Paw Print Home Euthanasia- Pets

17/08/2024

When is it time?

I've spoken about this in the past, but it is worth exploring again. I often get people asking me: "How do I know it's the right time to euthanize my pet?"

The answer is (almost always) Quality of Life. Can your pet eat and breathe with ease? Does your pet look relaxed and peaceful, or does it look disengaged and listless?

What I have learned is that almost nobody regrets putting their pet to sleep a few days too early, but they sometimes regret leaving it a few days too late.

And my experience with owners that are trying to find the exact right time is that they often end up putting their pet down urgently. This is OK, but it doesn't leave space for mental preparation and it may mean that the pet attends an after hours clinic.

Remember, if you need advice on your pet's quality of life, reach out to the vet that knows your pet the best, and to trusted friends and family.

15/07/2024

What is body condition score?

During your pet's routine check-up, you may hear the phrase "body condition score", followed by a number indicating your pet's score. What does this mean and why do we use it?

Body condition simply refers to the amount of fat that a pet has. Pets are usually scored on a 1-9 scale (there are different scales), with scores 4 and 5 being ideal. Scores under a 4 are considered underweight and scores over a 5 are considered overweight.

The reason veterinarians use a scoring system instead of a description is that it is much easier to understand what a "6" is than what is meant by "slightly overweight".

Not all pets are built the same, and some pets will sit around a body condition score 6-7 for most of their lives. Other pets may struggle to keep weight on due to illness and will be closer to a 3. Using body condition scoring helps give us target body condition, monitor changes, and ensure pets are not reaching the extremes of the body condition scoring scale.

How about you give it a go on your pet?

23/06/2024

When one pet is euthanized, how should we manage the other pets in the household?

I often have other household pets present at home euthanasias or, if they are quite disruptive (think, young Labrador), they often visit the euthanized pet soon afterwards. I will preface my opinion (below) with the comment that- you know your pets the best and your opinion about how to manage them during the euthanasia of another household pet is the most valid opinion.

Some pets don't really ah.... love.... the other pets in the house. These pets generally don't show much grief and move on with life with minimal fuss after a household pet has been euthanized.

But some other pets don't deal with the loss as well. Every pet is different, and you may find that your deceased pet's best buddy just continues to live life normally. Or you may find that your pet is quiet and lonely for quite a bit of time.

If you have a pet that has a strong bond with a pet that is being euthanized, and it is possible to show them the deceased pet soon after the euthanasia (it's not always practical)- I suggest you do. Some pets don't understand that their friend has passed away and can search for the deceased pet for quite some time.

I also suggest that you make time (especially for dogs) to spend one-on-one with your pet, over the next couple of weeks after their friend has passed away. It is reassurance for them... and for you as well.

And my final comment is about cats. Although you can't bring your cat to an in-clinic euthanasia, at home I find cats decide if they want to be a part of the process. Some disappear, and some stay close by- give cats the option and they will process their grief in a way that feels right for them.

25/05/2024

Raw Food diets

Raw food diets are steadily becoming more popular with pet owners, especially for dogs. Is raw food right for your pet?

Most veterinarians, myself included, feel that a good quality dog food (wet or dry) fills all of your pet's nutritional needs. However, it is clear that some pets do specifically benefit from a raw food diet- especially a portion of dogs with skin/coat issues. So how do you do a raw food diet right?

First, find a raw food diet that is designed by a veterinarian. It can be difficult to properly balance a raw food diet, to ensure that sufficient micro- and macro-nutrients are provided. Please understand that a good raw food diet is not cheap; cost will often be similar to a good quality dry food.

Second, be careful to handle all raw food as instructed. Raw food poses a risk of bacterial contamination, which can result in diarrhea or upset stomach (for both human and furry friend!). Raw food is likely to be more work than tipping dog food out of a bag or tin.

Third, please be careful when feeding bones. Bones pose a risk of cutting the mouth, and can cause life-threatening blockages if swallowed in large pieces.

As with all dietary changes, if you are going to try a raw food diet, please introduce it slowly (over 3-4 weeks). If you have questions about raw food diets, don't hesitate to approach your local veterinarian.

