenging gift to die well both for the individual as well as the family and society. End of life care through transition assistance, is a private process, one we all will go through and bear witness to. Here is where 'support' extends beyond the physical body to the emotional, psychological, family logistics, and beliefs are given a space to unfold. Holistic care holds the depth of options from acupuncture, herbs, energy medicine and even animal communication are all excellent ways to support the process. We can offer powerful tools for pain relief even pharmaceuticals when needed in an integrative approach.
4 Products to Consider for Older Pets Written By: Mary Gardner, DVM and Published by DVM360
Sliding Is Only FUN When You're A Kid
Most homes have tile or wood floor that's like an ice rink to pets, especially older dogs who are struggling with mobility. Any yoga mat works great for traction around the house. A yoga mat is light and easy to move, and you can cut them to fit particular locations. A bathmat with a rubber back is also good.
A Helping Hand Hand
The Help 'Em Up Harness is my favorite harness for dogs with mobility issues. They have "girl" and "boy" versions with a handle in the front that supports the dog's chest.
Do You Adequately Adequate?
I love Adequan injections as far as medications go, especially as part of a multimodal approach that can include an NSAID, pain control and amantadine.
Relaaaaaax, Man...
Here's a product you might not expect from me in the discussion—Adaptil. A lot of these bigger dogs with mobility issues also have a bit of anxiety, whether if it’s from the pain, the lack of mobility or cognition issues. Adaptil spray can really help lower some stress.
Make Health Last. What will your last 10 years look like?
If a calendar year is equivalent to 4-7 years for our animals, and their ENTIRE lifespan may be only 12 years, then the choices that we make every single day for our animals' best health and wellness are the key. I implore you to consider this and can not emphasize it enough. Daily incremental input pays cumulative dividends over time. Take care of health everyday!
In Home Euthanasia
One of the most challenging, yet rewarding undertakings we can do as pet parents is to help our dying beloved pets transition from this life cycle to the next in the most kindest and comfortable way possible. In a perfect world, our animal family members would live long, comfortable and healthy lives; free from chronic pain and disease and pass away peacefully in their sleep at home surrounded by the people who loved them the most. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for most of us and eventually all of us must make the hard decision to assist our pets through the dying process. While the decision is complicated and tough to say the least, the best and final gift we can give our devoted and faithful companions is the option to pass away peacefully at home surrounded by their people. When you feel this time is approaching, here are some end of life veterinarians who have made it their goal to give your pet the dignity in death as they had in life by providing home euthanasia services.
Utah Pet Loss Resources
Having trouble coping with the loss of your pet? Get help instantly by visiting The Pet Loss Support Page.
Home Euthanasia and Cremation Services
Southern Utah Forever Friends Pet Cremantion
Pet Loss at Home Salt Lake City Home Pet Euthanasia
Dr. Tanya Kjeldsberg, DVM Peaceful Pet Departures
Dr. Layle and Scott Echols Errand of Mercy
Tyler and Jamie Jackson Major Street Pet Services
Coeio Infinity Burial
It's hard for you to say goodbye to your pet. Let Coeio help you. We have a couple of their beds available at the clinic for sale and love this burial option. Coeio also has great resources to assist in the entire planning and grieving process.
The Forever Spot by Coeio offers pet burial products that benefit the earth and are comforting to pet owners. To learn more please visit Coeio Pet Burial Products. Once again, our animals mirror what is going on in the world for us as humans because of their shorter life span, disease and disease processes show up more quickly. Like the canary in the coal mine. The level of toxins in our animals' bodies can be processed by the mushroom bed especially if given euthanasia and these toxins are released with cremation. The mushroom bed option gifts back to mother earth all that she has given as a huge and pure thank-you in a non-toxic form. There is an option for human burial as well!