Caregiving for an Old or Ailing Pet
As strange as it sounds, we should consider ourselves fortunate enough to have a pet live long enough to be “old aged.” Even if our pets become ill earlier than old age, caring for an ailing pet can become a significant obligation. If they were humans we may be quick to send them off to the nursing home because of the additional emotional, physical, and financial strain we incur in supporting an aging family member. For our pets, we become their caregiving team and our homes become their nursing homes.
Jenna, 14-year old Border Collie
Tripawds recently published a post on their Tripawds blog called “The Pet Caregiver Burden Conundrum.” I found this piece almost perfectly written to describe my current experience with my 14-year old border collie, Jenna. Previously a very active running and frisbee-catching companion, she fell ill this past summer with vestibular disease. Recovering from that scary period took about 3 months and during that period she developed a lot of muscle and joint issues. She still gets around okay, but we have to carry her up or down stairs, occasionally help brace her to go to the bathroom, keep various rugs all over the house to give her easier places to stand, and clean her up after the inevitable accidents in the house. Although it really sucks to watch my girl get old, it’s really nice to get to spend so much more time each day with her.
With gracious permission from Rene at Tripawds, we wanted to share their article in full with you below in hopes that you would both a familiar experience in her writing to know you are not alone in your own senior pet care…and perhaps you may find some tools or ideas to help you and your pet during this sometimes challenging period. You can also read our previous post, “Caring for Senior Pets and Avoiding Economic Euthanasia” for more tips on help with caring for an old dog or supporting an old cat.
The Pet Caregiver Burden Conundrum
November 20, 2019 by jerry
Humans nearing end-of-life have nursing homes and hospice caregivers to ease the transition. But pets? We are their all-in-one nurse, nursing home and pawspice aide. The pet caregiver burden cost can be high if we aren’t ready for it. Here’s how to prepare.
The emotional cost of caring for an ailing pet
Dying is not a pleasant topic. But we are at a crucial time of year, because pet euthanasia rates go up during the holidays. So let’s talk about it now, to honor the love our animals have given to us, and provide the farewell they deserve. Knowing what to expect as a pet caregiver is key.
Recently at the Wild West Veterinary Conference, we attended an important lecture by Mary Gardner, DVM. As the co-founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, Dr. Gardner had endless wisdom and suggestions to help ease the pet caregiver burden.
“People say that old age is not a disease. But old age brings on dis-ease,” she said. “There’s a lot that goes on as they age and it’s going to affect their quality of life, and also the family’s quality of life.”
We are always going to be the pet hospice nurse
Pets are living longer, but the reality is that technology is not going to save us from the physical and emotional toll of caring for ailing, elderly pets. Unlike ailing humans, who can receive IV drips of pain medication at home, or go into a nursing home when they become incontinent, our pets just don’t have that option–and probably never, will says Dr. Gardner. Our dogs and cats are always going to need hands-on home care and we are always going to be their hospice nurse.
Unfortunately, most of us are unprepared. We are undertrained, and have little emotional support and choices during this stage of our pet’s lives. Basically we suck it up and take care of our pet, or we opt for euthanasia. Both take great tolls on our mental and physical health.
Caring for an ailing pet affects our mental and physical health
Dr. Gardner says it’s not uncommon for pet parents of ailing animals to experience anxiety, depression and susceptibility to illness. Friends who don’t understand the bond we share will abandon us. Someone in our circle will inevitably slap us in the face with the obscene “It’s just a cat / dog” comment.
We may also be afraid to leave our homes, out of fear something will happen to our furbaby. Yet, we don’t want to have anyone visit because we may be embarrassed about the mess our pet’s incontinence is making. The fear of being judged by others is real, and it happens.
A 2017 pet caregiving study shows that pet caregivers experience the same levels of anxiety and depression as those caregiving for an ailing human. We will have an even greater level of stress and pain, since we have limited choices and must face the guilt associated with making the euthanasia decision.
“The emotions that you go through when caring for a human family member are exactly the same as when you’re caring for a pet,” says Dr. Gardner.
Three Ways to Ease the Pet Caregiver Burden
Our pet’s end-of-life journey will never be easy, but we can take measures to lessen the toll.
Step 1: Form a caregiving team. Veterinarians and families have to come together to become the ailing pet’s hospice nurses. Give every member of the family a job to do. Create an online Care Corral Support Group for your pet to engage family members in the process. Meet weekly to measure your pet’s quality of life. And lastly, try not to transfer your pet caregiving burden onto your vet. They are your ally, and want to help.
