University of California at Davis Veterinary Students (530)752-3602 or toll free (800)565-1526 Monday-Friday 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm (PT) http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/petloss/index.htm Florida Community Volunteers (352)392-4700 Dial 1 and 4080 (352)392-4700 X4744 (Joy Diaz) Monday-Friday 7 pm to 9 pm (ET) http://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/vmth/companions.htm Michigan State University Veterinary Students (517)432-2696 Tuesday to Thursday 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (ET) http://cvm.msu.edu/petloss/index.htm Chicago VMA Veterinarians and Staffs (630)325-1600 Leave Voicemail Message Calls will be returned 7 PM to 9 PM (CT) Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (540)231-8038 Tuesday, Thursday, 6 PM to 9 PM (ET) Ohio State University Veterinary Students (614)292-1823 Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (ET) Voicemail messages will be returned, collect, during operating hours. Tufts University Veterinary Students (508)839-7966 Monday-Friday, 6 PM to 9 PM (ET) Voicemail messages will be returned daily, collect outside Massachusetts http://www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss/ Pet Loss Support Hotline hosted by the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (888)ISU-PLSH (888-478-7574) Operational seven days a week, 6 PM to 9 PM (CST) from Sept-April; Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:00-9:00 PM (CST) from May-August http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu/animals/petloss/ Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline (607)253-3932 Tuesday-Thursday 6-9 PM (ET) Voicemail messages will be returned http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/petloss/ University of Illinois Veterinary Students (217)244-2273 or toll-free (877)394-2273(CARE) Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings 7-9 PM (CT) http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE/ Pet Loss Hotline, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine (509) 335-5704 Staffed during the semester on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Saturday 1:00-3:00 PM (PT) http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/plhl/index.htm
Category: Living With Your Pet
The Next Step
The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet’s problems. However, you should review with them the information you have received from your veterinarian. Long-term medical care can be a burden that you and your family may be unable to bear emotionally or financially, and this should be discussed openly and honestly. Encourage family members to express their thoughts and feelings. Even if you have reached a decision, it is important that family members, especially children, have their feelings considered. Children have special relationships with their pets. Excluding or protecting children from this decision-making process, because they are thought to be too young to understand, may only complicate their grieving. Children respect straightforward, truthful, and simple answers. If they are prepared adequately, children usually are able to accept a pet’s death. Will it be painless?Euthanasia is almost always accomplished by injection of a death-inducing drug. Your veterinarian may administer a tranquilizer first to relax your pet. Following the death-inducing injection, your pet will immediately go into a quiet and irreversible deep unconsciousness. Death will come quickly and painlessly. How can I say goodbye? The act of saying goodbye is an important step in managing the natural and healthy feelings of grief, sorrow, and sense of loss. Your pet is an important part of your life and it is natural to feel you are losing a friend–for you are. Once the decision for euthanasia has been made, you and other family members may want to say goodbye to your pet. A last evening with your pet at home or a visit to the pet at the hospital may be appropriate. Family members who want to be alone with the animal should be allowed to do so. Farewells are always difficult. How can I face the loss? After your pet has died, it is natural and normal to feel grief and sorrow. The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. There are many signs of grief, but not everyone experiences them all, or in the same order. Even before death has occurred, your reaction may be to deny your pet is sick or injured when you learn the extent of your pet’s illness or injuries. Anger may follow denial. This anger can be directed toward people you normally love and respect, including your family and veterinarian. People will often say things that they do not really mean, perhaps hurting those whom they do not mean to hurt. You may blame yourself or others for not recognizing the illness earlier or for being careless and allowing the pet to be injured. You also may feel guilt and depression. This is when you usually feel the greatest sense of loss. The tears flow, there are knots in your stomach, and you are drained of all your energy. Day-to-day tasks can seem impossible. Sometimes you may even ask yourself if you can go on without your pet. The answer is yes, but there are times when special assistance may be helpful. Once you and your family come to terms with your feelings, you can begin to resolve and accept your pet’s death. When you have reached resolution and acceptance, the feelings of anger, denial, guilt, and depression may reappear. If this does occur, the intensity of these feelings will be