Helping Hands Pet Hospice and Home Euthanasia Service

07/03/2024

🎆🇺🇸 While you’re enjoying your 4th of July celebrations tomorrow, remember that a busy pet is a safe pet! Here are some great options to keep your furry friends distracted during the festivities:

🐾 Special Treats
🐾 Treat Dispensing Puzzles
🐾 Snuffle Mats
🐾 Frozen Kongs
🐾 Playing Fetch Indoors
🐾 Working on Rewards Based Commands
🎶 Harp, Classical or Pet-Specific Music
📺 Watching a Loud Movie on TV

Keep in mind, pets who are extremely upset may need extra care. If your pet is at risk of hurting themselves or others, please handle them carefully and consider giving them anti-anxiety medication as recommended by your vet.

Stay safe and have a wonderful Independence Day! 🎆🐶🐱❤️

07/02/2024

Tradition is important to Dr. B and the Quality Control Wieners. Each year at the start of July, they curl up in the same spot on the sofa 🛋️, in front of the tv 📺 and watch Le Tour de France! 🇫🇷 🚴!

23 days of multi-stage cycling excitement with only two rest days. They even take a social media break to avoid spoilers 🫣

The QCWs have a sweet spot for Tiesj “Snoot” Benoot 😍

Do we have any cycling fans? Tell us your favorite rider or team in the comments!

🚴🇫🇷🚴🇫🇷🚴🇫🇷

07/01/2024

🐾 Seeing your senior or injured pet limping can be heartbreaking, but it's important to understand that they may be experiencing significant pain or discomfort.

What should you do when you notice a limp or change in your pet’s gait?

- Consult Your Vet: Always check with your vet to understand the cause and best treatment options.
- Pain Management: Medication or supplements may be necessary to manage pain.
- Comfortable Living Spaces: Provide soft bedding and easy access to essentials.
- Moderate Exercise: Gentle, low-impact activities can help maintain mobility without causing stress.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on any changes and seek medical advice as needed.

Every pet deserves a comfortable and dignified life. The Helping Hands Pet Hospice team is here to support you and your beloved pet through every stage. 💚

06/28/2024

🎆🐾 As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day, let’s not forget about our pets’ safety beyond the fireworks displays.

Here are some tips to ensure they stay safe and comfortable during backyard activities:

1. Avoid Table Scraps: BBQ food can be harmful to pets. Stick to their regular diet to avoid any tummy troubles.
2. Grill Safety: Keep pets away from the grill to prevent burns or accidental ingestion of harmful substances.
3. Stay Hydrated: Ensure your pets have plenty of fresh water, especially if they’re spending time outside.
4. Provide Shade: Set up a shaded area where your pets can escape the sun and cool off.
5. Secure the Area: If your pets will be outside, make sure all gates and exits in your yard are secured.
6. No Dumpster Diving: Keep all trash cans covered to keep scavenging pets out.
7. Create a quiet space away from all the activity where your pet can feel safe.

🚨 In case of emergency, contact your vet immediately!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July from all of us at Helping Hands Pet Hospice! 🇺🇸🐶🐱

06/27/2024

🐾 Overgrown Nails in Elderly Pets: Tips & Care 🐾

Overgrown nails can be a huge problem for elderly pets. They often cause pain and fear, making nail trims a daunting task. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Pain Medication/Sedation: These can ease discomfort and make the process smoother.

2. Training: Gradually train your pet to allow nail filing. Patience is key!

3. One Nail at a Time: No need to rush—trim just one nail at a time if needed.

4. Hairy Feet Alert: Excessively hairy feet can hide nail issues and make walking slippery. Regular grooming is crucial.

5. Hygiene: Keep nail care sessions short and low-stress to maintain good hygiene.

Remember, every small step helps in keeping your furry friend comfortable and healthy! 💚

06/26/2024

Does your pet have a theme song?

As pet owners we have to find creative ways to keep our furry friends happy. Especially as they get older or on days when they aren’t feeling their best.

For the QCWs, Dr B. could add songwriter to her list of talents with:

Schatzie: Her name is Shot-bot, Shot-bot Winera. She is a show dog doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo 🎶

🎼 Frieda: It don’t matter to Free. Unless there’s snacks involved, it don’t matter to free. She always has an empty tummy - waiting for food. An open mouth - waiting for food.

Whether you can croon like Frank Sinatra, or your pets think you have a great Weird Al impression, we want to know your pets’ theme songs!

Share them in the comments below 💭 💚

06/25/2024

Many pet parents struggle with whether they are making the right choice, when choosing end of life measures.

Helping Hands Pet Hospice is here not only to guide you through the process, but to assure you that choosing compassion and comfort in your pet’s final moments is the most thoughtful and kind choice.

