Hospice/End of Life Care

At Southern Crossing Animal Hospital, we realize that as our pets face a difficult diagnosis and a decline in health, care can become more challenging. We are here to help. We also realize that the entire pet parent family feels the weight of the disease progression, as does the pet.

We consider it an honor to care for your pet and for you as you navigate this difficult season. We are available to discuss all aspects of your pet’s care including quality of life evaluation. We appreciate this is a very personal and difficult decision. Our Hospice/End of Life services include:

Alternative therapies for pets and their families that have declined traditional treatment
DVM counseling for managing diseases that lead to end of life decisions
Pain management
Coordination of care for pets that are referred for specialist care
Quality of life discussions
End of life discussions
In-home euthanasia
In hospital euthanasia

Quality of life Indicators

At Southern Crossing Animal Hospital we want to equip you with the most objective tools you need to make the difficult decision regarding euthanasia. We have included information to help with your decision. Our doctors and staff are always available to discuss your pet’s needs.

Appetite

For many pets, loss of appetite can be a strong indicator of a decline in health. Pets can physiologically go for many days without food and water, however, decline of hunger and thirst can signal shutting down of the body. Some pets may not lose their appetite although other issues prompt the need for euthanasia.

Mobility

Many pets lose their ability to rise from a reclining position due to disease progression (osteoarthritis, etc). This creates a problem with their need to go outside to urinate/defecate or to get to a litterbox. Dogs may begin by falling, inability to rise, difficulty urinating and defecating and heavy panting. Cats will exhibit difficulty jumping to perches or normal napping spots. They may also have difficulty getting into litterboxes therefore inappropriately defecating and urinating in the home. Hiding is also a common behavior in cats. When medications to aid mobility cease to help, quality of life is a concern.

Pain

Pain can be very difficult to assess in pets that don’t have human language to articulate. However, we do have clues regarding pain based on an animal’s behavior. Behavior will be the first change noticed in most pets experiencing pain. Some behaviors to watch in pets that might indicate pain:

Pacing
Excessive panting
Hiding in unique areas
Isolating from the family
Growling/snapping/hissing
Whining/vocalizing
Not eating
Decrease mobility

Enjoyment of life

As our pets decline, owners may notice they have lost their happiness or excitement about life. Owners have observed their pet’s preferences, behaviors and attitudes for their entire life. When pets become more isolated from the family and stop their enjoyment of food, toys and their environment, their quality of life is in decline. Many owners report they see a difference in their pets “eyes” when it is time to make a decision.

Journals can be used to document changes in your pet’s condition. These journals help owners keep valuable information during an emotionally charged time.

Euthanasia

When the time comes, we will take special care to make sure your pet’s end of life is as pain free physically and emotionally as possible. We offer in home euthanasia (house call) for those families that wish to have their pet’s last moments in their own environment. For those wishing to have their pet euthanized at our hospital, we strive to provide an environment that creates a dignified and calm end of life experience. We have a special room designed for end of life conversations and decisions.

Pet Cremation Services

Southern Crossing Animal Hospital will help coordinate cremation services for your pet. We partner with Dixie Memorial Pet Cemetery and Crematorium to arrange dignified and compassionate aftercare of your pet.