What Is End-of-Life Care For Pets?
End-of-life pet care, also known as pet hospice or palliative care, refers to intensive treatments for elderly and terminally ill pets during their final days of life. The ultimate goal of end-of-life care for pets is to assure your four-legged family member is as comfortable as can be before they pass on. Some strategies might include:
- In-home veterinary attention
- Prescription pain management
- Antibiotics to fight infection
- Fluids to prevent dehydration
- Strategic dieting or stimulated hunger
- Assisted mobility devices
How Does End-of-Life Care Work For Pets?
When a pet is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness or incurable disease, a veterinarian may recommend pet hospice care to increase the quantity and quality of time .
An essential component of end-of-life care is pain management, including medication to make your pet more comfortable, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, or acupuncture for dogs and cats. Your veterinarian may also recommend environmental changes around the home — such as ramps or safety gates — to help pets remain mobile and engaged in regular family activities. Sometimes, your veterinarian may recommend euthanasia to relieve a pet’s ongoing suffering.
Does Pet Insurance Cover End-of-Life Care?
Some pet insurance companies, such as ASPCA and Embrace Pet Insurance, cover end-of-life care for pets under certain conditions. Your pet insurance provider may provide coverage for euthanasia, cremation, burial, and pet memorial costs as separate coverage options.