06/24/2024

Over the past several months we have been trying to uncover the root cause of what’s making Schatzie anemic.

While we thought we had come close to figuring it out, she has sadly relapsed. Schatzie underwent a bone marrow biopsy, performed by the amazing team at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care Center while she did well, the procedure left her pretty sore and she has a slight limp.

As Dr. B is no stranger to the subtle signs of pain dogs can exhibit, Schatzie is being treated with pain medication and cryotherapy 🧊.

We are hopeful that the biopsy results provide some answers on her condition 💚

If your pet is experiencing pain or discomfort our team can help. Please contact Helping Hands Pet Hospice to schedule a Quality of Life Consultation.

06/20/2024

It’s a week of celebrations at Helping Hands Pet Hospice! Today we want to wish Jona a Happy Birthday 🎉🎁🎈

Jona, may your day be as bright as you are 💚

06/19/2024

The 2024 Hurricane Season has begun and while you and your family work on your kits, please remember these tips to safeguard your pets.

Make sure they’re microchipped for identification. Plan for enough food, water, and medication to last through a storm, and if possible, stock up on extra supplies like treats and toys to keep them busy.

Remember, while we usually get advance notice of hurricanes 🌀, deliveries could be disrupted. So it’s helpful to plan in advance and avoid any last minute shopping.

06/18/2024

Join us today in wishing Candace a very happy birthday 🎁🎂🎊

We hope you have a spectacular day! 💚

06/17/2024

June is National Pet Preparedness Month. Sometimes preparedness with our furry friends extends beyond having supplies in an emergency.

Often times it means to understand and be aware of how dogs communicate - this takes some effort on our part.

This photo may be adorable, but it’s an important reminder that pets have boundaries. And we must teach our friends, family and especially our children to be respectful. EVERY dog can and will bite if you hurt them, scare them, or ignore their communication enough.

Let's talk about this photo. It's cute, except it's not. I see a dog who cannot get up without telling the child to get off. How do you think a dog is going to do that?

The 7 Golden Toddler Dog Rules:
#1: If a dog walks away from you, you DO NOT FOLLOW.
#2: Always leave room for the dog to walk away from you.
---that right there is 90+% of dog bites eliminated---
#3: We do not climb on the dog.
#4: We do not grab or pull on the dog.
#5: We do not hit or throw anything at the dog.
#6: We do not touch the dog's food.
#7: We do not go into the dog's kennel.

I promise these are not overly difficult concepts for littles, nor will they rob a kid of their bond with the family dog. It will deepen that bond, while keeping everyone safe.

"Oh, it looks like Moose is walking away from you. She is saying she wants a break. Let's play with this instead!"

"It's Moose's dinner time! Let's give her space to enjoy her yummies."

"That is Moose's room(kennel) and only she is allowed to go in there."

"If Moose wanted a break, could she walk away from you right now? No she really couldn't. Let's move away from the play house. You can keep playing but now she can leave when she wants a break."

In conclusion, ***parent your child or your dog will do it for you, and you will not like how they do it.***

06/14/2024

It’s Friday and our furry coworkers are not working! 😴 🐶 Tell us what your pets are up to today in the comments! 💚

06/13/2024

Have you heard of the Feline Grimace Scale? 🐱 It’s a helpful tool to identify pain in cats through subtle facial expressions. While it’s not a substitute for professional veterinary care, it can alert you to signs your cat might be in discomfort.

The Feline Grimace Scale identifies pain in cats by evaluating five key facial action units:

1. Ear Position: Ears may be flattened or rotated outward.
2. Orbital Tightening: Partially or fully closed eyes, indicating squinting.
3. Muzzle Tension: A flattened and tensed muzzle.
4. Whisker Change: Whiskers may be pulled back or spread outward.
5. Head Position: The head may be lower or tucked in.

These indicators help in assessing a cat’s discomfort and are a useful supplement to professional veterinary evaluations.

Available as an app and on the web: https://www.felinegrimacescale.com/.

If you suspect your cat is in pain, reach out to Helping Hands Pet Hospice for assistance and potential palliative care support.

06/12/2024

The 4th of July is approaching fast.

Does your pet need additional support to get through the fireworks and other celebrations? 🎆

Be sure to talk with your vet before the holiday comes! It’s best to prepare early, so we recommend picking up necessary prescriptions before July 3rd.🐾

06/10/2024

When our beloved pets reach their final days, the decision to say goodbye is one of that all pet owners struggle with. Home euthanasia isn’t giving up, it’s an act of profound love and compassion. 💚

It's not just about the end of their life 🌈—it's about honoring the joy they've brought us by ensuring their comfort and dignity in their final moments.

