NEW YORK (AP) — Dr. Lisa Walling began her day with a house call to a special patient: Rugby, a 13-year-old Newfoundland.

As Rugby enjoyed a plate of peanut butter, Walling administered acupuncture and a ketamine injection to address her pain and mobility issues.

As an end-of-life care veterinarian, Walling focuses on the well-being of pets and their owners. Her role involves ensuring animals are comfortable during their final days while guiding families through the challenging decision of when to say goodbye.

“Often, the biggest part of my job is helping the owners,” Walling remarked. When it was time for Rugby’s euthanasia, her entire family was present.

Options for Care

There are several choices for caring for aging pets, including hospice and palliative care, at-home euthanasia, and the emerging role of pet death doulas.

However, the decision-making process can be daunting. Here are some tips to support both your pet and yourself.

Veterinarians specializing in hospice and palliative care, like Walling, often make home visits. This approach can be beneficial if transporting your pet to a veterinary clinic becomes challenging. The International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care has a directory of practitioners.

Veterinarians can prescribe medications for infections, pain, and chronic conditions and suggest dietary changes.

Pet owners can also make simple adjustments at home to enhance their pet’s comfort. For instance, as dogs age and their limbs stiffen, slippery floors can pose a problem.

Using carpet runners or yoga mats in areas where pets walk and eat can help. Trimming fur from the bottom of their paws can also provide better traction.

“We had to take all the area rugs and patchwork our kitchen,” shared Rugby’s owner, Sam Boege.

Walling recommends using a harness with handles for larger dogs that struggle to rise or go outside. Cats may not face the same flooring issues but can develop arthritis.

If a cat has difficulty entering its litter box, consider getting one with a lower entrance. Raising food and water bowls can also reduce the strain on dogs and cats.

When to Consider Euthanasia

If medications and pain management are ineffective and you’re contemplating euthanasia, look for signs such as loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. Consult your veterinarian for guidance.

“There is a spectrum of times when euthanasia is appropriate,” explained Dr. Dani McVety, founder of Lap of Love, the largest network of at-home euthanasia providers in the U.S. Their website offers resources to help evaluate your pet’s quality of life.

Planning for at-home euthanasia can be a compassionate choice for pets not facing immediate medical crises.

Being informed about the procedure lets you focus on your pet during its final days. “You’re not shortening their life; you’re shortening their death,” Walling noted.

Support Resources

You don’t have to face this difficult time alone. The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement provides resources to help owners understand euthanasia and the grieving process.

Lap of Love also regularly hosts pet loss support groups and offers access to pet loss counselors and grief specialists.

Animal end-of-life doulas who provide emotional, spiritual, and informational support may collaborate with veterinary professionals.

While they aren’t required to have medical training, they can assist owners in navigating feelings of grief and practical arrangements during this sensitive time.

“Everybody’s different,” said Lauren Seeley, a death doula in New York City. “Most people aren’t ready to deal with it until it’s already happened.”

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