Hospice/palliative care

International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) https://www.iaahpc.org/

IAAHPC Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Guidelines

Spirits in Transition     http://www.spiritsintransition.org/about.html

The Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets     http://www.pethospice.org/

The Argus Institute    http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/diagnostic-and-support/argus/Pages/default.aspx

Spreading the Word on Hospice Care (Jarolim 2014) article

Veterinary Hospice and the Human Animal Bond (McVety & Gardner, 2014) article

American Academy of Pain Management website

Animal Pain website

Villalobos Quality of Life (QoL) scale, assessment, and website

Universal Human-Animal Bond scale

Dogs

Cats

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my pet is uncomfortable or in pain?

Animals suffer just like we do. Pain and discomfort come in many forms: surgical pain, arthritis, cancer, difficulty breathing, nausea, and others.  Severe or acute pain is obvious and distressing.  Chronic pain can be hard to recognize, and be masked as “getting old” or “slowing down.”  Age is not a disease, but pain is.  Below are some common signs of pain and discomfort in dogs and cats adapted from the International  Veterinary Association of Pain Management (IVAPM)

Dogs

  • Decreased social interaction

  • Anxious expression

  • Submissive behavior

  • Refusal to move

  • Whimpering

  • Howling

  • Growling

  • Guarding behavior

  • Aggression; biting

  • Decreased appetite

  • Self-mutilation (chewing)

  • Excessive yawning or lip licking

  • Drooling

  • Changes in posture

Cats

  • Reduced activity

  • Loss of appetite

  • Quiet/loss of curiosity

  • Changes in urinary/defecation habits

  • Hiding

  • Hissing or spitting

  • Lack of agility/jumping

  • Excessive licking/grooming with spots of hair loss

  • Stiff posture/gait

  • Guarding behavior

  • Drooling

  • Stops grooming/matted fur

  • Tail flicking

  • Weight loss