It’s never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet. When they approach their final days, it’s natural to want to do everything we can to make them as comfortable as possible. In this blog, we’ll look at some things you can do to provide loving ‘at home, end of life care’ for pets at home
At Home End of Life Care For Pets: Helping Pets During Their Final Days
Consult with your Vet
Your veterinarian is the expert in pet care, and they can help you understand what your furbaby is going through during this stage. They can also prescribe medication to manage pain and provide other forms of support. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice. Your vets are there to provide the necessary resources to guide you in the decision-making process.
Create a Peaceful Environment
Pets, like humans, are sensitive to their surroundings. During their final days, creating a peaceful environment for your pet is essential. Keep the room quiet and calm. Play soothing music or white noise and dim the lighting. Familiar scents, blankets, toys, and other comforting things allow your pet to hold on to familiarity. When your pet is resting, ensure the environment is conducive to sleep. This will make their remaining time more tranquil, reducing the stress, that pain and discomfort can cause.
Offer your Pet their Favourite Foods and Treats
As your pet approaches the last stages, they may lose their appetite, become dehydrated or become pickier eaters. A great way to provide at-home, end-of-life care for pets is to offer their favourite foods and treats.
Their favourite food can provide your pet with much-needed calories and energy, and the rewarding feeling that comes with their favourite treat can be a soothing experience. If your pet has difficulty eating, feed them smaller meals throughout the day. Consider soft, easily digestible food to keep them nourished and comfortable.
Keep Them Active
Although your furbaby may be experiencing aches and pains, it’s vital to keep them active, within their limits, so that they can maintain muscle strength and mobility. You can take your pet for short walks, give them toys to play with, or just offer them a safe space to stretch out and move around. Exercise ensures they feel like they’re living normally even though they might be in pain.
Spend Time with Your Pet
Pets, in their final days, crave love, attention, and comfort. Providing at home end of life care for pets means spending more quality time with them and giving them the attention they deserve. Play with them, take them for a walk or cuddle with them. Doing so will help with their emotional healing and give you memorable moments you will cherish forever.
Support your Pet Emotionally
Pets can pick up on our emotions, and giving your pet emotional support during their final days is crucial. Speak to them gently to reduce any stress in their life. Talk to them and give them affirmations. It is also an excellent time to thank your furry best friend for all the unconditional love they gave you. In many cultures, it’s believed that talking to your pet about the great beyond and our beliefs can be helpful in the transition process.
Providing Loving At-Home End-Of-Life Care for Pets Heals Both You and Your Pet
As pet parents, it’s heartbreaking to see our furbaby go, but providing end of life care for pets at home is an essential part of loving our furbabies. Caring for pets during their last days not only helps heal your broken heart but also creates a familiar presence and stable support for your pet that can be the best way to help them transition.