04/05/2024

Remembrance options

It is hard to think about the 'after', but a bit of planning ahead of time often makes the period after losing a pet just a tiny bit easier. I find that the time I take to do paw prints often aids the transition for the owners, and there is often something comforting for people having something tangible to hold after I leave.

This article discusses some simple remembrance options. Many veterinarians offer paw prints, but it is good to have a think about your options and preferences before a visit.

Just a note about the options below- most are not tolerated in an awake dog, and the plan is usually to have these done after euthanasia. Especially since it is often helpful to trim the hair between the toes.

Clay- Our vets always have air-dry clay in the car. We use Jovi air-dry clay, roll it out and use a cookie cutter to cut a circle about 1-2 cm thick. I firmly press the main pad and each toe into the clay. Then the print is left somewhere warm, but not in direct sunlight, for a few days until fully dried. It is essential that it doesn't get wet again.

Ink- Ink paw prints can be done with the baby hand/foot print kits, or with a simple ink pad. Ink seems to work better than paint, but you are only limited by your imagination. Ink nose prints are lovely as well.

Fur- Many people appreciate having a small vial of fur clipped from their pet.

Just a little reminder to ask your veterinary clinic if they would be happy to do a remembrance piece for you. Don't be shy- if they don't routinely do prints, just bring the clay/ink/etc with you and they will be happy to help you create your remembrance item.

18/04/2024

We are very excited to welcome two more vets to the Paw Print team! Kate and Jo are wonderful additions to the team, and will help me further support our community by expanding the availability of our home euthanasia service.

https://pawprint.co.nz/about-us/

01/04/2024

We are very excited to announce that we will soon be expanding the availability of our services in Hamilton. We are bringing two new amazing and lovely vets on board, Kate and Jo. They will help us offer more visits after-hours and when I am away on leave.

It's always heart-breaking when I don't have availability for a visit, and I am looking forward to expanding both our team and our availability in the Hamilton area.

More information to come soon!

22/03/2024

They call her Smelly Nelly!

Yes we do actually call Nell "Smelly Nelly". It's kind of a joke... and kind of true, too!

Skin disease is very common in dogs. Some dogs are more likely to have allergic/senstive skin problems, such as short-haired white dogs and Shar Pei's. Some dogs are almost guaranteed to have allergic/sensitive skin problems (I'm looking at you, West Highland White Terriers).

Skin disease can be very challenging, frustrating, and costly to manage. What can you do?

There is a lot you can do at home. The number one treatment for allergic/sensitive skin issues is a high quality diet to support skin health. This is especially important in the first year of life, when dogs are developing the skin that will protect them in the coming years.

Some dogs need special prescription diets (often due to food allergies); this is something that you may need to discuss with your veterinarian. However, if you are suspicious that your pet is allergic to a specific ingredient (such as chicken or soy), you can always purchase balanced food/treats that do not contain that specific ingredient to trial for 6-8 weeks.

Another significant home treatment for skin is shampoo. Some dogs with severe skin disease (especially those with greasy, ye**ty skin) require prescription medicated shampoo. But most itchy dogs (with dry flaky skin) will benefit from an oatmeal or soothing shampoo on a regular basis (no more than twice weekly). Always observe your dog the day after a shampoo- is it more or less itchy?

Managing a dog with itchy skin is a journey that often involves both the medical expertise of your veterinarian and the specialized, day-to-day knowledge that you bring as a pet owner. It may take a while to figure out exactly what will work for your dog's skin, but you'll get there- and your dog will appreciate it!

08/03/2024

I was recently contacted by Kylie, from Kylie Perry Photography. Kylie is a photographer providing sessions for elderly pets and her photography looks lovely. If you are interested in this service, I suggest you have a look at her website:

I believe that photography is not just about freezing moments in time, but weaving stories that resonate with the core of our shared human experience. With my Lens focused on authenticity, I bring you three distinctive packages; LIFE, SOUL, & FURever PETS, see more....

29/02/2024

Pet insurance

So just to start with a disclaimer, this is not financial advice. It always pays to do your research with these sorts of decisions.

As an emergency veterinarian, I have seen first hand the benefits of pet insurance. It allows owners to proceed with the testing necessary to get a full picture and potential treatments in a timely fashion. Pet insurance can, in some cases, actually be a life saver.

