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Supporting a Terminally Ill Pet & Tips for End-of-Life Care

By: Claire Beutel • 3 cited sources • Updated Oct 29, 2024

Pets enrich our lives in many ways, providing unwavering love and companionship that can’t be overstated. That’s why it can be devastating to face when our pet’s life is coming to an end. Whether due to a terminal illness or old age, at some point, we may be faced with the challenge of caring for our pet at home towards the end of their life. While this can be a heart-wrenching time, there are many things you can do to ensure your pet’s final days are filled with comfort and love.

Key Takeaways

• Pets, like humans, can benefit from hospice and palliative care during their final days.
• Simple modifications at home, such as improving accessibility of food and litter boxes, can greatly enhance the comfort and safety of a terminally ill or aging pet. 
• Coping with a dying pet is emotionally challenging, and it’s crucial for pet owners to practice self-care and seek pet loss support if necessary during this difficult time. 

Understanding Pet Hospice & Palliative Care

Similar to end-of-life care for humans, pets can also be candidates for hospice and palliative care during the last days, weeks, or months of their life. 

Hospice Care for Your Pet: Care During Their Final Days

According to Mary Gardner, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, a family can seek veterinary hospice for their ailing pet due to an advanced age, and all that comes with it, or for a terminal illness, regardless of age^[1].

Animal hospice care focuses on managing the process of dying, oftentimes taking place in veterinary practices or animal hospitals. During hospice, a medical team is in charge of your pet’s care and monitoring, ensuring they are comfortable until they pass away. They will be sure to address your furry family member’s physical, social, and emotional needs during this time. 

For seriously ill animals, euthanasia is a legal and widely accepted option to relieve suffering. This can be performed at a veterinary hospital or at your home, depending on your preference. While a veterinarian can recommend end-of-life options for your pet, it is ultimately your ethical and legal right to decide whether to euthanize  or give your pet a hospice-supported natural death^[2]. If euthanasia isn’t for you and you’d prefer your pet have a hospice-supported death, your veterinarian can help. Under the care of your vet, death can occur in a more natural progression without the administration of euthanasia. 

Palliative Care for Your Pet: Ensuring Comfort at Home

Pet palliative care focuses on making animals as comfortable as possible as they near the end of their life. It ensures your pet has the proper medication to relieve or reduce symptoms of pain, anxiety, and nausea. It’s a way for your pet to stay happy and comfortable while nature takes its course, often in the comfort of your own home^[3]. It also addresses the needs of the pet owner in preparation for the pet’s death so they know what to expect in the final stage of their pet’s life^[2].

If your pet is suffering from a serious illness, you may notice them acting differently as you care for them at home. This is completely normal and your veterinarian will be able to outline what you can expect as your pet’s disease progresses. For example, your pet may lose their ability to control their bladder, in which case you may want to order them diapers. Your pet may also lose interest in food due to a loss of appetite or gastrointestinal distress.

What Medical Conditions are Appropriate for Pet Hospice or Palliative Care?

There are several health conditions that may qualify your pet as a good candidate for hospice or palliative care. Ultimately, your veterinarian will be able to help guide you to the right care solution for your ill or aging pet. Some common conditions of animals in hospice and palliative care include:

• A terminal diagnosis
• A chronic, progressive disease
• A progressive, undiagnosed disease
• A chronic disability
• Terminal geriatric status^[2]

Taking Care of Your Terminally Ill or Aging Pet at Home

Most pet parents would prefer to care for their terminally ill or aging pet at home since it is already a comfortable environment for the animal. Depending on your pet’s health condition, some home modifications should be made to ensure the comfort and safety of your furry companion. There are several ways you can provide additional care and comfort to your pet during their final stage, including:

• Setting up comfortable places around the house with soft bedding and pillows that your pet can easily access. 
• Improving accessibility to food and water so your pet doesn’t have to go far or jump on anything for a quick snack or drink.
• If you have a cat, you can move the litter box to a more convenient location.
• If your home features wooden floors, you may want to use area rugs or rubber mats so your pets don’t slip and slide.
• Place ramps near beds or couches to make it easier for your pet to access.

How to Cope With & Grieve a Dying Pet

Losing a pet can be just as stressful as losing a family member or loved one, especially if you are the primary caregiver for them during their final stage of life. During this trying time, it is critical that you practice self-care to manage your stress and emotions. Not only will this help you deal with the grief, it will allow you to be in a calmer headspace while you care for your pet. When the anticipated day arrives, your veterinarian will be able to guide you through next steps, whether that be a burial or cremation. There are many ways to memorialize your pet so they are never forgotten, from custom keepsakes to keeping your pet’s ashes at home. 

Cherishing the Final Days of Your Pet’s Life

As you navigate through the incredibly challenging time of caring for an aging or terminally ill pet, remember that you’re doing everything in your power to ensure a comfortable and loving farewell. Every moment spent together and gesture of care is a testament to the unique bond you share. When the time comes to say goodbye, take solace in knowing that you’ve given them a wonderful life, and give yourself time and space to grieve their absence.

Written by Claire Beutel

My name is Claire Beutel, and I bring over a decade of experience in digital marketing. I specialize in crafting and executing SEO strategies that deliver measurable organic results for businesses of all sizes. Beyond my technical expertise, I am deeply passionate about supporting mental health and wellness causes—a mission close to my heart shaped by my lifelong battle with depression. When Kevin approached me about creating a resource to help individuals navigate the overwhelming challenges of major life decisions, I immediately recognized it as a perfect opportunity. It was a chance to use my skills to truly make a difference in people's lives by providing guidance and support during some of their most difficult moments. I feel privileged to be involved in such a meaningful cause.