Senior Dog & Cat Tips

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 »

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 »

As pets enter their senior years—or face life-limiting illness—simple daily movements can become difficult and painful. Arthritis, muscle loss, neurological changes, or recovery from injury can all affect mobility. When your pet experiences difficulty standing up, walking across the room, or climbing steps, a “Help ’Em Up”–style harness is one of the most practical, humane tools you can use to support your dog’s independence and comfort.

Rather than lifting your pet awkwardly or risking strain on your own back, a mobility harness allows you to assist safely, evenly, and gently.

“In the sunset years, mobility support is about meeting your pet where they are—offering help when needed, and allowing rest when that feels right. But having a device on hand to help your beloved companion enjoy gentle walks outside or reach areas in your home they’ve loved will help keep them engaged and enjoying a higher quality of life,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.

Read the rest of this entry »

For many families, hemangiosarcoma feels like a thief in the night.

A healthy, happy dog goes to bed… and the next day collapses without warning. Pale gums. Weakness. A swollen belly. An emergency rush to the vet. Within hours, pet parents hear a word they’ve never heard before: hemangiosarcoma.

This fast-growing cancer of the blood vessels is one of the most aggressive cancers in dogs. It often hides silently in the spleen or heart until a fragile tumor ruptures and causes sudden internal bleeding. By the time it’s found, it has usually already spread. Read the rest of this entry »