However, Pet insurance is not free, and there is a cost benefit ratio that needs to be considered. Odds are that you won't end up in that dire scenario that I just mentioned, but what sort of decisions would you want to make if you did?

There are multiple Pet insurance providers in NZ so do your research. What is the excess fee? Are there any conditions they won't cover for your pet's breed? What about cover for pre-existing conditions? Is this just surgical cover or medical as well?

One piece of advice that I can give is that, if you don't think Pet insurance is right for you, consider creating a savings account for your pet. That way if you have an urgent visit to the vet, and you've saved $10/week for 2 years, you have $1040 to start treatment.

15/01/2024

The perils of cars and older pets

I was working an emergency shift this weekend and one of the many consults that I attended was a 15 year old cat and his devastated owner.

The owner had hit their cat, very close to home. It seems that the cat had tried to get past the car after the owner had decided that it was staying in a safe spot.

I want to provide some small solace for owners who may have run into or run over their elderly pets- this is very common. In my experience, older pets are almost always hit by a family member and almost always in the driveway. This is despite the owners' best efforts to ensure they are always aware of where the pet may be.

Older pets have poorer vision and hearing, which limits their awareness of an approaching vehicle. Their reactions are slower and, just like people, they may over estimate their sp*ed and agility when maneuvering around vehicles.

Always be aware of the risk of older pets around vehicles. But also, if something does happen, be kind to yourself.

14/12/2023

Coming up on Christmas, I thought it would be worthwhile re-posting this. Happy holidays to you and your pets!

03/12/2023

I recently found a page called Deathwives. Sounds strange, but bear with me here, it is interesting.

This group of amazing human beings aim to be a family's companion and emotional support during an end-of-life journey (for humans) in the role of a death doula, just as doulas and midwives provide a range of support during the start-of-life journey.

I know that a lot of people, especially in the medical profession, already regularly fill this role but I found it interesting that a group of people would dedicate time and resources solely to this aspect of death.

As veterinarians, we find ourselves in the companion/support role during the end-of-life process for pets. We explain the changes during, and prepare our clients for, euthanasia. We acutely understand the loss and we guide the family along the beginning of the grief process. We are familiar with the role of deathwife.

I really appreciated a particular concept that came up on the deathwives posts, which is that grief is just another form of love. The idea is that the love that we have for our animal during its life doesn't disappear after its death, it just transforms to a new shade of love. I found this very comforting and thought I would share this concept for anyone experiencing the loss of a pet.

18/11/2023

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork

Your pet is booked in for a routine procedure, such as desexing or dental work and you are offered pre-anesthetic bloodwork. What does this mean?

There is some variation in what bloodwork is run, but the general tests include a Biochemistry Profile, Complete Blood Count (CBC) and sometimes thyroxine (T4). Your vet may choose to run only some of these tests or may choose to run additional tests, depending on the age and health status of your pet.

A biochemistry profile looks at the general health of the body. It helps indicate the health of the liver and kidneys, as well as protein and glucose levels.

A CBC looks at the numbers of red blood cells and white blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body and white blood cells are activated during infection or inflammation. The CBC can also show changes in platelets, which are needed to help the blood clot normally.

Thyroxine is not always run, but is one of the more common blood tests added in to pre-anesthetic bloods. Hyperthyroidism (high thyroxine levels) is a relatively common disorder in older cats.

If you have questions about the benefits of running pre-anesthetic bloodwork on your pet, don't hesitate to ask your vet for clarification.

28/10/2023

Preparing to go away on holidays.

Are you planning to go away on holidays and leave your pet with the kennels/cattery or with a trusted person? Here are few tips to consider.

Start thinking now. Everyone gets very busy leading up to the holidays, and you don't want to miss out on an important aspect of pet care because you left it too late.

What does your pet need while you are away? Do you have enough food and medication to last the whole time you are away?

If your pet is going to the kennels or cattery, are its vaccinations up to date? It is VERY hard to get a vaccination appointment from mid-December to early January, so please make sure you get this done early. It is SAFE to do your vaccinations a few weeks early, if this makes the logistics of an appointment easier.

