There are many things that can be done to preserve and/or regain the quality of life that you and your pet once enjoyed together!
Every situation is different, but sometimes a simple regimen of supplements and exercise can be all it takes to keep the pep in their step and prolong their playful lifestyle (or whatever their favorite lifestyle has been). Or, perhaps your pet needs more extensive support with medications, laser therapy and/or other supportive care.
Plus, by supporting your pet now, you will be building the perfect foundation so that as the aging process continues, you will be ready for the next phase of care.
Transitions Veterinary care provides services to you, your pet, and your family from the comfort of your home. We eliminate the need to go through the often arduous, fearful, and sometimes painful task of transporting your pet and the unfamiliar environment of a traditional veterinary hospital. Additionally, our in-home assessments allow us to evaluate your pet in their actual environment, providing us with a much more accurate understanding of your pet’s situation.
Transitions Virtual Medical Care will provide all the virtual care you and your pet might need in-between formal In-Home visits. Many clients have shared with us how much they appreciate the extra supportive medical care we provide through phone calls, email, video, and text messaging—all without the need to visit a Veterinary Office or waiting for a formal in-home Visit.
Respect is one of our founding CARE Principles, and so we always begin by taking the time to truly understand the needs of you, your pet and your entire (human and animal) family. This is a detailed process which explores all of the many facets of you and your pet’s activities, environments, limitations, and desires.
Our detailed senior/ geriatric consultations include:
Initial CARE consultation
Pain and mobility assessment
Home and environment assessment
Nutritional assessment
Longevity evaluation
Learn about our CARE Plans:
Continual CARE Plan
|
Comfort CARE Plan
|
Intensive CARE Plan
Make An Appointment 805.984.6678 or
Contact Us
It’s probably not what you think it is.
If you are like most people, the term brings up images of terminal diseases and the final chapters of life. While palliative care can be a part of hospice care, it’s actually simply a focus on the reduction of suffering caused by pain, stress and/ or symptoms at any stage of any life-changing injury or illness.
Palliative care goes beyond the curative treatments and is patient-centered to reflect the individual goals and preferences of the pet and you, their care-givers.
Palliative care can apply to cases that are not life threatening, but may have a significant effect on the quality of life.
There are many situations it could apply to:
- A major injury that does not shorten a life, but will likely have a life-long impact such as an amputation.
- A major illness that can be cured, but may take a long time to do so.
- A cancer diagnosis when you feel that chemo is not the best choice and would rather focus on your pet’s quality of life.
- A major illness that might not be curable, but might be managed with palliative care in such a way that the pet continues to have a long and happy (if not cured) life.
In all of these situations, palliative care can play a significant role in helping manage long-term pain, decrease suffering through symptom relief, and increase and/or extend your pet’s independence.
Let us join you on the journey to an improved quality of life for your beloved pet and for you!
Transitions Veterinary care provides services to you, your pet, and your family from the comfort of your home. We eliminate the need to go through the often arduous, fearful, and sometimes painful task of transporting your pet and the unfamiliar environment of a traditional veterinary hospital. Additionally, our in-home assessments allow us to evaluate your pet in their actual environment, providing us with a much more accurate understanding of your pet’s situation.
Transitions Virtual Medical Care will provide all the virtual care you and your pet might need in-between formal In-Home visits. Many clients have shared with us how much they appreciate the extra supportive medical care we provide through phone calls, email, video, and text messaging—all without the need to visit a Veterinary Office or waiting for a formal in-home Visit.
Respect is one of our founding CARE Principles, and so we always begin by taking the time to truly understand the needs of you, your pet and your entire (human and animal) family. This is a detailed process which explores all of the many facets of you and your pet’s activities, environments, limitations, and desire.
Our detailed palliative consultations include:
Initial CARE consultation
Quality of life assessment
Pain and mobility assessment
Home and environment assessment
Nutritional assessment
Pain may be difficult to assess at lower levels. When evaluating quality of life, we must be able to recognize the subtle changes of behavior that might indicate pain so that relief with medications can be offered to our pets. The following information is used by the veterinary medical field to score the level of pain an animal might be experiencing.
Learn about our CARE Plans:
Continual CARE Plan
|
Comfort CARE Plan
|
Intensive CARE Plan
Make An Appointment 805.984.6678 or
Contact Us
The end of life journey with your beloved can be a difficult, yet precious, time together. We walk alongside you and your family during this journey, showing you a path that focusses on living every moment to the fullest, in as much comfort as possible, for all members of your family.
We guide you through the difficult decision-making process, following the path of ‘least regrets’, and helping you to understand when your pet is telling you that they are ready to let go.
As your journey together nears its final destination, we can help to understand what to expect, support your pet with honor and comfort and meaning.
Transitions Veterinary care provides services to you, your pet, and your family from the comfort of your home. We eliminate the need to go through the often arduous, fearful, and sometimes painful task of transporting your pet and the unfamiliar environment of a traditional veterinary hospital. Additionally, our in-home assessments allow us to evaluate your pet in their actual environment, providing us with a much more accurate understanding of your pet’s situation.
