Dr. Laurie Brush from Heaven at
Home Pet Hospice in Grand Rapids,
MI is helping pet parents identify pain in their beloved
companion animals to ensure compassionate care in their sunset
years. Free tips and assessment downloads are available during
Animal Pain Awareness Month.
GRAND
RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 15,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In recognition of Pet
Pain Awareness Month, established by the International Veterinary
Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM), Dr. Laurie Brush, DVM and founder of Heaven at Home
Pet Hospice, is urging pet owners to recognize the signs of pain in
their aging companions and take proactive steps to ensure their
comfort.
"Our pets rely on us to advocate for their
comfort and well-being. By recognizing the signs of pain and
seeking appropriate care, we can ensure that they enjoy their
golden years to the fullest."
"Pain is a significant yet often overlooked aspect of our pets'
lives, especially as they age," says Dr. Brush. "Many pet owners
mistakenly believe that slowing down or showing less enthusiasm for
play is a natural part of aging, when, in fact, these can be
indicators of chronic pain."
Dr. Brush was among the first class of veterinarians to be
certified by the International Association for Animal Hospice and
Palliative care as a Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian
(CHPV®). She currently serves as a member of the IAAHPC advisory
board that advocates for compassionate end-of-life care and
enhancing the quality and availability of pet hospice care.
Recent studies underscore the prevalence of pain in pets,
particularly in older animals. Research from the American Animal
Hospital Association (AAHA) reveals that nearly 80% of dogs and
cats over the age of eight suffer from some form of arthritis.
However, only a fraction of these pets receive adequate pain
management, as owners often misinterpret or fail to recognize the
signs of discomfort.
Recognizing the Signs of Pain in Pets
Pets cannot verbalize their discomfort, so it's essential to be
vigilant for subtle signs that may indicate pain. Common symptoms
include:
- Changes in Behavior: Increased irritability, reluctance to be
touched, or withdrawal from social interaction.
- Mobility Issues: Difficulty rising, limping, or a reluctance
to climb stairs or jump.
- Altered Eating and Drinking Habits: A decrease in appetite or
difficulty chewing.
- Vocalization: Whining, whimpering, or excessive barking.
- Restlessness or Inability to Settle: Constant pacing or
difficulty finding a comfortable position.
"By observing these signs, pet owners can take the first step
toward alleviating their pet's pain," Dr. Brush notes. "Early
intervention is key to improving quality of life for aging
pets."
Ways to Make Aging Pets More Comfortable
Dr. Brush recommends several strategies to help aging pets live
more comfortably:
1. Veterinary Consultation: Regular check-ups with your
veterinarian are crucial. A vet can diagnose the underlying cause
of pain and prescribe appropriate pain management options, such as
medication or physical therapy.
2. Weight Management: Keeping pets at a healthy weight reduces
strain on joints and muscles, minimizing pain.
3. Comfortable Bedding: Provide orthopedic beds that offer
support for aching joints, helping pets rest more comfortably.
4. Low-Impact Exercise: Gentle exercise, such as short walks or
swimming, can help maintain mobility without exacerbating pain.
5. Environmental Modifications: Consider ramps or steps to help
pets navigate the home, and ensure food and water bowls are easily
accessible.
6. Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, laser therapy, and
massage can be effective complementary treatments for managing
pain.
Pet Pain Awareness Month is an important reminder that our
beloved pets may be suffering in silence.
"Our pets rely on us to advocate for their comfort and
well-being. By recognizing the signs of pain and seeking
appropriate care, we can ensure that they enjoy their golden years
to the fullest."
For more information on recognizing and managing pet pain, visit
PetHospiceVet.com for blog articles and downloads.
About Dr. Laurie Brush, DVM and
Heaven at Home Pet Hospice
Dr. Laurie Brush is the founder
of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice, a leading provider of compassionate,
in-home end-of-life care for pets. With years of experience in
veterinary medicine and a deep commitment to the human-animal bond,
Dr. Brush and her team offer personalized hospice and palliative
care services, helping pets transition with dignity and
comfort.
Dr. Brush and members of her team are available for media
comment and guest interviews to help promote the awareness of pet
pain and new developments in pain management options.
To Schedule an Interview or Appearance Contact:
Kim Hoogerhyde,
Office Manager
Phone: 616.498.1316
Email: khoogerhyde@pethospicevet.com
Media Contact
Kim Hoogerhyde,, Heaven at Home
Pet Hospice, 1 616.498.1316, khoogerhyde@pethospicevet.com,
PetHospiceVet.com
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SOURCE Heaven at Home Pet Hospice