During home euthanasia, a veterinarian helps a pet die peacefully in familiar, comfortable surroundings. Although individual protocols vary, medication is typically given first to relieve anxiety and allow the pet to become deeply relaxed or asleep. The veterinarian then administers the euthanasia medication, confirms the pet has died, and assists the family with aftercare arrangements if desired. Read the rest of this entry »
Pet hospice provides veterinary care focused on comfort and quality of life for animals with life-limiting illnesses. Hospice may include pain and symptom management, mobility and nursing support, home-care guidance, quality-of-life assessment, and preparation for changes ahead. It also helps families make informed decisions about their pet’s care and eventual end of life. Read the rest of this entry »
Cats stop eating for many reasons, including nausea, pain, dental disease, kidney disease, cancer, constipation, medication effects, stress, or progression of serious illness. Because cats can develop additional medical problems when they don’t eat, a significant change in appetite should be discussed promptly with a veterinarian rather than assumed to be a normal part of aging. Read the rest of this entry »
Pain becomes too much when it cannot be adequately controlled or consistently prevents a pet from resting, moving, eating, interacting, or enjoying normal activities. The presence of pain does not necessarily mean a pet has poor quality of life. The important question is whether that pain can be successfully managed while preserving comfort and enjoyment. Read the rest of this entry »
Dogs often show suffering through changes in behavior rather than obvious signs of pain. Difficulty walking or resting comfortably, excessive panting, appetite changes, withdrawal, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and loss of interest in favorite activities can all signal declining quality of life. A veterinarian can help determine which problems are treatable and how well your dog’s comfort can be maintained. Read the rest of this entry »
The day you say goodbye to a beloved pet may be one of the hardest days of your life.
“Whether you’ve had weeks to prepare or the decision came without warning, it’s easy to focus so completely on making your pet’s final hours peaceful that you forget to care for yourself. But you matter on this day, too,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice and Euthanasia. Read the rest of this entry »
The field of integrative veterinary medicine is always exploring new ways to improve comfort and quality of life for aging pets. One area of growing interest is medical ozone therapy. Brazilian veterinarian and researcher Dr. Jean Joachim, DVM, shared his experience as a pioneer of the treatment at the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) Forum.
“Dr. Joachim’s demonstration of his work in this field is both fascinating and promising,” says Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice and member of the IAAHPC. “This gentle approach may one day prove to enhance quality of life and reduce reliance on medication in pets with low tolerance.” Read the rest of this entry »
What: Michelle Van Harn, LVT, and hospice nurse at Heaven at Home, as she shows you the most common ways pet parents manage incontinence in a senior dog.
Why It Matters: Michelle’s tips and techniques emphasize the importance of making sure these garments are secure and leak-resistant, while still being comfortable for the senior dog to wear. It’s a balancing act, and this video will help you spot issues before they arise.
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As pets age, their needs change, but their desire to engage, explore, and connect doesn’t. For senior dogs and cats dealing with stiffness, arthritis, or reduced mobility, movement becomes less about intensity and more about intention. The good news? With a little creativity, summer can be a season of renewed comfort, mobility, and joy.
“Research into canine osteoarthritis points towards combining targeted Monoclonal antibody therapy (such as Librela) with physical activity for a synergetic effect,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice and member of two national initiatives that advocate for hospice and pain management for senior pets.
“This “movement plus medicine” approach helps maintain muscle, support joints, and improves overall quality of life,” she said. Read the rest of this entry »
The Heaven at Home Pet Hospice team is delighted to share news from the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC). The organization has released new Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Guidelines, dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals nearing the end of life and supporting the people who care for them. Developed by leading experts in the field, these guidelines are the essential resource for veterinary professionals looking to integrate hospice and palliative care principles into their practice.
“This represents a great framework to ensure that all pet parents can access quality care that provides dignity and a peaceful passing to their beloved companion animals,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice and board member of the IAAHPC.
Members of the organization – including the Heaven at Home team – are intimately familiar with these guidelines through training and continuing education. By updating this set of guidelines, the organization hopes to share the framework beyond hospice-focused practices to all those involved in the veterinary profession. The goal is earlier intervention to reduce suffering and improve quality of life. Key concepts include:
The IAAHPC resource serves as a guide to delivering compassionate, ethical, and comprehensive care, ensuring both animal patients and their caregivers are supported during this critical stage of life.
“We’re excited to share this framework with our veterinary peers across Michigan to serve our collective goal of compassionate care for senior pets,” Dr. Brush said.
Access the Guidelines at IAAHPC