Transitions Virtual Medical Care will provide all the virtual care you and your pet might need in-between formal In-Home visits. Many clients have shared with us how much they appreciate the extra supportive medical care we provide through phone calls, email, video, and text messaging—all without the need to visit a Veterinary Office or waiting for a formal in-home Visit.
Respect is one of our founding CARE Principles, and so we always begin by taking the time to truly understand the needs of you, your pet and your entire (human and animal) family. This is a detailed process which explores all of the many facets of you and your pet’s activities, environments, limitations, and desires.
Testimonial
“Words can’t express the gratitude we have for the extra time of joy you have given to our family. The shocking discovery of a massive tumor in our dear Shadow was unimaginable. And while others may have counselled an immediate same-day euthanasia, the supportive symptom care you provided to him blessed our family with more precious moments of joy and play and walks and fetch, and many hugs and kisses and extra hours of snuggle time. It also provided us with a period of time to more readily come to terms with our impending loss and to honor the final steps of our journey together. In the end, Shadow was able to say Goodbye on his own terms. Having you by our side during those last weeks to guide us, knowing that even through the grief we were clearly walking the path of least regrets, was a truly a most beautiful gift.” Jo-Anne B
Learn about our CARE Plans:
Continual CARE Plan
|
Comfort CARE Plan
|
Intensive CARE Plan
Make An Appointment 805.984.6678 or
Contact Us
When times are uncertain, we offer professional, personalized support for you, your family and your pet in the comfort of your own home.
Learning of a serious medical diagnosis or anticipating separation from your pet at the end of life can be a very emotional and a sometimes-overwhelming time.
As with human medicine, veterinary medicine has advanced to help our pets live a longer pain-free life. If your pet is ill or aged, knowing when it is time to say goodbye is often a difficult decision. Even the fact that it is a decision at all can bring varying feelings of relief and anxiety. No two situations are alike.
At Transitions, we help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life by weighing the balance of illness or age-related changes with his or her own physical, social and emotional needs. We will wholly evaluate your pet’s condition while acknowledging your individual needs and limitations.
Each situation is unique. Every disease has its own trajectory. We believe in the “path of least regrets.” And we can help give you the assurance that you are on that path. So, when times are uncertain for you, your family, and your pet, we are here for you. Please contact us for an in-home consultation.
The euthanasia procedure is a very peaceful, painless passing involving two steps:
- The first step in the procedure is the administration of a sedative anesthetic which will allow your pet to reach a deep relaxed sleep state.
- The second stage is a terminal intravenous injection which follows with comfort and ease. I will fully explain the procedure to the family so that everyone knows what to expect.
There are options for the aftercare of your pet, which we will discuss at the time you make the appointment. We will always be here to answer any questions that you may have along the way.
Click below to learn more about the comfort and care during euthanasia:
Pawprint
Comfort
Aftercare
Memorial Services
Grief Support
Anticipatory grief occurs prior to the actual loss of your pet. It is during this period of anticipation that you might be experiencing manifestations of grief. One of the most common feelings during this time is the feeling of anxiety. It is important to recognize whether or not you are handling this emotion. Anxiety surrounding the anticipation of death can be normal. But too much anxiety or worry can actually draw your attention out of the present reality of the situation and lessen the quality of your experience with your pet in his or her last days.
Am I prepared? Take the quiz:
- Are you unsure if you will be able to handle your pet’s death emotionally?
- Do you avoid facing the fact that your pet has a terminal illness?
- Are you concerned about other people’s reaction to your feelings about your pet?
- Are you concerned that when your pet is gone you will feel lost?
- Are there things that you know you should be doing to help yourself prepare for your pet’s death that you are just not doing?
- Do you think that your life will never be the same after your pet dies?
- Are you avoiding your feelings now in fear that they may overwhelm you?
- Do you find it difficult to build a support system?
- Are you unsure about guidelines for knowing when it is time for euthanasia?
- Have you decided whether or not to be present for the euthanasia?
- Have you planned a farewell ritual?
- Are you having difficulty concentrating on things other than your pet?
- Are you experiencing emotions uncharacteristic for you? (short temper, or outbursts)
- Are you experiencing excessive signs of anxiety? (loss of sleep, not having an appetite, etc)
If you scored 8-14 yes answers:
You should seek assistance now for help with this transition. Gaining more knowledge about loss and grief can help alleviate your anxiety. There are processes and techniques that help with coping during this difficult time. Please contact a trusted counselor who understands pet loss.
If you scored 5-7 yes answers:
You have faced a lot of the difficult aspects of losing your pet. You still might want some guidance to help deal with some areas that are still understandably difficult.
If you scored 4-5 yes answers:
You are preparing as best you can for the anticipated loss. Continue implementing active strategies to facilitate your progress.
If you scored 1-3 yes answers:
You are better prepared than most other pet lovers in a similar situation.
*The previous information was adopted from Hospice Care of Larimer County.
At Transitions Veterinary Care, we bring compassion into your pet’s journey. Everything we do is intentional and is always grounded in our CARETM Philosophy.
comfort
for you and your pet
attention
to small details and the big picture
respect
for your wishes, needs, and your pet’s preferences
expertise
a focus on senior/ geriatric, palliative, and end of life stages
