(616) 498-1316

News

The Pet Effect – Ways Dogs Can Improve Cancer Therapy & Potential Pet Care Challenges

October 7th, 2024 by Ima Admin

Lower blood pressure. Feelings of well-being from the release of oxytocin. Increase in blood oxygenation. Improved endocrine responses.

There are many reasons dogs have earned the title of “(wo)man’s best friend,” and research continues to find new ones.

The Human Animal Bond Institute (HABRI) currently has more than 30 ongoing studies that investigate the impact of our companion animals in specific scenarios, from children with autism spectrum disorders to healthy aging. At the heart of this research are the scientifically documented benefits of the human-animal bond, which include decreased blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and enhanced feelings of well-being.

In humans undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, research has shown that animal-assisted activities reduce depression by as much as 50%.

“Numerous studies suggest that pet ownership offers emotional support and connection for cancer patients,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice. “The challenge can be to find ways to simplify pet care for owners undergoing treatment, particularly when the companion animal is also aging or has a life-limiting disease.”

HABRI announced funding for a new research project that will explore the challenges cancer patients encounter in caring for their pets throughout the course of their treatment and recovery. Researchers at the University of Colorado will be looking for gaps and interventions to better address their pet-related needs – because the physiological and psychological benefits are worth it:

  • Interacting with dogs has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which is associated with stress. This reduction in stress hormones can lead to a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
  • Petting a dog triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that enhances feelings of trust and bonding. Oxytocin not only helps in reducing stress but also improves social interaction and emotional resilience.
  • Patients who engage in regular physical activity, such as walking with a dog, tend to experience better overall outcomes during their therapy. The exercise not only boosts cardiovascular health but also increases blood oxygenation and enhances the body’s natural immune response.
  • Companionship of a dog can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness that are common among cancer patients. The presence of a loyal, non-judgmental companion can significantly improve a patient’s mood, providing a distraction from the rigors of treatment.

“Ensuring support for pet care during cancer treatment is vital for both the companion animal and his or her human counterpart,” Dr. Brush said. “My hope is that HABRI’s new research project helps coordinate good planning across health care, social service and veterinary professionals.”

Visit the PetHospiceVet.com blog for tips on senior companion animal care and more.

Recognizing and Alleviating Pain in Aging Pets: IAPVM Pet Pain Awareness Month is September

September 20th, 2024 by Ima Admin

Dr. Laurie Brush of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice Highlights Key Research and Practical Tips for Pet Owners

[GRAND RAPIDS, MI] – In recognition of Pet Pain Awareness Month, established by the International Association for Veterinary Pain Management (IAPVM), Dr. Laurie Brush, DVM and founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice, is urging pet owners to recognize the signs of pain in their aging companions and take proactive steps to ensure their comfort.

“Pain is a significant yet often overlooked aspect of our pets’ lives, especially as they age,” says Dr. Brush. “Many pet owners mistakenly believe that slowing down or showing less enthusiasm for play is a natural part of aging, when, in fact, these can be indicators of chronic pain.”

Dr. Brush was one of the first veterinary specialists certified by the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative care as a Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian (CHPC). She currently serves as a member of the IAAHPC advisory board that advocates for improved quality of life for companion animals through compassionate care.

Recent studies underscore the prevalence of pain in pets, particularly in older animals. Research from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) reveals that nearly 80% of dogs and cats over the age of eight suffer from some form of arthritis. However, only a fraction of these pets receive adequate pain management, as owners often misinterpret or fail to recognize the signs of discomfort.

Recognizing the Signs of Pain in Pets

Pets cannot verbalize their discomfort, so it’s essential to be vigilant for subtle signs that may indicate pain. Common symptoms include:

  • Changes in Behavior: Increased irritability, reluctance to be touched, or withdrawal from social interaction.
  • Mobility Issues: Difficulty rising, limping, or a reluctance to climb stairs or jump.
  • Altered Eating and Drinking Habits: A decrease in appetite or difficulty chewing.
  • Vocalization: Whining, whimpering, or excessive barking.
  • Restlessness or Inability to Settle: Constant pacing or difficulty finding a comfortable position.

“By observing these signs, pet owners can take the first step toward alleviating their pet’s pain,” Dr. Brush notes. “Early intervention is key to improving quality of life for aging pets.”

Ways to Make Aging Pets More Comfortable

Dr. Brush recommends several strategies to help aging pets live more comfortably:

  1. Veterinary Consultation: Regular check-ups with routine care veterinarians are crucial. A vet can diagnose the underlying cause of pain and prescribe appropriate pain management options, such as medication or physical therapy. 
  2. Weight Management: Keeping pets at a healthy weight reduces strain on joints and muscles, minimizing pain.

     

  3. Comfortable Bedding: Provide orthopedic beds that offer support for aching joints, helping pets rest more comfortably.

     

  4. Low-Impact Exercise: Gentle exercise, such as short walks or swimming, can help maintain mobility without exacerbating pain.

     

  5. Environmental Modifications: Consider ramps or steps to help pets navigate the home, and ensure food and water bowls are easily accessible.

     

  6. Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, laser therapy, and massage can be effective complementary treatments for managing pain.

Pet Pain Awareness Month is an important reminder that our beloved pets may be suffering in silence.

“Our pets rely on us to advocate for their comfort and well-being. By recognizing the signs of pain and seeking appropriate care, we can ensure that they enjoy their golden years to the fullest.”

For more information on recognizing and managing pet pain, visit PetHospiceVet.com for blog articles and downloads.

About Dr. Laurie Brush, DVM and Heaven at Home Pet Hospice

Dr. Laurie Brush is the founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice, a leading provider of compassionate, in-home end-of-life care for pets. With years of experience in veterinary medicine and a deep commitment to the human-animal bond, Dr. Brush and her team offer personalized hospice and palliative care services, helping pets transition with dignity and comfort.

