Pet End-of-Life & Palliative Care

Appointment

Pet End-of-Life & Palliative Care in Wilson, NC

Compassionate Care for Your Pet’s Final Journey

At Brentwood Veterinary Center, we understand that saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments any pet parent can face. Our compassionate veterinary team is here to support you through this challenging time with end-of-life care,palliative care, and euthanasia services. We offer personalized care plans to ensure that your pet is comfortable and surrounded by love during their final days.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and pain of serious illness, rather than curing the disease. This type of care is appropriate for pets with terminal conditions or chronic illnesses where the goal is to improve quality of life without necessarily seeking to extend life. Palliative care can help your pet feel more comfortable, reduce pain, and ease symptoms such as:

  • Pain management

  • Nausea and vomiting control

  • Appetite stimulation

  • Mobility assistance

  • Improved energy and comfort

Our team of experienced veterinarians will work with you to develop a palliative care plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs. This can include medications, nutritional support, and various therapies to help manage your pet’s symptoms.

When is it Time for End-of-Life Care?

Knowing when it’s time to say goodbye can be heartbreaking, and the decision is never easy. We are here to guide you through the process, providing expert advice on how to assess your pet’s quality of life. Common signs that it may be time for end-of-life care include:

  • Persistent pain that cannot be managed effectively

  • Difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing

  • Inability to move or perform daily activities

  • Loss of interest in life or interaction with family

  • Chronic illness that affects the pet’s overall well-being

For additional guidance on how to recognize when it’s time for end-of-life care, you can visit Lap of Love’s guide on “How Will I Know It Is Time?” for more information.
You can also use the Quality of Life Assessment tool from Lap of Love to help evaluate your pet’s condition and assist in making these difficult decisions.
Access the assessment here: Lap of Love Quality of Life Assessment.

Euthanasia Services: A Peaceful Goodbye

When the time comes, we offer euthanasia services to help your pet pass peacefully and with dignity. We understand the importance of making this decision with kindness, care, and compassion, ensuring that your pet’s transition is as comfortable as possible. Our euthanasia process includes:

  • In-home euthanasia: For a peaceful and familiar environment, we offer in-home euthanasia for established clients, allowing your pet to be surrounded by their family in the comfort of your home.

  • Clinic euthanasia: If you prefer, we can provide euthanasia services in our clinic with a calm and gentle atmosphere.

  • Aftercare options: We offer a variety of aftercare services, including cremation services by Eastern Carolina Pet Cremations based on your family’s wishes.

Support for You

The decision to provide end-of-life and palliative care for your pet can be emotionally overwhelming. Our team is here to offer support, guidance, and resources throughout this journey.

Pet Loss Resources in Eastern NC

If you are seeking additional support or guidance as you navigate the grief of losing a pet, the following resources in Eastern North Carolina can offer assistance:

1. Lap of Love

  • Grief Resources: Lap of Love offers a comprehensive collection of resources, including online support groups, counseling services, and recommended literature on pet bereavement. They also provide a grief counseling hotline at (855) 352-5683.
  • Website: Lap of Love Grief Support

    2. NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM)

    • Pet Loss Support: NC State provides information on understanding grief, especially concerning children, and offers resources such as hotlines and websites dedicated to pet loss support.

    • Website: NC State CVM Pet Loss Resources

    3. SPCA of Wake County

    • Pet Loss Support Group: The SPCA of Wake County facilitates a support group on the third Sunday of most months from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The group provides a platform for individuals grieving the loss of companion animals to share stories and find comfort with others.

    • Contact: For more information, contact the facilitator, Rob Gierka, at rob@gierka.com.

    • Website: SPCA of Wake County Pet Loss Support Group

      How to Get Started

      If you believe your pet may benefit from palliative care or if you are facing the difficult decision of end-of-life care, we are here to help. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our veterinarians. We’ll discuss your pet’s needs, your options, and work together to make the best decisions for your pet’s comfort and quality of life.

      Contact Us Today

      We know this is a sensitive and emotional time. Our veterinary team is dedicated to providing your pet with the highest quality of care in their final days. Call us today at 252-243-6252 or fill out the contact form below to arrange a consultation or learn more about our end-of-life care services.