end-of-life care at home
“Can’t I just give her something at home?” Dr. Erika Bruner explores the pros and cons of pills (oral medications) and how we might use them in a home euthanasia setting to make the process as peaceful and comfortable as possible.
In this new video, I discuss my thoughts and ideas for implementing a pet bucket list. It means something a bit different for animals compared to humans, but I still think it’s an appropriate term.
Dr. Erika talks about how to write an effective sympathy card for someone who has lost a pet.
On June 3, 2019, Dr. Bruner gave a presentation at Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vermont. The topic, End of Life Care for pets. This 90-minute talk featured conversation, a slide show presentation, and questions and answers from the audience. Full of valuable information, you can watch the video below.
A special thank you to both Kellogg-Hubbard Library and ORCA Media (Onion River Community Access). ORCA recorded and produced the video, and we repost it with gracious acknowledgment.
You can read more about End of Life care for animals right here on Dr. Bruner’s website. If you have a need for more information or are facing a challenge with your animals at the end of their lives, you can contact Dr. Bruner.
Some thoughts on handling the feelings we have when we know we’re going to lose a beloved pet.
Dr. Bruner talks about recognizing early signs of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, aka “doggy Alzheimer’s” (though cats can be affected too). She discusses behaviors specific to dogs and to cats and recommends early intervention for your pet.
People food isn’t junk food, as long as it’s healthy. Fresh food is best for your pet. Dr. Bruner talks about one way to make sure a home prepared diet isn’t deficient in important nutrients, and how to add fresh homecooked food to a mostly-commercial-pet-food diet.
Dr. Bruner describes what she does at a home euthanasia visit. (It’s a gentle general explanation without specific details and is unlikely to be upsetting.)
Dr. Bruner discusses some of the thoughts that go into making a euthanasia decision for a pet, and how a consultation with a veterinarian who focuses on end-of-life care can be helpful.
Wondering how often acupuncture treatment is recommended for your pet, or how soon it might start helping? Dr. Bruner discusses this question here, with some insights into how the benefits of acupuncture can add up over time.