Allowing them to pass peacefully in the familiar surroundings of home and their loved ones prioritizes their well-being over our own heartbreak.

End of life care for pets is hard, and you don’t have to get through it alone. If you have questions or need guidance, contact Helping Hands Pet Hospice.

06/07/2024

We are there for you when you need us.
Contact Helping Hands Pet Hospice for more information on palliative care and home euthanasia for your beloved pets. 🌈

06/06/2024

Fun Fact: because most Helping Hands Pet Hospice employees came on board in 2020, team members have worked remotely and never met. 🫢 Well this past weekend, we put an end to that!

The entire team: Dr. B, Candace, Natalie, Jona, Kelly & Sakyie got together for the first time ever 💚

Dr. B prepared a delicious dinner, including her savory ratatouille stew.

Because so much time was spent having fun, no one remembered to take a team photo 😂

06/04/2024

This past week Dr B had a particularly heartbreaking euthanasia. While preparing the patient for transport, Dr. B and the grieving dog mom discovered a Mama duck and ducklings taking refuge underneath her car. They agreed it was her boy telling her everything was alright.

While saying goodbye is the closure of a chapter, seeing new life is something we all take comfort in. 💚

06/03/2024

Here are some tips to help you and your pet get prepared for hurricane season:

✅ Be sure pets are microchipped
✅ Keep a good supply of food and medication on hand
✅ Make a hurricane plan

How many of these things on the list do you have completed?

06/01/2024

It’s pool time! If you’re thinking of including your furry family members 🐾 here are a few tips from Helping Hands Pet Hospice to keep everyone happy and safe. 🛟

• Watch Closely: Always keep an eye on your pets in or near the pool.

• Show the Way Out: Teach your pets where the pool steps are or provide an easily accessible exit, so they can get out safely.

• Wear a Life Jacket : Consider using a pet life jacket, especially for beginner or older swimmers. Life jackets allow your pet to float if they get tired while swimming.

• Rinse After Swim: Pools often use harsh chemicals to stay clean which may cause irritation. Give your pet a quick rinse with fresh water after time in the pool.

BONUS ✨ Pool-Free Zone: Create a safe area with shade and drinking water away from the pool, so your pet has a quiet place to chill away from the action.

Follow these simple tips, and your pets will have a fantastic time! 🌞🐾

05/31/2024

Hi Neighbors 🏡 Join us on Nextdoor and share your experience with Helping Hands Pet Hospice🐾 If your pet received care from us, we’d greatly appreciate your recommendation! 💚

05/30/2024

🌡️Temperatures are rising in the Tampa Bay Area and we want to make sure your pets stay safe when spending time outdoors. Remember these tips to keep your pets comfortable in the heat:

1️⃣ Bring plenty of water for your pup to stay hydrated during walks. Keep those tails wagging and tongues panting!
2️⃣ Test the pavement before stepping out. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s way too hot for those precious paws.
3️⃣ Opt for grassy or shaded areas to keep things cool.

🚨 Please keep a watchful eye for signs of overheating:
* Excessive panting
* Rapid heart rate
* Drooling excessively
* Weakness, confusion, or collapse
* Seizures
* Vomiting

Your pet’s health matters. If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to your vet immediately. Let’s beat the heat together and keep those tails wagging happily! 🐾 🌴 ☀️

05/29/2024

If you’ve met an orange cat, you know why you haven’t received any of your packages 📦 on time. 📮🐈

05/28/2024

We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our clients for choosing Helping Hands Pet Hospice during such a challenging time. 💚

Saying goodbye to your beloved pets is never easy, and we're honored to provide the comfort, care, and compassion your family deserves.

If you found solace in our services, please consider leaving a review. Your experience not only supports us but also guides other pet parents in finding the help they need.

For more information on our palliative care and home euthanasia services, please contact Helping Hands Pet Hospice. We're here to support you and your furry friends through every step. 🌈

05/27/2024

Today, we remember and express our deepest gratitude to the bravery of those who gave everything for our freedom. 🇺🇸

05/23/2024

Helping Hands Pet Hospice will be closed Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/22/2024

🚩 Doc B’s Top 3 Quality of Life Red Flags 🚩

At the end of their lives, pets often show behaviors indicating severely diminished quality of life (QOL). Sometimes, treatments can help, but other times, these behaviors can indicate that it may be time to consider making end of life plans.

1. Falling down and cognitive decline
2. Disrupted sleep patterns
3. Growling/biting/panic

Swipe right ➡️ for more details on these issues.

If your pet is experiencing any of these issues, please consult your veterinarian immediately. Addressing these problems early gives us the best chance of helping your beloved companion. For support from a certified hospice veterinarian or to plan for saying goodbye, please contact us.