A good client of ours once said something to us after saying goodbye to his dog that has stayed with us ever since: “Dogs only hurt you when they leave you.”
Anyone who has loved a pet understands exactly what he meant.
End-of-life decisions are never easy, and there isn’t a perfect roadmap for knowing what to do or when to do it. Our veterinary team in Kelowna is here to help you understand what your pet is experiencing, what options are available, and what we can do to keep them comfortable — while giving you the information and support you need to make the decisions that are right for your pet and your family.
How will I know when it’s time?
It’s probably the question we hear most often — and sometimes the hardest one to answer.
Quality of life isn’t usually determined by one good day or one bad day. We look at the bigger picture: Is your pet comfortable? Are they eating? Can they get around? Are they still interested in the people and things they love? Are the good days still outweighing the difficult ones?
If you’re wondering about your pet’s quality of life, ask us for a Quality of Life Assessment. You can complete it at home and bring it back to us, or we can go through the questions together. Either way, we’ll help you look at the results, talk about what you’re seeing at home, and discuss what they may mean for your pet.
An end-of-life diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to say goodbye.
For some pets, palliative care can give them comfortable days, weeks or sometimes longer. At this stage, our focus shifts away from curing disease and toward maintaining comfort and helping your pet continue to enjoy the things that still make life good.
That might include pain management, medications for nausea or appetite, mobility support, nutritional changes, hydration or managing other symptoms at home.
For families who need additional support, at-home care from a veterinary nurse trained in palliative care solutions may also be an option. Having someone come into your home can help with your pet’s care while also giving you practical guidance about keeping them comfortable and recognizing when their needs are changing.
Palliative care isn’t about extending life at all costs. It’s about making the time your pet has as comfortable and meaningful as we can.
We have a space specifically set aside for end-of-life appointments, designed with both pets and their families in mind. It’s comfortable, private and away from the feeling of a typical exam room.
We’ll explain what will happen, answer your questions and give you the time you need. Family members can be together, and we’ll do everything we can to make your pet comfortable.
There’s no right or wrong way to say goodbye. Some people talk to their pet. Some cry. Some tell stories and laugh. Some want a few quiet minutes alone.
We’re comfortable with all of it.
For some pets — and some families — home is simply where they are most comfortable.
When appropriate, we can arrange an at-home euthanasia so your pet can remain in familiar surroundings with their family around them. We’ll talk with you beforehand about what to expect and make the process as peaceful and uncomplicated as possible.
Once we know your wishes, we take care of the rest.
We work with Okanagan Pet Cremation and can arrange either private cremation, with your pet’s ashes returned to you, or general cremation.
If you would like something to remember your pet by, there are a number of options available. We can help you choose an urn, plaque or other keepsake, but there’s never any pressure to do so.
Whenever possible, we make an ink paw print and take a small fur clipping for you.
We also work with Keepsake Paw Prints by Corbie Fagan, who creates custom shadow boxes incorporating your pet’s clay paw print along with whatever feels meaningful to you — perhaps their collar, favourite ball, photographs or another small keepsake.
See Keepsake Paw Prints on Facebook
You don’t need to have all of these decisions figured out before you come in. Tell us what’s important to you, and we’ll help with the details.
Sometimes you know it’s time. Sometimes you’re nowhere near sure.
If you’re worried about your pet’s quality of life, wondering whether palliative care might help, or simply need to talk through what you’re seeing at home, call us. You don’t have to wait until you’ve made a decision to have the conversation.