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It’s difficult to imagine life without your senior pet, and making a decision to euthanize can be complex and heart-wrenching. However, as our beloved pets age, monitoring their comfort and happiness becomes an essential part of responsible, compassionate care. This monitoring ultimately helps ensure a golden final chapter and peaceful close to his or her life story. One of the most valuable tools available to pet parents is a Quality of Life (QOL) scorecard.

“This simple yet insightful tool offers a snapshot in time of your pet’s well-being, helping to guide thoughtful decisions as they approach their final life stage. You are your pet’s most important advocate. Your daily observations—the tail wags, the appetite dips, the moments of joy or discomfort—are what shape a complete picture of your pet’s life quality,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.
Read the rest of this entry »

As dogs age, it’s common for arthritis to slow them down. But that doesn’t mean your golden oldie has to give up the things they love. With gentle movement, you can help your senior dog feel better and stay active.

“Regular, low-impact exercise is essential for arthritic dogs. Exercise has been shown to reduce pain, improve muscle mass, and allow dogs to continue to do the things important to them,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.

“Gentle exercise is key.”

The trick is to choose low-impact activities that won’t put too much stress on painful
joints. Read the rest of this entry »

Adopting a senior pet can be one of the most rewarding, compassionate decisions you make. You know what you’re getting, they’re often already trained, and they’re calmer companions who, if left in a shelter, are at risk for early euthanasia.

“It’s important to make sure adopting a senior pet is the right match for your lifestyle and home. Older dogs and cats often need a little extra care, but they give back tenfold in love, gratitude, and companionship,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.
Here are four questions to help you make that assessment. Read the rest of this entry »

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial disease that affects dogs and is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans. In the past, it was considered higher risk for animals in rural areas with access to warm, wet, stagnant areas such as standing water, mud puddles, and even swollen rivers and ponds, where it can linger for months after being shed by wildlife and rodents when they urinate.

Leptospirosis is most often transmitted to dogs through mucous-membrane (mouth, nose or eye) contact with the urine of infected animals and/or contaminated food, bedding, soil, or water. Dogs may also be infected through the bite of, or by eating, an infected animal. Raccoons, skunks, opossums, rats, cows, and pigs are all known carriers of the infection. Dogs can also become infected from close contact with another infected dog.

Historically, vaccination against leptospirosis was considered “non-core,” (elective) recommended primarily for dogs with specific risk factors or living in higher risk areas. However, recent developments have led major veterinary organizations, including the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), to reclassify the leptospirosis vaccine as “core” (essential) for all dogs.

“This shift underscores the importance of universal vaccination to protect canine health. Infection can lead to severe health issues, including kidney and liver failure, and can be fatal if not promptly treated. It can also be transmitted from animals to humans, posing public health concerns,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.

Early signs of Leptospirosis include:

• Loss of appetite
• Increase or decrease in urine production
• Uncharacteristic inactivity
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Severe weakness and depression
• Stiffness
• Fever

Why Vaccinate Against Leptospirosis

1. Increased Prevalence: Leptospirosis has been reported in diverse geographic
   regions including Michigan, affecting dogs of all sizes, breeds, and lifestyles,
   including those in urban areas.
2. Improved Vaccine Safety: Advancements in vaccine formulations have enhanced
   safety profiles, reducing the incidence of adverse reactions.
3. Expert Recommendations: Organizations like AAHA and ACVIM have updated their
   guidelines to recommend annual leptospirosis vaccination for all dogs starting at 12 weeks
   weeks of age, reflecting a consensus on the necessity of widespread immunization.

Millions of migratory birds and hundreds of commercial flocks in Michigan and surrounding states were infected with H5N1 Avian – “Bird” – flu this winter. The strain most deadly to felines was found in American dairy cattle as early as March of 2024, and then was found in unpasteurized milk and some brands of raw pet food earlier this year, causing illness and euthanasia in dozens of cats. Bird flu threatens to become pervasive this spring, and it’s vitally important that pet parents remain vigilant in the face of a pet pandemic.

“This strain of Avian flu is especially dangerous for senior felines. In Michigan, indoor cats on dairy farms have contracted it through indirect exposure. This suggests it’s highly contagious. Watching for early symptoms and protecting your pet is vital,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice. Read the rest of this entry »

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.

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 »