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Knowing Your Options for End of Life Care and Euthanasia in Roanoke

Whether your pet is reaching a ripe old age or suffering from a terminal illness, palliative and hospice care can help ease their pain and give them a peaceful transition. Sometimes, however, there are complications and factors that mean palliative care is not enough. In these cases, euthanasia can be the right choice for your beloved companion. When you want to discuss your pet’s end-of-life care, we’re here to guide pet owners of Roanoke, Salem, Botetourt and the surrounding communities. Call or visit our animal hospital today, and we will talk to you about your pet’s condition and their options.

Planning Your Pet’s Palliative and Hospice Care

Palliative care is that which is given during treatments to ease your pet’s pain and stress. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort given after the illness has become too advanced for treatments to be effective. Both methods of care have the primary purpose of improving your pet’s quality of life.

Our compassionate team will be able to help you decide what options are best for your pet. For both palliative and hospice care, our holistic services, including acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal therapy, provide relief from pain and stress and complement traditional medications.

For traditional relief, we offer pain medications, such as NSAIDs and other drugs, that can greatly reduce your pet’s discomfort. Since every pet is different, we’ll work to develop a unique care strategy for you and your family.

When to Choose Euthanasia

No owner wants to make this hard decision, yet sometimes it is the most humane option. Our staff is here to listen to your concerns and help you in your decision-making process. We assess your pet’s quality of life to help guide you and answer any questions you may have. Things to consider when measuring the quality of life include:

  • Age
  • Willingness and ability to eat
  • Happiness and level of energy
  • Level of pain
  • Mobility

The most important measure is, of course, your bond with your pet. When you become aware that your pet is no longer themselves, less interactive, and more reclusive, then it is time for euthanasia. Keep in mind that helping your pet pass peacefully is one of the most gracious things you can do. It gives them a dignified end and relief from their suffering. You can access more resources at Veterinary Wisdom.

If you are considering euthanasia as an option for your pet or are interested in learning more about palliative and hospice care, please contact our team today at
(540) 562–4596.

Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Support Advisor

In 2021, Penny, our CSR team lead, took the step to become a Certified Pet Loss and Bereavement Support Advisor to help you with planning for the loss of your pet, and to work with the doctors regarding how to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. Planning for this loss will help you avoid having to make decisions in the midst of extreme grief. Penny can help you understand the euthanasia process and the necessary decisions that accompany it. She can discuss with you ways to celebrate the bond you have shared with your pet and, if you have children, how to help prepare them for, and understand this loss.

At Hanging Rock Animal Hospital, our goal is to keep suffering at a minimum and be sure that you have all of the information needed to help you feel comfortable with the final decision. We will make it together. Don’t forget, somewhere between hello and goodbye, there was love. So much love.