much less, and with time, these feelings will be replaced with fond memories. Although the signs of grief apply whether the loss is of a loving pet or a human loved one, grieving is a personal process. Some people take longer than others to come to terms with denial, anger, guilt, or depression. If you understand that these are normal reactions, you will be better prepared to cope with your own feelings and to help others face theirs. Family members should be reassured that sorrow and grief are normal, natural responses to death. They may not understand Often, well-meaning family and friends may not realize how important your pet was to you or the intensity of your grief. Being honest with yourself and others about how you feel is best. If despair mounts, talk to someone who will listen about your pet and the illness and death. I cannot forget If you or a family member has great difficulty in accepting your pet’s death and cannot resolve feelings of grief and sorrow, you may want to discuss those feelings with a person who is trained to understand the grieving process such as a grief counselor, clergyman, social worker, physician, or psychologist. Your veterinarian certainly understands the loving relationship you have lost and may be able to direct you to community resources, such as a pet loss support group or hot line. Talking about your loss will often help. Should I get another pet? The death of a pet can upset you emotionally, especially when euthanasia is involved. Some people may feel they would never want another pet. A new pet may help others get over the loss more quickly. Just as grief is a personal experience, the decision of when, if ever, to bring a new pet into your home is also a personal one. If a family member is having difficulty accepting the pet’s death, bringing a new pet into the home before that individual has resolved his or her grief may imply that the life of the deceased pet was unworthy of the grief that is still being felt. Family members should come to an agreement on the appropriate time to acquire a new pet. Although you can never replace the pet you lost you can get another one to share your life. Remembering your pet The period from birth to old
The Decision
Your decision is a personal one, but it need not be a solitary one. Your veterinarian and your family and friends can assist and support you. How Do I Make The Decision? Your relationship with your pet is special, and you are responsible for its care and welfare. Eventually, many owners are faced with making life or death decisions for their pets. Such a decision may become necessary for the welfare of the animal and for you and your family. A decision concerning euthanasia may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make regarding your pet. Your decision is a personal one, but it need not be a solitary one. Your veterinarian and your family and friends can assist and support you. Consider not only what is best for your pet, but also what is best for you and your family. Quality of life is important for pets and people alike. How Will I Know When It’s Time? If your pet can no longer do with you and your family the things he or she once enjoyed, if your pet cannot respond to you in the usual ways, or if there is more pain than pleasure in his or her life, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if your pet is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option. Your veterinarian understands attachment to pets, and can examine and evaluate your pet’s condition, estimate your pet’s chances for recovery, and discuss potential disabilities and long-term problems. He or she can explain the medical options and possible outcomes. Because your veterinarian cannot make the euthanasia decision for you, it is important that you fully understand your pet’s condition. If there is any part of the diagnosis or the implications for your pet’s future that you don’t understand, ask to have it explained again. Rarely will the situation require an immediate decision. Usually, you will have time to review the facts before making your decision. As you make your decision, you may wish to discuss the care of the remains of your pet’s body with your family and veterinarian. You have several options, and your veterinarian can provide information about burial, cremation, or other alternatives. What If the Animal is Healthy? Euthanasia might be necessary if a pet has become vicious, dangerous, or unmanageable. However, some undesirable and abnormal behavior can be changed. Economic, emotional, and space limitations or changes in lifestyle also may force an owner to consider euthanasia of a pet, but it is better to find another solution or an alternative home for these pets. Euthanasia should be considered only when another alternative is not available.
Saying Goodbye
A decision concerning euthanasia may be one of the most difficult decisions you can ever make regarding your pet. If your pet is extremely sick or so severely injured that he or she will never recover normal health, perhaps the kindest thing you can do for your pet is help induce its death quietly and humanely through euthanasia. Your decision to have your pet euthanatized is a serious one, and seldom easy to make.
Camping with Pets
Camping with pets presents its own challenges. Skunks, raccoons, porcupines, snakes, and other wildlife can bite or otherwise injure your pet. Keep your pet within sight and on a leash. Be considerate of other campers. Be sure to ask your veterinarian about flea, tick and heartworm prevention.
