Lacey, Washington
End of life care
End-of-Life Care for Pets in Lacey, WA
At Rainier West Veterinary Hospital, we understand that coping with the impending loss of a beloved pet is a heart-wrenching experience. Whether your furry companion is in the golden years or has a terminal illness, one of our responsibilities is helping pet parents calmly guide the end-of-life experience to minimize pain or distress. We're here to help you make your pet's final days comfortable and dignified.
Pet Hospice - An Overview
Many pet parents opt to provide pet hospice care, also known as palliative care, for pets suffering from terminal illnesses without a possible cure. The goal is to make a sick or elderly pet's final days or weeks as comfortable as possible and minimize any pain or distress.
Animal hospice is not a place you'll send your pet; it is a personal philosophy and choice based on the principle that death is a natural course of life that should be dignified. If you choose to provide hospice care, make sure you're not prolonging the suffering of a pet in severe pain or experiencing poor quality of life.
Keeping Your Pet Comfortable
Cats and dogs are experts at masking their pain. Look out for signs of discomfort that include excessive panting, gasping for breath, changes in behavior, becoming withdrawn, reluctance to move, and changes in feeding habits. Dr. Doyle will evaluate your pet's symptoms and provide appropriate medications for pain management.
Make sure to provide a warm sleeping spot with plenty of cushioning and surround your precious pet with favorite things, like a special toy or a warm blanket. If your pet needs help urinating or defecating, consider using a sling or a towel for support.
Is It Time to Consider Euthanasia?
Deciding to put your beloved pet to sleep is one of the hardest decisions you'll have to make. However, it is often the humane choice to end incurable pain and suffering. If you're not quite sure whether it's time to let go, Dr. Doyle will discuss your options and make a recommendation with your precious pet's best interests in mind.
What Happens During Euthanasia?
Euthanasia is a peaceful, painless option to free your pet from extreme suffering and distress. At Rainier West Veterinary Hospital, our team is committed to providing humane and dignified end-of-life transitions.
Before starting the procedure, we'll ask you to sign a consent form. Once everyone is ready, we will administer a sedative to ensure your pet is relaxed and has a peaceful transition. The last step is injecting a solution to put your pet to rest.
Euthanasia is a quick and gentle process. Whether or not you stay with your pet during this time is entirely your choice. If you cannot watch, you can count on our team to treat your pet with love and compassion. At the end, you'll be able to spend a few minutes alone with your pet if you so choose.
It is natural for you to feel upset when you say goodbye to your beloved family member. Don't worry about showing your emotions. We are all animal lovers and feel your pain.
What Happens After Euthanasia?
Most pet owners opt for cremation. Rainier West Veterinary Hospital works alongside a professional cremation services provider to help with your pet's final arrangements. Please let us know if you have any specific requests, and we'll accommodate them to the best of our ability. We want to reassure you that your pet will be honored and treated with dignity every step of the way.
How Can You Deal With Your Loss?
Pet loss is painful. After putting your pet to rest, it's natural to grieve. Turn to a trusted friend or family member for support. If you're overwhelmed with grief and need help, it's best to consult with your doctor about your feelings and ways to cope with your loss.
End of Life Care Near Me in Lacey, WA
At Rainier West Veterinary Hospital, we understand how overwhelming it is to determine the right time for your pet's peaceful passing. We welcome you to contact us for more information about end-of-life care, euthanasia, and after-life options. Our compassionate team is here for you and your furry friend every step of the way.