Remember, a vaccine takes around 10 days to be fully effective, so try to ensure that your pet is fully vaccinated at least 10-14 days prior to a stay in the kennels or cattery.

My final tip is to leave very clear written instructions for the person in charge of your pet regarding medical expenses. It is important that the people looking after your pet have an idea of how much money they can spend on your behalf, if your pet becomes ill or injured and they are unable to immediately contact you.

If you have any questions about how to prepare your pet for your trip away, have a chat with your local veterinarian.

08/10/2023

It's a busy, busy life.

It's time to talk about fur-parent guilt. This is something that I see often as a veterinarian. It's like parent guilt, but sometimes it's worse. Parent guilt is that feeling that we parents (of human kids and pet kids) aren't being good enough parents... kind of an underlying sort of anxiety.

We think we're not spending enough time with our pets, or not keeping them safe enough, or not training them well enough, or not spending enough money on them... look it could be anything.

Everyone has different relationships with their pets, so I'm not going to cast judgement on how much energy, time, or money you should be spending on your pet. But here are a few thoughts...

If you are worried about how much time you spend with your pet, maybe try and see if you can find 15 minutes a day to spend one-on-one with your pet. Then think about what your pet enjoys (toys, other people, other pets) and make an effort to help your pet access these other forms of enjoyment on a regular basis (once a week or once a month, perhaps).

If you are concerned about how much training your pet has, and if you have made some sort of attempt to train them, then don't worry too much. If you can keep your pet, other pets, and people safe and sane when interacting with your pet then you've done a great job.

If you're worried about not spending enough money on your pets, don't worry. If your pet gets a reasonably balanced diet (yes, cheap supermarket foods are not ideal but are often perfectly fine) and doesn't have any terrible, un-treated health problems.... you are doing great. You don't have to spend loads of money and get the best of everything. You don't have to treat an expensive health problem as long as you are in discussion with your veterinarian on how to ensure the welfare of your pet is acceptable.

It's worth bearing in mind that pets are supposed to make our life more enjoyable. If you have an on-going concern about a serious behavioural problem (or any other major concern), talk to your veterinarian. We've seen it all, and we can help you work out a way forward.

19/09/2023

Worm and flea treatments, the basics

There are soooooo many worm and flea treatments out there that sometimes I can't keep them straight, so how can I expect an owner to? In the next few posts I will try to answer a few basic questions about worm and flea products.

Supermarket or vet clinic- Where should you buy your worm and flea products? The main concept to understand here is generics. A generic product is one that has a proven active ingredient but is not made by the company who did all the research proving it works. For example, you can get generic ibuprofen and the original product was Nurofen.

Generics are less expensive, because they didn't have to do the research to prove that their product works and is safe. However, although the main active ingredient is the same as the pioneer product, generics are always made just slightly differently, and there is no guarantee that they will be work as well as the original product.

This topic is a bit of a big one, so I might just stop there and let your mind rest... and pick up on worm/flea products again next time!

26/08/2023

Birthdays, Christmas, and the perils of parties

When I think back to the dog that my family had when we were kids, we fed that dog everything.... including bacon fat, chocolate, and lots of birthday cake.

Now that I am a veterinarian, I am slightly more careful about what I feed my dog! I also work in emergency, and see the same party-related toxicities and sicknesses occurring on a regular basis. I am going to highlight two very common party hazards to consider when inviting your canine friend along to the festivities.

Fatty foods- please avoid the temptation to share the pork bone or pork fat with your furry friend. These, and other fatty foods, are very common causes of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an incredibly painful condition where the pancreas (which produces digestive enzymes) goes crazy and the digestive enzymes start damaging the surrounding tissues. Pancreatitis often requires hospitalization.

Chocolate and raisins/grapes- we all know that chocolate is toxic (and raisins/grapes are potentially toxic), but please put these foods immediately out of reach. Trust me- if they can find it, they will find it. Toxicity depends on the amount consumed, but a visit to the vet is almost always recommended.

Remember, the last thing that you want during the holidays, or after a big party, is an emergency visit to the veterinarians. And, as much as we love caring for our furry patients, both pancreatitis and toxicities cause vomiting and... well... we are happy to do our bit to reduce the number of spewing pooches!

