Tag: azure holland

Supporting the companions who carry on

Thoughts on helping dogs and cats grieve the loss of their beloved companion

By Dr. Holland

Just like people, our pets form deep bonds with one another. When a companion passes, the surviving pets may experience their own version of grief—often expressed through changes in behavior, appetite, or routines. At Azure Holland, we believe in holding space for every member of the family, including the furry ones who are still with us.

Whether they shared a bed, a bowl, or just quiet time in the same room, dogs and cats often notice and mourn the absence of a friend. While some pets may seem unaffected, others may become withdrawn, restless, or clingy. All of these responses are valid.

Ways to Support Grieving Pets:

  • Let them say goodbye. When appropriate, allowing the surviving pet to see or sniff their companion after passing may help them understand that their friend is gone.

  • Keep routines as steady as possible. Mealtimes, walks, and bedtime rituals offer a sense of normalcy and comfort.

  • Offer extra connection. Gentle affection, time together, and low-key play can help your pet feel safe and supported.

  • Encourage healthy social time. For some pets, gentle introductions to new animal friends can help restore confidence and curiosity. This might mean visiting a trusted friend’s pet, a quiet dog park during off-peak hours, or enrolling in a relaxed group class. Go slowly, and follow your pet’s lead.

  • Treat them to something special. A favorite snack, a new toy, or a soft new bed can bring small moments of comfort. Just like us, pets appreciate kindness expressed through their love languages—especially tasty ones.

  • Enrichment matters. For cats and dogs alike, mental stimulation—like puzzle feeders, new toys, window watching, or scent walks—can ease anxiety and bring gentle joy back into their days.

  • Watch for changes. A temporary shift in behavior is natural, but if your pet stops eating, seems depressed, or shows signs of distress, your family veterinarian may be able to help.

  • Use calming aids if needed. Pheromone diffusers, gentle supplements, sprays or calming wraps can offer support through the transition.

  • Be patient. Grief has no timeline. Some pets rebound quickly; others may need time, reassurance, and space.

 

 

You’re not alone in this. If you’re navigating the loss of one pet while caring for another, we’re here to help. Please check out this page on our website if you’d like additional resources.

 

Every life matters. Every bond is sacred.

 

If you need additional support or have questions about your pet’s emotional or physical well-being after the loss of a companion, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

 


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Improving End-of-Life Care for Pets: A Collaborative Approach with Dr. Azure Holland

This week, I had the privilege of visiting two incredible veterinary hospitals—Animal Hospital of Brier Creek and Paws at Play Veterinary Hospital. During my time there, I had in-depth discussions with their teams about providing better end-of-life care for pets. As someone who is deeply passionate about this aspect of veterinary care, it was both heartwarming and humbling to share insights and offer guidance to help these hospitals navigate the challenging yet essential process of helping families make tough decisions when it’s time to say goodbye to their beloved pets.

At the heart of what my team and I do at Azure Holland is helping families decide when it’s time for their pet to pass on peacefully. It’s an emotional and challenging decision, but with the right support, tools, and language, families can feel confident that they are making the best choice for their pet’s well-being. We explored how veterinary teams can better communicate this decision-making process with pet parents, helping them understand their options and the benefits of making end-of-life care a compassionate experience.

While at these two hospitals, I had the opportunity to coach the staff on enhancing the end-of-life experience within their facilities. From fostering open, empathetic conversations to improving the physical environment, there are many ways we can ensure that the final moments are as peaceful and dignified as possible for both the pet and their family. These small changes in approach can make a big difference in the overall experience, ensuring that families leave feeling supported and at peace with their decision.

One of the key aspects that sets Azure Holland apart is our commitment to providing the highest level of care within the home environment. We believe that pets and their families deserve a comfortable, familiar, and loving space during such an intimate time. Our team works to ensure that the pet’s final moments are peaceful, pain-free, and surrounded by the love of their family. By offering this in-home care, we help families avoid the stress and uncertainty of a hospital setting during this emotionally intense time.

We are always looking for ways to collaborate with veterinary hospitals to ensure that pets and families receive the best possible end-of-life care. If you’re a veterinary professional looking to improve your hospital’s end-of-life approach, we’d love to get to know your team and provide training on the language, tools, and techniques that can help make this difficult time easier for families to navigate. Together, we can offer compassionate care and support to every family that entrusts us with their pets.

End-of-life decisions are never easy, but they are a natural part of every pet’s journey. At Azure Holland, we are committed to walking alongside families through this process with understanding, compassion, and care. If you’re interested in learning more about our services or would like to partner with us to enhance your hospital’s end-of-life care, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make these final moments as peaceful and loving as possible.