Geriatric and Hospice Care

GERIATRIC AND HOSPICE CARE

Better care today, healthier foods, advanced veterinary medicine, and therapeutic alternative medicine means that animals today, live healthier, longer lives. More cats and dogs are living indoors, then in years past, with their human companions which means less exposure to extreme temperature changes, accidental injuries, victims of malice, less exposure to disease and more supervision.

GERIATRIC CARE

Dogs and Cats, like humans age at different levels. Factors such as breed orientation, large or small in size, obesity, genetics, exposure to disease, if they were used for breeding or surgically altered at an early age, lifestyle, ect, all figure in as to how an animal will age. You will start to see the muzzle turn white, eyesight is not as good as it was, they may become startled when you enter a room because of faulty hearing, have difficulty going up and down stairs, lack of energy, sleeping more, lack of appetite, dull coat, they may become more needy, all of these are normal signs of aging. We can help our companions with the aging process by paying attention to diet, regular veterinary exams, and examine alternative holistic treatments for the aging pet.

Acupuncture, acupressure, massage, reiki, reflexology, aromatherapy, crystal essences, Bach flower essences are just some of the examples of alternative holistic therapies that can help increase the quality of life for aging pets.

The 'Animal Wellness Connection' can provide geriatric massage that can help with physical limitations, empower the animal with calmness, comfort and confidence, and increase the quality of life.

The benefits of geriatric massage include:

Improvement of proper blood circulation and flow of the lymphatic system.

Relieves pain.

Strengthens tendons and ligaments

Improves function of the immune systems. (Very important when dealing with cancer)

Rids body of toxins.

Aids in detecting illness at an early stage. (lumps and soft tissue changes)

Increase joint flexibility and range of motion (Very helpful with arthritic diseases thereby reducing stiffness)

Decreases blood pressure.

Improves digestion.

Promotes healthy skin and coat.

**** Heated Hydrotherapy Coming Soon!****

Warm water therapy is ideal for older dogs, dogs recovering from injury,

and arthritic dogs. This is done by placing the dog in a specialized tub that

can agitate warm water around your dog to help ease soreness, relax your pet

and soothe the symptoms of arthritis, spondylosis, and spine arthritis, relax

muscles, improve range of movement, increase blood flow, and speed up

the healing process of soft tissue injuries.

Reiki Therapy is a gentle non invasive approach. Sometimes during the aging process, an animal will be so sensitive to any kind of touch that may be painful to them. This is were Reiki therapy can come in to provide comfort to the animal.

The benefits of Reiki include:

Detoxify the system.

Eliminate energy blockage.

Reduce side effects from surgery, medications, and chemotherapy.

Speed recovery and reduce effects of trauma.

Relieve geriatric conditions.

Ease pain and suffering.

Calm the mind and relax muscles.

Support behavioral and social issues that come with aging.

PREPARING FOR THE END

Death is a painful but natural part of life. This is often difficult to talk about, but the best time to talk about potential pet loss is before you are faced with the difficult decision. Sitting down with the family and getting an idea on what everyone's thoughts and feelings are. Talking with your veterinarian on what to expect in the aging process or in the case of a terminal disease process can be very helpful as well. This will eliminate any surprises, prepare you for the outcome and help you reach a decision that you will be comfortable when the time comes.

The relationship and the spiritual bond between a person and an animal needs to be honored and respected in the matter that the owner wishes, what is best for their animal, and what they are comfortable with.

HOSPICE CARE

During hospice care our goal is to help you allow your animal to pass away gracefully and with as much comfort as possible. I will help you provide gentle loving care. I will help by respecting your pets needs and your wishes and by responding intuitively. Each case will be different and depend on the animals needs. I will work closely with your veterinarian to monitor the quality of life of your pet, to provide comfort for your pet, and offer support to you by helping facilitate your pet's transition to the other side. I will provide gentle comfort via massage or reiki treatments, manual lymphatic drainage for relief from pain, fear and anxiety. If you need someone to help support you through this difficult period I can also accompany you to your vet. When the time comes I can either go with you and in some cases if you are unable, I can go with your pet and be there for them if you can not. Afterwards we can help with the grieving process or put you in touch with someone who can.

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