24/06/2024
Translated to English by Paramesh:
Palliative Care and Pets
The loss of her beloved pet dog, Guru, two years ago devastated 29-year-old Parameshwari. She is still in mourning over Guru, whom she treated with such care. 15-year-old Shih Tzu Guru passed away from bronchitis. Guru was treated as a member of the family.
For the past eight years, Parameshwari has been working as a veterinary nurse. She stresses how important it is to give our pets the best care possible as they age. As humans get older, they tend to resort to end-of-life-care. The same applies to pets.
From an early age, Parameshwari has cared for various species of animals and birds. She was inspired to work with animals by this.
Parameshwari is involved in the responsibilities of assisting veterinarians with daily tasks. She also counsels owners on the value of palliative care at the same time. Itās crucial to take our pets to the veterinarian for examinations bi-yearly once they turn seven years old.
Palliative care education is not as widespread in Singapore as it is in other nations, such as Australia or America. She advises that this needs to gradually increase.
Pets in Singapore do not have access to hospice care facilities and most of them are cared for in their homes. In Singapore, some pet owners choose to keep their elderly pets without giving them the proper care they need, preferring to let them pass away naturally.
When a sickness or illness worsens and significantly impairs a petās quality of life, euthanasia is performed. But it is important to provide the pet the care it needs before deciding to put it to sleep.
Guru was on oxygen therapy and asthmatic medications. On some months, Parameshwari had to pay up to $500 for Guruās medical expenses. According to her, several pet owners worry about the expense that comes with palliative care.
