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.
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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.