Palliative Care for Dogs and Cats: Providing Comfort in Their Final Chapter
As devoted pet parents, we treasure every moment with our furry companions , from their playful puppy or kitten days to their peaceful senior years. When a beloved dog or cat enters the final stages of life or faces a terminal illness, palliative care offers a gentle, compassionate way to keep them comfortable at home. Rather than seeking to cure, palliative care for pets focuses on easing pain, reducing stress, and enhancing quality of life.
At Love & Toe Beans, we understand how deeply you care. We specialise in in-home pet euthanasia and end-of-life support across Greater Brisbane Region, helping families make thoughtful, love-led decisions when the time comes. In this guide, we’ll explore how to provide palliative care at home, what signs to watch for, and when to consider the transition to gentle in-home euthanasia for dogs and cats.
What is Palliative Care for Pets?
Palliative care is a compassionate approach to managing chronic or terminal conditions in pets. It involves:
Pain Management: Relieving discomfort through medications, therapies, or environmental adjustments.
Emotional Support: Reducing anxiety and stress for both pets and their families.
Symptom Control: Addressing issues like nausea, incontinence, or mobility problems.
Palliative care may be recommended for pets with conditions such as cancer, organ failure, arthritis, or advanced age-related issues and the focus is on making them as comfortable as possible.
How to Recognise the Need for Palliative Care
1. Chronic Pain or Discomfort
Signs include limping, restlessness, vocalisation, or changes in posture.
Pets may lick or chew painful areas.
2. Reduced Mobility
Struggling with stairs, jumping, or getting up from rest.
Falling or wobbling when walking.
3. Changes in Appetite or Weight
Loss of interest in food or rapid weight loss.
Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
4. Incontinence or Bathroom Issues
Frequent accidents or difficulty controlling bowel/bladder movements.
Urinary tract infections or constipation.
5. Behavioural Changes
Withdrawal, aggression, or signs of depression.
Sleeping more or appearing disoriented.
If your pet exhibits these signs, consult your veterinarian for guidance on palliative care options.
Creating a Comfortable Environment at Home
1. Pain Management
Work with your vet to prescribe appropriate medications such as NSAIDs, gabapentin, or opioids.
Consider alternative therapies like acupuncture, laser therapy, or CBD oil (approved and safe for pets).
2. Mobility Support
Provide ramps, non-slip mats, or padded bedding to reduce strain on joints.
Use harnesses or slings to assist with movement.
3. Nutritional Support
Offer highly palatable, easy-to-digest meals.
Warm up food slightly to enhance its aroma.
Consult your vet for specialised diets tailored to their condition.
4. Hygiene and Skin Care
Keep your pet clean and dry to prevent infections or sores.
Use pet-safe wipes and gentle grooming tools for daily care.
5. Emotional Comfort
Spend quality time with your pet, offering reassurance through touch and voice.
Maintain a predictable routine to reduce anxiety.
Symptom Management in Palliative Care
1. Pain Relief
Medications like Meloxicam, Pregabalin, Gabapentin, Paracetamol (specific dog dose rate, toxic in cats),Ketamine, Synovan/Cartrophen injections, Beransa/Solensia, Prescribed CBD oil can help manage pain (speak to your vet to see which medication(s) are most suitable for your pet)
Regular check-ups ensure dosages are effective and safe.
2. Nausea and Appetite Loss
Anti-nausea medications like Maropitant (Cerenia), Ondansetron, or appetite stimulants (Mirtazapine) may be prescribed.
Smaller, frequent meals can help pets with reduced appetite.
3. Incontinence
Use pet diapers or waterproof bedding for easier cleanup- ensure excellent hygiene, regular cleaning and checking for urine scolding).
Encourage frequent and routine bathroom breaks to prevent discomfort and ensure their dignity. Dogs and cats can become quite distressed when they soil themselves or their bedding.
4. Anxiety and Stress
Calming aids like pheromone diffusers (Feliway, Adaptyl), gentle music, or medications (Pregabalin, Gabapentin, Prescribed CBD Oil, and many others) may help.
Create a quiet, cosy space where your pet feels secure.
When to Seek Veterinary Support
Palliative care involves regular communication with your vet to ensure your pet remains comfortable. Contact your vet if:
Pain increases or becomes unmanageable despite treatment.
Your pet stops eating or drinking or their appetite is reducing.
They experience vomiting, diarrhoea, or severe incontinence.
They seem sad, withdrawn, distressed, or no longer enjoy their favourite activities.
Your vet can help adjust treatments or discuss end-of-life care options when the time comes.
Making Difficult Decisions
Deciding when to say goodbye is one of the hardest choices a pet owner will face. Factors to consider include:
Quality of Life Assessments: Tools like the HHHHHMM Scale (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, More Good Days Than Bad) can help guide your decision, but these tools can be limiting, so reach out to Love & Toe Beans for support, a Quality of Life Consultation or visit our blog for more resources.
Veterinary Guidance: Your vet can provide an objective assessment of your pet’s condition.
Emotional Support: Reach out to us at Love & Toe Beans for support and guidance, lean on friends, family, or pet loss support groups during this challenging time.
The Role of a Palliative Care Team
Veterinary professionals, including vets, nurses and specialists, can work with you to provide:
Pain management and symptom relief plans.
Access to therapies like acupuncture or hydrotherapy.
Emotional and practical support for families
In-home palliative care services are also available in some areas, offering treatments in the comfort of your pet’s familiar environment. Reach out to Love & Toe Beans for support- we are here for you.
🐾 Love, Comfort, and the Gift of Goodbye
Palliative care is about cherishing the time you have left with your pet while ensuring their comfort and dignity. By focusing on pain management, symptom relief, and emotional support, you can make their final chapter as peaceful and loving as possible.
At Love and Toe Beans, we understand the deep bond you share with your pets and are here to support you during this emotional journey. For more resources, reach out to the Love & Toe Beans Team, visit our blog Love and Toe Beans or speak with your local vet about creating a palliative care plan tailored to your pet’s needs. Together, let’s honour the love and joy they bring to our lives ❤️
With Love (& Comfortable Toe Beans),
The Love & Toe Beans Team x