20/08/2023

What are the benefits of a home euthanasia?

The longer I offer home euthanasias, the more I believe in the unique value of this service. Most people see the benefit for their pets, especially for pets that find a visit to the vets stressful or difficult.

I also see a huge difference in how people process the death of a beloved pet in the home environment. Owners and their friends/family are much more relaxed at home, and can be more comfortable in a familiar setting. Different family members can be present for as much or as little of the process as they would like.

I see owners starting the process of grief and acceptance more easily and quickly at home. I truly find a home euthanasia more peaceful for the owners, as well as for the pet.

I also continue to do euthanasias in clinic, but no matter the care that I provide, I am well aware that I can't recreate the home environment in clinic. I am truly honoured to be able to offer this service to our community.

10/08/2023

Chickpea the chicken

No pet owner is immune to the fact that one day, their pet will pass away and will make their way over the rainbow bridge.

We lost our beloved chicken, Chickpea, last week despite the amazing care provided by the exotic veterinarians at Global Vets in Gordonton.

It can be very difficult to plan a euthanasia and it can be very difficult to lose your pet suddenly, as we did with Chickpea. The reality is that the death of pet is hard, and it is important to take the time for yourself (and your family) to process your grief in a way that you find meaningful.

Chickpea is remembered by an engraved dog-tag nailed to the post in front of her grave. For anyone else out there who has lost a pet recently, my heart goes out to you.

29/07/2023

Bundle up!

The weather this week has been bitterly cold here in the Waikato. This is a reminder to consider your pets and how they are coping in the cold.

Older pets, like older people, do not tolerate cold weather as well as they did when they were younger. My Nellie Nellie is 12 years old and, despite her long thick fur, needs jackets on at night and sometimes even during the cloudy days.

Pets with short fur also have less natural insulation against the cold.

If your dog sleeps outside, you can consider hot water bottles (covered, to avoid burns), thick bedding, or creating a door with a towel or blanket to trap body heat inside the kennel

If you're not sure if your pet is warm, feel their nose. It should be warm to the touch, not cool. 🐾❤️

23/07/2023

Tips from an emergency vet- when to panic

Hello fellow pet lovers. Like many people these days, I wear many hats in my working life including mum, farmer (see the picture below), production animal vet, small animal vet, and home euthanasia vet. I am also a long-time emergency vet.

Today I am going to share general recommendations, as well as some information about specific common conditions. When your pet is sick, you may be unsure if this is an emergency. Sometimes it is completely OK to wait a few hours, or overnight, to see if your pet is going to get better. But sometimes it is much more urgent.

***Just a note*** if you are ever uncertain if your pet needs urgent care, please call your nearest veterinarian or afterhours vet clinic. This is the best way to make the safest decision for your pet.

If your pet is having trouble breathing (fast or labored breathing, or open mouth breathing in cats) or is bleeding continuously, this needs urgent care. If your pet is not very responsive and dull or is tremoring/seizuring, this needs urgent care. If your pet has white or yellow gums, this is also urgent. If your pet cannot put any weight on a leg, this indicates severe pain and needs urgent attention.

If you have a large breed dog, and it suddenly starts vomiting and seems to have a big belly, this is urgent as your dog may have a life-threatening twisted stomach.

If you have a male cat and it is straining to p*e and looking uncomfortable/distressed, this is urgent as your cat may have a life-threatening urinary blockage.

If you have a puppy with vomiting and/or diarrhea, this is urgent as your puppy may have parvovirus.

This is only a few examples of conditions needing urgent care. Remember, if in doubt, pick up the phone and call your local veterinary clinic.

14/07/2023

There is no way I can brush my pet's teeth!

At some point in your travels, I'm sure you've come across a vet who has recommended that you brush your pet's teeth. And you may be the super switched-on, tirelessly patient pet parent who is already doing that. Or... you may find the suggestion simply funny.

Brushing your pet's teeth, for most people, is too difficult. Please don't let me put you off trying- tooth brushing is a very effective way to maintain dental hygiene.

