ure, hyperthyroidism and irritable bowel syndrome at age 14, to live twice as long as her original prognosis of three years. Acupuncture and subcutaneous fluid therapy complemented her nutritional program. For pets with chronic pain from arthritis or another
ailment, veterinary house calls can literally be lifesavers, be- cause they give owners more options than premature eutha- nasia. Dr. Karri Miller, a veterinary oncologist with Veterinary Healthcare Associates, in Winter Haven, Florida, advises, “Cancer treatments for pets are not as harsh as they are for people and have fewer side effects. Before making a decision about treatment, consult a veterinary oncologist and ask a lot of questions. More pets today are living longer with a good quality of life.” Dr. Kathleen Cooney, owner of Home to Heaven
veterinary services, in Loveland, Colorado, likes the team approach. “We teach people to partner with their pet on a day-to-day basis and help take away the fear by educat- ing the family to recognize the stages of aging and illness, pain and crisis, manage nutrition and live like their pets do—in the moment, not in the future. Understanding brings peace.” When the end comes, compassionate euthanasia at home or on Cooney’s farm lends a comforting atmosphere at a difficult time.
Leaving with Dignity For aging or terminally ill pets, Dr. Mary Gardner, owner of Lap of Love, in Broward County, Florida, works with fami- lies through the end of the pet’s life. “As a veterinarian who solely practices in-home hospice and euthanasia, I have been given a unique privilege,” she says. “Hospice care supports both the pet and family. I make sure the family and I have a clearly defined goal—the comfort of the animal.” Similar to hospice care for humans, pets in hospice are given palliative care that can prolong life without suffering or pain.
Accepting help from a hospice service is not about giv- ing up, but simply recognizing that additional treatment will not cure the illness. It’s accepting that the quality of each day of life is more important than the number of days. It’s living fully, beginning to end, right up until the last breath.
Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awaken- ings magazines.
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ENTICING A PICKY EATER
“A pet doesn’t need to eat every nutrient every day. A bal- ance achieved over several days will work. Getting them to eat is the main thing,” says Jodi Ziskin, a Fort Lauder- dale, Florida-based animal wellness counselor. “Details can be worked out later.”
She suggests these nutritious tips for perking up
interest: Feed the animal two to four times a day in small amounts, so the stomach is neither empty or overfull. Changing from a raw diet to cooked food can aid diges- tion for older pets. For cats: Quinoa, millet or rice slows digestion and
allows absorption of more nutrients. Because cats utilize fat in their diet better than dogs, a full-fat, plain yogurt is a good treat. For dogs: Low-fat yogurt and probiotics soothe the
stomach. Chicken thigh meat offers more flavor than breast meat.
For both: A scrambled egg is a welcome treat. Also, add a bit of liquid from no-salt added, low mercury, wild caught, BPA-free cans of water-packed tuna poured over their regular food or alternatively, ground-meat baby food. Aroma plays a large part in appetite, so appropri- ately warm foods before serving. Chamomile tea—about two teaspoons for cats and more for dogs, depending on size—has a calming effect and aids digestion. Like humans, pets sometimes need an antacid—ask
a veterinarian for advice. If administer- ing pills is a problem, crush them in the liquid from water-packed tuna, put it into a feeding syringe and slowly squirt the liquid into the corner of the pet’s mouth.
LapOfLove.com/Pet_Quality_of_Life_ Scale.pdf helps owners track signs of improvements or deterioration that require adjustments in life manage- ment.
Offering a Blend of Western & Eastern Medicine
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1524 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 Susan M. Swanson, D.V.M.
www.HolisticCatClinic.com
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