Travel by Bus or Train
Most states prohibit animals from riding on buses and similar regulations restrict travel on trains. Exceptions are made for guide and service dogs accompanying blind and disabled persons. Consult your local carriers in advance for information.
Travel by Car
Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection. If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip. Cats should be confined to a cage or crate to allow them to feel secure and to avoid having a pet under your feet while driving. Stick to your regular feeding routine and give the main meal at the end of the day or when you reach your destination. Feeding dry food will be more convenient, assuming your pet readily consumes it. Dispose of unused canned food unless it can be refrigerated. Take along a plastic jug of cold water in case other reliable water sources are not available. Give small portions of food and water and plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet’s traveling supplies. Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection. If you must leave your pet in a parked car, be sure to lock all doors, park in a shady area, and open windows wide enough to provide ventilation without enabling your pet to jump out or get its head caught. Be aware of weather conditions. You should not leave your pet in a parked car when the temperature and/or humidity are high or when temperatures are near or below freezing.
Travel by Airplane
Transport crates, available from most pet shops, must have specific criteria. Air travel is of most concern to pet owners. You can minimize the chances of an unpleasant experience by following a few guidelines. Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying. Generally, a health certificate (which is not more than 10 days old) must be available before pets will be permitted to fly. A valid rabies vaccination certificate will also be required. Contact the airline well in advance for specific regulations and to secure your pet’s reservation. Try to book a nonstop, midweek flight and avoid plane changes if possible. During warm weather periods choose early morning or late evening flights. In colder months, choose midday flights. Arrive at the airport early, exercise your pet, personally place it in its crate, and pick up the animal promptly upon arrival. Do not take leashed animals on escalators. Transport crates, available from most airlines or pet shops, must: * Be large enough to allow the animal to stand (without touching the top of the cage), turn around, and lie down. * Be strong and free of interior protrusions, with handle or grips. * Have a leakproof bottom that is covered with plenty of absorbent material. * Be purchased in advance so the pet can become acclimated to the crate prior to travel. * Be appropriately and clearly labeled. Include your name, home address, home phone number, and destination contact information, as well as a designation of “Live Animals,” with arrows indicating the crate’s upright position. * Be ventilated on opposite sides, with exterior rims and knobs so that airflow is not impeded. Ask your veterinarian for specific feeding instructions. For your pet’s comfort, air travel on an almost empty stomach is usually recommended. The age and size of your pet, time and distance of the flight, and your pet’s regular dietary routine will be considered when feeding recommendations are made.
Planning & Preparation
It may be stating the obvious, but always find out in advance if pets are welcome. Planning and preparation are necessary when traveling with family pets. Consider whether your pet is comfortable when traveling. Some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A car-sick animal can make a trip miserable for everyone. Some ill or physically impaired dogs and cats cannot withstand the rigors of travel. If this is the case, discuss options such as using a reliable pet-sitter or a clean, well-managed boarding facility with your veterinarian. If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advance if the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. If the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk. Consider bringing along a portable kennel for use in hotel rooms or the homes of friends or relatives who are not comfortable with your pet loose when no one is home. A few general tips apply whether you travel by car or plane. Be sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag or a microchip. Grooming (bathing, combing, trimming nails) before a trip, plus having its favorite food, toy(s), and dishes available will make your pet more comfortable. Have both proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you when crossing state or international borders. Before undertaking any trip, consult your veterinarian to be sure that all required vaccinations are up-to-date and to receive a health certificate within ten days of travel.
Travel
Going on a trip doesn’t mean that you have to leave your pet behind. Are you planning a trip, but can’t decide whether to bring your pet? Going on a trip doesn’t mean that you have to leave your dog behind. That’s right! Bringing your dog on a trip is a great way for them to get exercise, experience new sights and smells, and spend quality time with you. Although vacations are fun for both you and your pet, you should be aware of the responsibilities as well as precautions involved with bringing along your furry friend. In this section you will find information that will help you and your pet have a fun and safe trip.