But the other most effective way to maintain dental hygiene is, just like for people, regular teeth cleaning at the dentist (veterinarian). A "scale and polish" removes all of the tartar and polishes the teeth, with the really important part of cleaning the teeth below the gum line, where most severe dental disease and pain takes place.

Unfortunately, veterinarians cannot fully clean teeth without a general anesthetic. Therefore, pet dental cleaning is around the same price as a x-rays and surgery of similar length and difficulty. This can be a significant cost during your pet's life.

I encourage you to save up (or look into insurance or health plans) to ensure that you can afford a basic scale and polish on a regular basis. The frequency of dental cleaning recommended for your pet varies between every 6 months to every 3-4 years. For most pets, a yearly dental is recommended. Your vet can discuss the recommended frequency of cleaning based on your pet's breed and oral health.

As a clinical veterinarian, I have had a lot of experience with severe dental disease in pets. These pets are often still eating and socializing, and are seeming normal. But after a dental they are visibly happier. Please remember that regular teeth cleaning is essential to prevent the chronic pain that many pets experience from advanced dental disease.

08/07/2023

Calf-lamb-kid club

Its almost calf club time of the year and I was quite clearly reminded of this when we recently came into possession of an orphaned wild goat kid.

Watching my child and the kid play and explore together has to be one of the cutest things I've ever seen. And although it was a lengthy hassle convincing him to drink from a bottle, it really wasn't too bad. Buuuuuttttt..... I know goats. And goats chew.

And I love to garden. And I quite like my hedges the way they are. And I'd like to keep my veterinary gear intact.

To put it another way, I don't really want an adult goat. I can't stress this point enough about any species- dog, goat, chicken. The baby animals are fun and are often manageable, but they do quickly grow into adult animals with different needs.

I do not want an adult goat, so we have found a friendly home for him to go to, and we will visit him from time to time. Please, if you are doing calf club this year, make sure you have a plan for either rehoming the animal as it grows or for accomodating it on your property.

01/07/2023

Communication- the most important part of your relationship with your Vet

Some problems that may occur with your pet are simple and some are complicated. Some issues are minor and some are life-threatening. As a veterinarian, we sometimes find it difficult to communicate the more subtle points of a diagnosis or disease to the owner.
This is may be due to the fact that the owner is overwhelmed, either by the diagnosis (for example, cancer) or by the remaining uncertainty (when waiting for test results etc).
We also sometimes have to take quite complex physiological conditions and translate this into non-medical words. This is incredibly difficult and sometimes we don't get it quite right.
As veterinarians, we strive to help you make your own decision by providing you with all of the information and options available. This can be too much to take in, so if you find yourself having difficulty communicating with your veterinarian, try the following questions to get some clarity:

Can you please write everything down so I can make sure I remember it when I discuss this with my family?

What are all of my options from here?

What do you recommend we do?

How sick is my pet?

What is the diagnosis OR what is/are the likely diagnosis?

What does this mean for the longterm health of my pet?

What are the consequences if I chose not to treat this condition?

Remember, if you need clarity- ask for it. Communication is a two-way street, and we are relying on you to let us know if something isn't clear. In the end, we are a team of Owner and Vet working to find the most positive outcome for the Pet.

23/06/2023

New treatments for arthritis!!

I love old pets- that's probably pretty obvious! So I am very excited about two new arthritis treatments that have just become available in New Zealand. Please note, our business is not associated with these products or companies in any way.

Both of these products, Beransa (for dogs) and Solensia (for cats), are registered to the company Zoetis. These are given as once monthly injections, and have displayed very promising results in clinical trials. The injections contain antibodies that bind NGF (nerve growth factor) and reduce both the transmission of pain as well as the cycle of inflammation.

These products are exciting because they appear to offer very good relief from arthritis without the potential side effects (and daily dosing) of anti-inflammatories. This is especially important in cats, as many older cats develop kidney failure and anti-inflammatory medication can potentially worsen kidney failure. Therefore, many older, arthritic cats are poor candidates for arthritis treatment with anti-inflammatories.

As with any new product, the cost of these injections may be a barrier for some owners. For most pets, the cost is similar to using a full dose of anti-inflammatories daily. If you are interested in learning more about Beransa or Solensia, please contact your local veterinary clinic.