Step 2: Create a safer palliative care environment in your home. Make your pet’s life easier with some simple adjustments. For example, if you don’t have raised feeder bowls already, get some. Put nightlights low to the ground so your pet can see at night. Set up pheromone dispensers to create a calmer environment. Traction is also key. Ask your vet to help apply PawFriction or Dr. Buzby’s toe grips to your dog’s paws, and stick traction tape on any slippery staircases. Basically, make your home safer for your pet and you will reduce the risk of an additional stressful event.
Step 3: Get social support. Talk to members in our Coping with Loss Discussion Forum topic. Look for local pet loss groups and resources to talk about your anticipatory grief. Start a relationship with a hospice veterinarian and learn about how to assess quality of life. Finally, ask your vet if they can offer occasional respite services in the way of home care visit and overnight pet sitting to give you an occasional break.
Being our pet’s primary caregiver at the end stages of life is a huge responsibility. But after all that our dogs and cats give us during their short time on earth, it really is the least we can do to honor that experience.
Recommended Reading for Pet Caregiver Burden and Grief Support
Learn How to Prepare for Pet Loss Before it Happens
Visit PetCaregiverBurden.com to better understand your stress and how to make the most of the time you have left with your beloved animal.
Hopefully you see why we wanted to republish Tripawds’ article and you got as much information and comfort out of this as we did. Caring for an aging and/or ailing pet can be a significant burden upon you and others that care about your pet, but it can also be a rewarding way to spend more time with a beloved pet before...😢
In addition to some of the things Rene discusses above, here are some things I have done to help me care for my own old dog, Jenna:
Cordoned off her own “room”. As Jenna got older, she is a little more hard-of-hearing and a little less tolerant of the other dogs in our pack. Giving her her own private dog room in our house is a way to give her a place where she knows she can relax and we know she is in a safe place where she cannot get hurt. In this safe room, you can use lots of inexpensive washable non-slip rugs or unused carpet to give your pet a place to walk a little without you being too worried about accidents on your floors.
Use elevated food and water bowls. We got Jenna an elevate food and water bowl so she would not have to strain her neck and risk falling while eating or drinking. An elevated food bowl is generally a good idea for your pet’s digestive health at any age. We found that it’s best to use pet bowls with adjustable heights so we could make adjustments that comfortably fit her needs.
Use traction socks on hard-surface floors. Loss of mobility is an unfortunate reality for all of us as we get old. Another alternative to the PawFriction or Dr. Buzby’s toe grips options listed above is buying socks with grippy rubber pads on the bottom. These have been a godsend for us as it allows Jenna a bit of indoor exercise to keep her joints and muscles from getting stiff or atrophy. Additionally, she enjoys the freedom to walk around on her own. Check with your own veterinarian to purchase mobility aids for your pet.
Use a mobile grooming service. Like you, your pet feels better when they are clean. That energy boost can make a real difference in your pet’s day-to-day quality of life. Because it may be hard to load your pet into the car even for the short trip to your local veterinary clinic, a mobile groomer is a surprisingly affordable option—usually rating from $60-$200 per pet. Additionally, a routine grooming session can keep your pet from getting skin irritations and fur mattings that can lead to other health problems. We used Dat Pooch in our Little Rock, Arkansas area but you can find a mobile groomer in your area (note: CoFund My Pet funds cannot be used to pay for grooming services outside of a veterinary clinic).
Spend more time together. I am fortunate to be able to work from home most of the time. Because of this, Jenna is a work as much as I am. Although she is usually sleeping, my being there with her when she wakes for her dog nap gives her comfort that things are all okay in her world.
Cordoned dog room
Elevated feeding bowls
Jenna with traction socks
Closeup of grippy socks
Continue Your Pet’s Routine Vet Care
As your pet ages so many things can complicate their lives and yours. Now is not the time to skip routine vet visits and vaccinations. If you cannot afford your routine pet care, you may start a crowdfunding campaign to let your family and friends help you and your beloved pet have more quality time together.
Conclusion
Our pets unfortunately do not live as long as we do. But, there are so many ways to continue to enjoy time together with your pet and give them a high quality of life. Remember, like in any care-giving situation, be careful not to overly stress yourself by using a care-team approach if at all possible. Enjoy the time with your pet and build a few more memories together.
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