This past May, both my parents had falls and I had fly to where they live. I spent a little over two weeks taking care of them, from cooking, cleaning, driving to doctors appointments, bathing and changing wound dressings. It was a little surreal as my entire life changed in a moment. I knew I could not stay and take care of them forever so after I got them settled, I lined up nurses, physical therapists and a home assistant. Thankfully everything settled down and they both have recovered nicely.
In addition to this experience I have taken care of a number of family animals my cat who passed away from heart and kidney disease and an elderly dog who died at the age of 19.
I would like to share with you what I have learned from these experiences because I feel and believe that it will help you to handle any challenges you might have and to be a better animals caregiver.
Photo: Cesar with Jeffrey Evans of Angels With Misplaced Wings
Ten tips to being a better health caregiver to your pet:
1. Make sure your veterinarian/animal health and wellness coach evaluates your dog or cat completely.
Tell your veterinarian all your animal’s problems and your concerns. Don’t hold back any details. Your veterinarian may be a skilled diagnostician, but you know your animal and their health and wellness history is integral to a successful diagnosis and treatment plan. Additionally, have your doctor examine the entire pet – from head to tail – to make sure all your concerns are addressed. It would be unfortunate if you brought your animal in to see your veterinarian for coughing but did not inform the vet that your animal suffered from joint pain and discomfort.
2. Tell your veterinarian/coach what medications, supplements, essential oils and food you are giving your animal prior to any blood work or testing that is performed.
This is very important as these things can greatly influence your animal’s test results and the information that you provide will help your veterinarian to get a clear picture of your animal’s tests.
3. Ask questions and make sure you not only get answers but also understand the answers.
At your animal’s next appointment, bring a list of questions to ask your veterinarian/coach. During many conversations with my parent’s medical team, I found that writing down questions prior to the appointment was helpful. I began keeping a list that I kept and would periodically add to the list as things came up. This is something you can do for your animals as well. As issues or concerns come up start writing them down. If you do not understand what he/she is telling you, please speak up and say you don’t understand. Ask for written material on your pet’s illness that you can read later in a less stressful setting and if he or she cannot immediately answer your question, make sure he/she will get back to you in a timely fashion or direct you to someone who can. Your veterinarian/coach is the best referral source, so take advantage of it.
4. Make sure your veterinarian/coach is capable of thinking outside the box.
When addressing your animal’s health choose a veterinarian who is qualified to deal with your animals health but who is also open to other health and wellness options. If your current veterinarian is not reaching a diagnosis or formulating a successful treatment plan, seek a second opinion from another veterinarian.
5. Make sure your veterinarian is compassionate and treats you and your pet with respect.
Don’t let them minimize your concerns and fears. Make sure your veterinarian addresses them head on and treats you and your pet with compassion. As an animal parent/caretaker make sure that you should be included in the decision-making process. Find out when you will receive the test results. Do you call the doctor for test results or will he/she call you? Never assume that if you do not hear from your veterinarian, that the test results are normal because no news is not always good news. A lack of response may mean a test sample was lost, your veterinarian never received laboratory results, or phone messages were not heard. If you do not hear from your veterinarian in a timely matter, do not hesitate to call him/her.
6. Remember drug(s) and supplement may have side effects.
Ask your veterinarian/coach what the side effects are for each drug and supplement your pet is prescribed.
7. Know what the logical or anticipated outcome of your pet’s ailment is.
Although no one has a crystal ball to predict your pet’s exact outcome, many other animals have likely experienced a similar illness and research studies are usually available to tell you the anticipated outcome. I think it is important that every client knows the expected prognosis so they can make the best health and wellness choices for their dog or cat. It is important for you to know your dog or cat’s prognosis and whether the condition or the treatment will cause your animal extreme stress or pain. Please don’t be afraid that your veterinarian is silently passing unfavorable judgment on you if you choose a less aggressive diagnostic or treatment plan. Remember, your pet is your loving responsibility and your veterinarian wants you to make the best decision for you and your pet.
8. Get explicit discharge instructions before you leave the hospital and make sure you are capable of doing them.
Ask for written discharge instructions detailing what and when medications are to be given.
Ask your veterinarian the following questions:
• Are there any medications that cannot be given together? For instance, never give a probiotic at the same time as an antibiotic.
• Some pets are extremely difficult to medicate. So, before you leave the hospital, ask the veterinary technician to physically show you how to pill your pet. Listen carefully to their helpful pilling tips!
• It is important for you to monitor your pet’s progress. Ask your veterinarian what clinical signs you should watch for that indicate that your pet is not improving and may need immediate medical attention.
• Does your pet need a re-evaluation appointment?
• Are there any changes that I need to make in my home before my animal returns? Do I need to buy floor mats to keep my pet from sliding? Should I change the location of the cat litter box? Do I need to buy a special harness to help my pet walk?
• Do I need to restrict my pet’s activity level?
• Is my pet contagious to other pets or people? Are there any precautions I should take when picking up its stools or cleaning out the litter box?
9. Tell your veterinarian what type of care you want your pet to receive. Are you the animal parent that wants to do everything as natural as possible?
Are you the animal parent who is focused on keeping your dog or cat’s stress as low as possible?
10. Take care of yourself!!!!
Being an animal caretaker/parent is an enormous responsibility and can take up a lot of time and energy. Eat well and get as much sleep as possible. Maintain emotional and physical balance by practicing meditation, and or yoga. Spend time in nature, go for a walk, a hike, a bike ride. Apply and diffuse essential oils to help you stay calm and focused and maintain a calm atmosphere for you and your animal. If you are calm and relaxed this will help your animals to be the same.