Balancing Medical Treatment and Compassionate Care
Understanding “How to Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to a Pet” is no easy task; it is complex and the added role of emotions can increase the intensity of the experience. Some people believe in “better a week early than a day late” on the topic, while others want every minute possible with their animal companions. We’re not here to pass judgement on your philosophical approach, but Eternal Tides will remain ready to assist in the difficult aspects of that inevitable “goodbye.”
Part 3: Balancing Medical Treatment and Compassionate Care
Deciding how to proceed with your pet’s medical care when they are nearing the end of their life is an emotional challenge: all of us will experience it differently. Many pet owners have noted a struggle with the balance between extending life and ensuring their pet’s comfort. Understanding the differences between aggressive treatment and compassionate palliative care can help you make the best decision for your pet that aligns with your values.
Evaluating Treatment Options
When a pet is diagnosed with a serious illness, treatment options may range from surgery and medication to alternative therapies. While some interventions can extend life, they may also come with side effects like pain, nausea, or decreased mobility. It’s essential to ask your veterinarian whether a treatment will improve your pet’s quality of life or simply prolong their time while experiencing discomfort. While discussing this topic with veterinarians, a consistent observation was made: clients often ask, “If this was your pet, what would you do?” The answer, then depends on several factors that may be incongruent with your personal relationship with your animal. It is, perhaps wiser to re-frame the question to something akin to, “What do you suggest for the best outcome for my pet?”
Quality of Life vs. Length of Life
As pet owners, many want to cherish every moment we have with our companions. However, prolonging a pet’s life at the expense of their well-being can be distressing for both the pet and the owner. Extended life can be a financial burden as well as an emotional minefield, which can stretch a relationship with an animal beyond comfort for both of you. Yet, there are tools such as the quality-of-life assessments including the HHHHHMM Scale developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos, can provide an objective way to measure factors like pain, appetite, and mobility. When a pet’s discomfort outweighs their good days, it may be time to consider end-of-life care. Recognizing their quality of life and your tolerance for observing the decline of your friend adds a layer of challenge that can be eased with thoughtful discussion and clear boundaries.
The Role of Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms rather than curing disease. Options such as pain medications, hydration therapy, and mobility assistance can keep pets comfortable without aggressive medical interventions. You can certainly make lasting memories with your animal in their twilight days and hours, but that comes with an active choice. If you are considering humane euthanasia, it’s helpful to explore cremation or aquamation services in Fargo ahead of time, ensuring a peaceful transition when the time comes. Eternal Tides also offers an on-site comfort room to help make your last memory with your friend special.
By prioritizing compassionate care and making informed choices, you can provide your pet with a dignified and loving end-of-life experience.
References
American Veterinary Medical Association. (2021). Guidelines for hospice and palliative care in companion animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 258(3), 310-322.
Villalobos, A. (2019). Quality of life scale for pets: Helping owners make difficult decisions. Veterinary Practice News, 31(6), 14-16.
International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. (2020). Best practices for end-of-life veterinary care. Animal Hospice Journal, 12(4), 189-203.
