OCTOBER 2011: PROLONGING A PET’S LIFE

“The misery of keeping a dog is his dying so soon. But, to be sure, if he lived for fifty years and then died, what would become of me?” ~ Sir Walter Scott ~

 Pets are an integral part of family life. For parents, pets often find a place, in their hearts as close seconds to their children, and hope to follow the natural order by predeceasing their children. But with pets, it’s almost inevitable they will pre-decease their caregivers.

 Care for aging, but healthy pets may be difficult, but it’s never ok to give up due only to advancing age. (Please see: http://www.canine-clippers.com/newsletters/january2009.htmfor care of older pets.)Advances in veterinary medicine and treatment of once fatal illnesses have made it possible to greatly extend the lives of our animal companions. Long term treatment of thyroid conditions and diseases such as Diabetes, Addison’s and Cushing’s are now very promising. (Please see managing chronic illness in dogs at: http://www.canine-clippers.com/newsletters/october2008.htm  in cats:  http://www.canine-clippers.com/newsletters/november2008.htm.)

 In late August, Captain, our beloved elder Shepherd cross, became very ill with a rapidly progressing autoimmune disease. After a short period of ineffective treatment, the difficult decision was made to end his suffering (RIP, our courageous & loyal companion.).

 The hardest decision a pet owner will make is when to give up hope and treatment by choosing to end a pet’s suffering and to say goodbye (Our newsletter on coping with euthanasia and mourning the loss of a pet can be found at http://www.canine-clippers.com/newsletters/may2008.htm.). There are many considerations to keep in mind during all stages of treatment. When there is no guarantee for treatment and no input from the patient, some factors to consider include:

 Your pet’s quality of life; what is the pain/pleasure ratio and are days spent more in pain than comfort? (Because, in the wild, showing injury or illness made them more vulnerable to predators, animals are reluctant to show pain or weakness. One must look for other signs, including obvious behavior changes, persistent licking of an area, hiding under furniture or in areas not generally frequented, etc.)

 A pet’s personal traits: Though we can’t ask our pets what they wish to happen, we know them best and perhaps even well enough to imagine their wishes. Trust yourself and your perceptions. (Captain was very dignified about bodily functions and when, due to the heavy steroids he was taking, he urinated on the floor, he acted so ashamed. Another night, he threw up next to his bed and moved to another bed across the room. I don’t think Captain would have been happy living a prolonged life where he couldn’t control himself.)

Is treatment really helping? Though results are rarely linear, is there noticeable improvement? If you’re forcing pills into a pet that doesn’t appear to be able to process them, is this really viable, or even humane treatment?

 Is a suffering pet being kept alive because other family members can’t let go? Another difficulty, sometimes encountered by professionals, is when pet owners want to keep a gravely ill pet alive until their children, who may be away at school, can say goodbye. It’s important to do what’s best for the patient.

 Are the emotional, physical, financial and time sacrifices to which you and your family will need to commit really feasible? Openly and frankly discuss the options and reservations while acknowledging that no decision, until the final visit with the vet, is cast in stone.

 In making a commitment to treat a chronic condition, it’s crucial to follow the prescribed medical and dietary recommendations (i.e. family and friends need to respect requests that a dog with Addison’s Disease not be fed table scraps).

 Try not to feel guilty, judge, or second guess your decisions. And remember, because of training, a vet will probably tell you all possible treatment options, including specialists, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow through; nor does it mean your vet will think less of you if you don’t. Friends or neighbors may offer advice, or even express shock at the time, emotion & costs involved in decisions about treating a pet, but they aren’t the ones to best make these important & personal decisions.

 We want to congratulate Scott Eason on the birth of his daughter Hannah Marie, born September 9, at 9:13 a.m., and weighing 9 lbs., 6 oz. Welcome Hannah!

 Two Toy Poodles were born on August 31. If you’re interested in an addition to your family, please call Linda Law at 540-854-0046. (Linda, you are the best—thank you for all you do!)

 If you would like to learn how to become a dog groomer, our classes begin the second Tuesday, of every month. Please contact our DumfriesSchoolat 703-221-3647.

 All three of our Northern Virginialocations need groomers & bathers. If you or anyone you know is interested, please see below, and give us a call!

~ Written by Rebecca Nilson ~ nilsonowensrebecca@gmail.com    

540-829-6665: Wash & Wag of Culpeper, 217 SouthgateShopping Center

703-378-9500;featherlepetcarechantilly@verizon.net, 13881-A Metrotech Dr.

703-430-0414;featherlepetcaresterling@verizon.net, 113-B Edds Lane

703-221-3647;canineclipperschool@verizon.net18016 Fraley Blvd.