Senior Dog & Cat Tips

“How Will I Know It’s Time?” Navigating End-of-Life Decisions for Your Pet

December 1st, 2025 by Ima Admin

The word Euthanasia translates literally to “a good death.” Yet many pet parents struggle with the decision for this final and most profound act of love. The gift of a peaceful passing helps prevent suffering and honors the human-animal bond. That’s because natural death is typically not peaceful, painless, or without fear and anxiety. By contrast, euthanasia is performed in two stages, with the first stage being sedation for deep relaxation.

“Our goal is not only to relieve suffering, but to minimize anxiety and discomfort to help the patient die with dignity,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.
“Sometimes we see clients who realize they may have waited too long. If your pet is experiencing uncontrolled pain or difficulty breathing — these factors should weigh heavily in the euthanasia decision.” Read the rest of this entry »

Video: How to Identify Pain in Cats

November 3rd, 2025 by Ima Admin

What: Michelle Van Harn, LVT and hospice nurse at Heaven at Home, explains how to recognize the subtle, often missable signs that your cat is experiencing pain. Pets generally don’t cry out when they are in pain, so as they age, we have to be vigilant and learn to spot the clues. Michelle also shares some easy, non-invasive ways to help manage pain symptoms in pets.

Why It Matters: We hear from our pet owners every day that they don’t want their cats to suffer. To have our cats live their best possible lives, we need to identify and, with the help of our vet, ameliorate their pain.

Read Our Post: “Kitty Grimace? Your Feline May Be In Pain!”.

For more videos about senior dog and cat tips, subscribe to Heaven at Home on YouTube or browse our Video Category in our Resource Center!

What To Expect From Home Hospice Care For Your Pet

November 1st, 2025 by Ima Admin

A home hospice journey often begins with a telemedicine visit with a hospice nurse to evaluate your pet’s condition, your expectations, and the care environment.

After a review of your pet’s medical records, a home visit is scheduled with a hospice veterinarian.

“This includes a thorough physical examination and observation of your pet within their familiar surroundings. The team also discusses your expectations, hopes, and concerns before crafting a personalized plan that will also be shared with your primary care veterinarian, if applicable,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice. Read the rest of this entry »

Video: How to Identify Pain in Dogs

September 25th, 2025 by Ima Admin

What: Michelle Van Harn, LVT and hospice nurse at Heaven at Home, explains how to recognize subtle signs that your dog is experiencing pain. Pets generally don’t cry out when they are in pain, so as they age, we have to be vigilant and learn to spot the clues. Michelle also shares some easy, non-invasive ways to help manage pain symptoms in pets.

Why It Matters: We hear from our pet owners every day that they don’t want their dogs to suffer. To have our dogs live their best possible lives, we need to identify and, with the help of our vet, ameliorate their pain.

You can download and print the Colorado State Acute Canine Pain Scale here.

For more videos about senior dog and cat tips, subscribe to Heaven at Home on YouTube or browse our Video Category in our Resource Center!

Video: Dog Bed Tips – Crucial Comfort for Senior Pets

September 5th, 2025 by Ima Admin

What: Our Hospice Nurse, Michelle Van Harn, LVT, gives you a quick primer on different styles and materials used in pet bedding, adding how each can help manage senior pet pain as well as some shortfalls to watch out for when making a selection.

Why It Matters: What kind of bed you provide for your senior pet can go a long way in managing any pain they’re experiencing. Simply selecting the right bed for your senior pet’s symptoms is a non-invasive way to increase comfort and possibly their mobility. It may also reduce the amount of pain medication needed.

For more videos about senior dog and cat tips, subscribe to Heaven at Home on YouTube or browse our Video Category in our Resource Center!

Ingredients of a “Good Death” For Your Senior Companion Animal – Quality of Life Assessment

August 29th, 2025 by Ima Admin

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 »

Video: The Making of a Memorial Candle at Dogkind Candle Co.

July 9th, 2025 by Ima Admin

Follow along as Heaven at Home takes a trip to Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula to visit with former dog photographer and pet memorial candle-maker, Jennifer Waters! Jennifer is the owner and operator of Dogkind Candle Co., a company focused on making high quality candles with clean, natural ingredients.

Jennifer shares, “Dogkind Candle Co. was crafted from a love for my own dogs, and I’m honored to now send that love into your home. Thank you for making the cleaner choice, and I hope you enjoy the scent experience.”

Dogkind Candles are made from clean ingredients you can feel good about:

Pure coconut soy wax, with U.S.-grown soybeans and sustainably grown coconuts
Natural essential oils and clean fragrance oils
Cotton + paper wicks
Reusable or recycled glass jars with no lead or BPA
Even the tiny adhesive dot that holds the wick in place passes non-toxic standards!

Visit Shop.Dogkind.com to learn more and to see their selection. You can even order your own custom candle!

How to Exercise Your Arthritic Senior Dog Safely

July 1st, 2025 by Ima Admin

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 »

Video: How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

June 2nd, 2025 by Ima Admin

What: Enzymatic Toothpaste – starting with enticing food-like flavors like poultry and gradually moving to more appealing flavors like vanilla mint. A soft adult toothbrush, a fingertip, or gauze work well to distribute the paste. In this video, Dr. Kim Barnes, DVM, demonstrates simple techniques for brushing your dog’s teeth, keeping the experience rewarding and appealing for your pet while taking care of their dental needs.

Why It Matters: Dental care is important for your dog’s health, especially as they approach their senior years. Taking the time to brush your pet’s teeth can prevent further dental complications and improve overall health.

More Information on Brushing Your Senior Dog’s Teeth:

Proper dental care can help prevent systemic diseases like cancer. Vulnerabilities in your pet’s mouth can cause certain bacteria to enter the bloodstream, possibly spreading infection.
Careful tooth-brushing can reduce the risk of periodontal disease, which can cause your pet a great deal of discomfort. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can prevent or slow this issue.
Brushing your dog’s teeth can keep their breath smelling fresh – which is nicer for your pet and everyone else involved!

Should You Consider Adopting a Senior Pet?

May 9th, 2025 by Ima Admin

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 »