Pet Hospice Eases Pain For Pets, Owners
There's nothing easy about losing a pet, especially when your pet is experiencing pain and discomfort in their final weeks or months. But a new branch of pet care services, pet hospice, is helping ease pets' suffering and provide their owners with a sense of peace and comfort.
Dr. Amir Shanan is the founder of the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, and he says that less than ten animal services in the United States meet the organization's strict guidelines.
He says that the best pet hospice providers offer not just physical support for an ailing animal, but also social and emotional support. Most pet hospices require that the animal is under the care of a veterinarian, as they typically do not diagnose or prescribe medication.
Those pets that receive a terminal diagnosis but aren't in pain have the option of receiving palliative care, including massages and home-cooked organic meals.