Dr. Brush and members of her team are available for media comment and guest interviews to help promote the awareness of pet pain and new developments in pain management options.

To Schedule an Interview or Appearance Contact:

Kim Hoogerhyde,
Office Manager
Phone: 616.498.1316
Email: khoogerhyde@pethospicevet.com

Continuing Bonds – Life After the Rainbow Bridge, Part 1

July 1st, 2024 by Ima Admin

A middle-aged single woman cries every day for a year after her 17-year-old Shih Tzu crosses the rainbow bridge. A young child has night terrors and bedwetting after the loss of his Black Lab. A senior man gives up his favorite hobby of camping off-grid after he says goodbye to his Springer Spaniel, and remains wracked by guilt for not choosing chemotherapy at the end.

What is normal pet loss grief?

“There is no normal. And the trauma can be very real, no matter how peaceful the passing,” says Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.

So how do you turn post-traumatic stress into post-traumatic growth? Read the rest of this entry »

Select Food as Medicine for Canines – Part 2: Balancing Essential Nutrients

June 5th, 2024 by Ima Admin

In part one of this series, we examined research conducted by the Dog Aging Project that shows promise to extend the lifespan and quality of life of our beloved companion animals. Many pet parents are eager for definitive research on what to feed their pets to maintain optimum health.

Evidence is mounting that whole, plant-based diets offer extended “healthspans” thanks to polyamines such as spermidine, which has been shown to improve cellular function. Spermidine’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect against oxidative DNA damage.

While there has been controversy around the safety of feeding pets plant-based diets, some recent research has shown that dogs fed vegan diets were in ideal body condition, with normal behavior and good skin/coat condition, with no echocardiographic differences between vegan and the control group.

However, concerns have been raised around deficiencies in certain amino acids such as taurine, and vitamins such as B12 (cobalamin) and B9 (folate) when pet parents stray from veterinary-approved, pre-formulated diets. In addition, cases of DCM – dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged hearts) – from boutique grain-free foods and the taurine connection has never been fully resolved. So how can a pet parent safely incorporate wellness nutrition into their pet’s meal plan? Read the rest of this entry »

New Ways to Give the Gift of Pain Relief: LDN Therapy

December 1st, 2022 by Ima Admin

Winter weather can be tough on senior pets suffering arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. Pain mitigation strategies include traditional medication, supplementation and environmental enhancements such as warming beds, cold-weather apparel, and paw-protection. One area of increasing interest to pet parents is LDN therapy for pain and inflammation management.

“While we can’t turn back time, there are many ways you can give your cat or dog the gift of a more comfortable winter, and LDN is a promising part of that strategy,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Ingredients For a “Good Death” in Pet Euthanasia

August 1st, 2022 by Ima Admin

No one wants to think about saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion. Yet thinking about it in advance can make the difference in whether or not a pet has a “good death” – passing peacefully, in the loving presence of his or her family, without fear, restraint, or unnecessary pain.

Dr. Kathleen Cooney, DVM, CHPV, CCFP has led the ‘good death revolution’ within the veterinary community throughout her 18-year-career. As founder of the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA), she has authored numerous publications on euthanasia-related topics, and is an internationally recognized expert in animal euthanasia. Read the rest of this entry »

Survival of the Friendliest: How Dogs Make Us Love Them

February 1st, 2022 by Ima Admin

Does your dog “grin” when he or she pulls a fast one, like trotting out a pair of your dirty underwear? Do you wonder what they’re thinking when they gaze into your soul, rub their head on you or bring you the sock they destroyed?

Dog cognition research paints an emerging picture of something more complex than a manipulative and conditioned quest for food. But is it love?

In his latest book, “Survival of the Friendliest – from Dogs to Democracy,” Dr. Brian Hare suggests that not only are dogs the closest to humans in their capacity for what he calls “cooperative communication,” but that they’ve become wired that way through natural selection, not human intervention. Read the rest of this entry »

How to Help The Pet Left Behind

January 3rd, 2022 by Ima Admin

Pet parents who’ve had to make the difficult decision to euthanize a beloved animal companion are especially vulnerable to grief during the darker days of winter. What may complicate the situation further is witnessing the grief of companion animals left behind.

“Research suggests dogs and cats do experience behavior changes after the death of a fellow companion animal,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice and Aftercare Center.

“A great advantage of home euthanasia is that it gives companion animals left behind a chance to process and understand what’s happened.”

In dogs, which are highly social animals, studies have shown that grief can last two to six months if they were closely bonded with their fellow pup. While less social generally, some cats do also grieve – and vocalize loudly – typically if they’ve lost a relative in particular. Read the rest of this entry »

Coping With Pet Loss Grief During the Holidays

December 1st, 2021 by Ima Admin

The holiday season can be bittersweet for people who’ve lost – or are getting ready to say goodbye – to a loyal companion animal. Coping with pet loss grief during a season that’s purportedly “jolly” can be especially challenging.

“Pet loss grief is especially difficult during the holidays because it’s “disenfranchised grief” – grief that cannot be easily publicly mourned – and households generally become busier with holiday prep stress and guests. At the same time, people often face making the difficult euthanasia decision during the holidays because they’re home to see the decline in their pet’s quality of life,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.

If you have a pet with a life-limiting disease or who is in rapid decline, there are things you can do in preparation for euthanasia to promote healthy grief and healing. Read the rest of this entry »

Thanks Be To Dog (And Cats Too)

November 1st, 2021 by Ima Admin

The season of gratitude is just around the corner and the Heaven at Home team would just like to remind everyone of the wonderful dimension that companion animals add to our lives. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), research shows that pet ownership improves mental health and wellbeing in a number of ways. Read the rest of this entry »