Tips for Helping a Pet with Terminal Illness
When you hear the term, “terminal illness,” your mind most likely doesn’t think about your pets. We think about other human beings being diagnosed with these horrible illnesses, but not our pets. Unfortunately, our pets are just as susceptible to getting these illnesses as we are.
Watching our pets suffer in pain from a terminal illness is a difficult thing. We love our furry friends, and they’re just as much a part of the family as anyone else. When you’re given the news, you’ll need to start preparing for a lifestyle change.
Caring for a pet with an illness that’s terminal is much different than caring for a healthy pet. You’ll need to start making a few changes in your home or in your pets’ schedules to accommodate their new needs.
We know this is a hard time for you and your pet, and we’re here to make it easier for everyone. Below is our guide on how to care for a pet with a terminal illness and how to help ease their pain. Continue reading to learn more.
Speak With Your Veterinarian
The first step is speaking with your veterinarian about your pet’s illness and what you can expect from it. Ask the vet about any new schedule or diet changes that should be made to help your pet cope with the illness. Are there any other associated health problems that you can treat?
Be sure to create a treatment plan with the vet. You don’t want there to be any undiagnosed issues that aid in your pet’s discomfort. Now is also the perfect time to ask any and all questions you might have about the specific illness your pet has.
The vet should be able to help you understand the illness and how it affects your pet.
Do Your Own Research
Aside from speaking to the vet about the illness, it’s essential that you complete some of your own research as well. Know everything there is to know about your pet’s illness and the different treatment plans available. You should also look into the effectiveness of the different treatments and how long you can expect them to extend your pet’s life.
Remember, some treatments will have side effects, and you’ll want to know what these side effects are and if it’s worth putting your pet through. If your pet is in chronic pain, will a full-spectrum CBD oil help ease some of this pain?
A full-spectrum CBD oil contains a small amount of THC, less than the federally mandated guideline of .3%, and can be given to pets with terminal illnesses to give them a better quality of life. Be sure to do your research and know the correct pet CBD dosage to ensure their pain is treated properly.
While researching, you should look up other ways to reduce pain from their specific illness at home. Create a list of these treatment options and have it nearby for when you need to refer back to it.
Keep Them Comfortable
When a pet has a terminal illness, they only have a certain amount of time to live that’s out of our control. You can speak to the vet about how long you can expect your pet to live for or do some research on your own. Although we all wish our pets could live forever, every pet has their time.
This is why it’s essential to make them feel as comfortable as possible during the time that they are here. Surround your pet with all of his favorite toys and blankets or beds. Treat them with yummy snacks, if given the “okay” by the vet.
Create a living environment where they can move about freely and access what they need to with ease. This might require you to make a few changes around the home such as placing pet stairs on the side of the bed if they can no longer jump up, or creating a comfy and cozy bed on the floor for them right next to yours.
As your pet ages or their condition worsens, they might have problems holding their bladder or chewing all their food. Check them and their bedding for wetness or food crumbs as often as possible to ensure the area is kept clean and sanitary.
Dedicate Time to Them
Your pet’s been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and you know they don’t have much longer to live. Now is the time to spend as much time with them as you can. Dedicate a certain amount of time for them each day.
Maybe this means coming home on your lunch hour to spend it with them. Maybe it means taking the time after work to bring them to the park and play or take them on an extra walk during the day.
Whatever ways you can fit more time with them into your schedule, do so. They’ll appreciate all the extra love, and you’ll create memories you’ll never forget.
Ease Terminal Illness Pain in Your Pets
It’s okay to feel sad and emotional when your pet’s been diagnosed with a terminal illness. It’s also okay to feel a bit lost or confused. We hope this guide above will shine some light on how to care for your own ill pet.
To ensure your pet’s pain is managed, shop for full-spectrum CBD oil that offers your pet the “entourage effect.” This means that the oil still contains all of its natural properties and is unaltered, providing more healing potential than other oils.
With pain kept at a minimum, your pet will spend their last years comfortably.
