National Pain Week is an annual event running from 24 to 30 July which exists to discuss those living with chronic pain. For Sunset Vets, National Pain Week is an opportunity to bring awareness to a matter close to our heart. Elderly pets suffering from pain.
Understanding Pain in Elderly Pets
Just like humans, pets experience pain as they age. Some common signs of pain in elderly pets include changes in personality, decreased mobility, restlessness, excessive grooming, irritability, and withdrawal from social interactions. We understand just how difficult it can be to see your pet in pain. But before any final end-of-life decisions are made, we implore owners to consider palliative care. Our Palliative care service is designed to deliver comfort care instead of focusing solely on curative outcomes. This means that we are committed to ensuring patients are maintaining their quality of life and supported with great care, but not extending it through unnecessary suffering.
Why choose Sunset Vets Palliative Care Service
The focus at Sunset Vets is palliative care. We live and breathe this specific area of
veterinary medicine and our vets have specialised experience, combined with
passion.
Palliative care is not a replacement of regular veterinary care, but rather an extension to it. It focuses on providing comfort and enhancing the overall well-being of animals with chronic illnesses or conditions that cannot be cured. For elderly pets, palliative care aims to alleviate pain, manage symptoms, and improve their quality of life.
It involves a comprehensive approach that may include pain medications, physical therapy, dietary adjustments, environmental modifications, and emotional support. By tailoring a palliative care plan to meet the individual needs of each elderly pet, we can ensure they experience maximum comfort and maintain their dignity during their twilight years.
Our Compassionate Approach
Our approach to all palliative and end of life patients is built on compassion. We know from many years of experience that elderly pets often need extra patience and understanding as they navigate their pain and limitations. We are committed to communicating openly with pet owners and developing an effective pain management strategy that works for owner and pet alike. Ongoing monitoring enable our Vets to make adjustments to treatment plans ensuring the best possible care is provided.
Your Role in Palliative Care
Pet owners play a crucial role in advocating for their elderly pets’ pain management. We have found that as many as one in five pets had not visited a veterinary clinic within a year of the end of their life. Our palliative care service helps close this gap. However, knowing if your pet can benefit from palliative care is a decision that should be guided by professionals. Our goal at Sunset Vets is to work in partnership with primary care veterinary clinics to deliver additional expertise and guidance for families facing end-of-life decisions. We encourage owners to discuss all options with their Vets.
National Pain Week serves as a timely reminder to prioritise the needs of elderly pets and consider all options available. If you have a senior pet who is displaying signs of discomfort, we encourage you to speak to your veterinarian. If suitable, Sunset Vets provides extended in-home palliative care consultations. Our services have your pet’s best interests at the centre of every decision made.
For more information on palliative care options CLICK HERE.
For more information on National Pain Week CLICK HERE.
