The ‘golden years’ is a beautiful term summarising the senior years in one’s life. Although it gives visions of a wonderful, relaxing period of life, the reality is that your pet may very well experience the aches and pains of getting older, and for some, they may even develop a chronic illness.
Some of the most common chronic illnesses seen in aging pets can include arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, dementia and more. Being told your pet has a chronic illness can be a daunting experience for any loving pet owner and knowing that your pet is suffering and experiencing negative side effects of getting older is heartbreaking. One of the first questions we get from owners who receive a chronic diagnosis is ‘What can we do?’. Fortunately, if diagnosed early, many chronic illnesses can be managed with medication and comfort care and there are several steps families can take to help support a pet experiencing a chronic illness.
How owners can support their pet with a chronic illness
Don’t ignore the symptoms
Pets are a cherished and beloved part of a family unit and it’s quite normal to take a ‘head in the sand’ approach to something that may be difficult or emotionally taxing. But as an owner you are responsible for your pet’s well-being and early diagnosis can make a world of difference to your pet’s quality of life. If you notice changes in your pet’s demeanour, appetite, weight or general wellbeing, don’t delay in contacting your vet.
Regular Vet Checkups
Maintaining regular veterinary appointments is extremely important for the well-being of your pet. Once your pet reaches senior status this becomes even more important. Regular vet appointments can help you keep on top of your pet’s general health as well as identifying additional potential illnesses and concerns. If your pet is diagnosed with a chronic illness you must commit to the recommended vet appointments as this is crucial to maintaining your pet’s quality of life. Sunset Vets offers at-home palliative care appointments for senior or terminally ill pets. This type of care allows for pets to be comfortable in their own space during their palliative care appointment as well as having a professional assess the home environment and identify potential changes that could help improve your pet’s quality of life.
Action Recommendations
A chronic illness may mean you receive a myriad of advice and recommendations from your veterinary team and it’s important to follow these recommendations in the interest of your pet. These may include lifestyle changes, diet alternation, medication and changes around the home. Something as small as putting matting down on tiles could make the difference between having a pet struggle to move safely around the house or being able to walk comfortably.
Become Informed
We know from experience how shocking it can be for owners to be told that their pet is suffering from a chronic illness. For some, becoming informed and educating yourself on a diagnosis can help make the situation seem more manageable.
Of course, your vet should be your first point of contact for any questions you have, and they can help you understand the severity of the condition. Further research can also be obtained, and you should ask your vet for information handouts if you are still unsure or need time to process the news.
Know When to Say Goodbye
The Sunset Vets palliative care vets above all else, keep an animal’s quality of life at the forefront of every care decision. We never want to see a beloved pet suffer or extend their life beyond what is comfortable. As hard as saying goodbye is, knowing and accepting when it’s time to say goodbye is an act of love and owners should always reach out to their vet if they have any concerns. It’s important to remember that pets sometimes hide their symptoms so by the time you realise your pet is uncomfortable, they may have been experiencing discomfort for some time.
Receiving a chronic illness diagnosis can be overwhelming and many owners can struggle with caring for a senior pet and making end-of-life decisions. Sunset Vets offers complimentary professional counselling for people struggling no matter what stage of the process you find yourself in. Find out more information HERE.
