Do dogs and cats in San Diego get fleas?

While ticks are a more seasonal concern, fleas are a year-round issue in climates like San Diego, and they become especially problematic during heatwaves. Fleas live in the environment and will only land on an animal to feed, so if you see one flea on your pet, chances are there are many more nearby. Routine flea and tick prevention is a key component of preventive health for cats and dogs in San Diego. Learn More

Are dog parks common in San Diego?

There are many dog parks all over San Diego with off-leash areas for your dog to explore and interact with other dogs. That being said, make sure your dog is leash-trained and vaccinated before bringing him or her to public spaces. Keep your dog in check and within sight at all times, particularly if they are off-leash. Don’t forget to pick up after your pet.

How much does it cost to spay or neuter a cat in San Diego?

The cost of a spay or neuter procedure for a cat in San Diego will vary depending on several factors, including whether or not you have a wellness plan, the age and general health of the animal in question, and more. Spaying and neutering helps keep the cat population under control, and both procedures have a variety of health benefits for cats as well. Learn More

How can I pay for veterinary treatment in San Diego?

Most San Diego residents pay for their veterinary care using insurance or out of pocket. Your San Diego vet wants to help your pet get the care they need to achieve a healthier smile. If you do not have pet insurance and cannot afford to pay for the care your pet needs, ask your vet about financing options or a payment plan.

How do I find a good vet in San Diego?

To find a good veterinarian in San Diego, there are a few things you can look for during your search: Positive reviews online A good 'bed-side manner' that makes you feel comfortable Willingness to take time to educate you on your pet's health in addition to providing treatment Easy process for booking appointments that strives to coordinate with your schedule Clear infection control protocols for your safety A range of services, including the specific types of pet care you are looking for

Is Parvovirus common in San Diego?

Canine parvovirus, also called “parvo”, is a deadly disease that is spread via stool from one dog to another. Sadly, Parvo is very common in San Diego. It spreads easily with rain and can stay in the soil up to eight years. For these reasons, it is essential to get your dog vaccinated. Learn More

Find Cat & Dog End of Life Care in San Diego, CA, US

Top reviewed veterinary professionals in San Diego, CA, US offering Cat & Dog End of Life Care

Filter:

Open Now

Emergency

Sort

End of Life Care for Pets (Dogs, Cats)

What is palliative or end-of-life care?

One of the most difficult choices we need to make as pet parents is when to let our loyal four-legged friends go.

Many vets provide end-of-life care, also sometimes referred to as palliative or hospice care, which is administered as a pet approaches the end of its life to help your pet feel as calm, comfortable and free of pain as possible during their last few days.

End-of-life care can include a comprehensive quality of life exam, medication or food for pain management, humane euthanasia and other measures.
How can I prepare for euthanasia or end-of-life care?

After the veterinarian has completed a quality of life assessment to confirm all other alternatives have been exhausted, your veterinarian may send your pet home with you with pain management medications until your appointment.

They may be able to schedule your appointment time when the clinic is likely to be quieter, such as at the very beginning or end of the day. However, this is not always possible with unpredictable injuries or illnesses.

You might consider bringing your pet's bed or a comfortable pillow or blanket with you to their appointment. You may decide to sit with your pet, so you can comfort them while the vet provides the medicine via injection, or even bring other pets with you so they can understand the loss following euthanasia.
Do pets show signs that they are ready to pass?
Each animal is unique and some may not display outward signs we would associate with pain, such as whimpering or crying. They may also continue to eat or drink despite disorientation or pain.

That said, some behavioral and physiological signs that your pet may be ready to pass include:
- Erratic braething
- Is in pain
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Hiding or withdrawing from people
- Loss of energy or extreme fatigue
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Change in appetite or loss of appetite
Please consult your vet - they will be able to tell you whether these symptoms are abnormal or concerning based on your pet's medical history.
What happens during the euthanasia process?

You will be asked whether you'd like to stay with your pet for euthanasia. While some owners do choose to stay, some do not - either choice is okay. During the entire process, you'll be treated with as much sensitivity and compassion as possible.

A powerful sedative will be injected directly into your pet's vein and the nerves in your pet's body will stop sending signals (including pain signals). Eventually, your pet's breathing and heart rate will slow until they eventually stop. This may take as little as a few minutes or up to 15 to 20 minutes.

After the euthanasia solution is injected, brain function will cease. Many pets take a final, deep breath as they pass away. Some will urinate or defecate when they are euthanized due to the total relaxation that occurs.

Euthanasia is not painful for animals. Afterward, your pet's eyes may be open. If you wish, your vet can close them.

The vet will listen to your pet's heart with a stethoscope to confirm that they are gone. The entire process typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
What happens after euthanasia?

You have choices when it comes to what happens to your pet's body. You may choose to keep the body and bury it personally, have it buried in a pet cemetery, or have it cremated. It may be helpful to decide on an option well in advance.

People and pets are unique, and each may respond differently to the loss of your pet. Children may have questions or feel very sad for a few weeks.

Adults may feel a range of emotions ranging from sadness, emptiness or guilt to heavy grief, or relief that their pet is free of pain and that a health condition will no longer have to be managed.

Veterinarians see the entire range of emotions. All are valid and normal. Remember to take care of yourself by talking to friends and family. You may also decide to join a pet loss support group, or consider mental health counseling if you notice persistent feelings of grief that interfere with you or your family members' health.
How can I memoralize my pet?

While it's difficult to say goodbye, there are ways to honor your pet's memory if you wish to keep them close. You may choose to do this by hosting a memorial service and inviting friends and family.

Another idea is to create a living memorial or headstone with a plant or tree, or another special spot that you can visit whenever you miss your pet.

The option you choose can be as unique as your pet's personality and offer comfort to everyone who knew, loved and cared for your furry friend.

About San Diego, CA

San Diego skyline, California

San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks, and warm climate. Immense Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums, and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier turned museum, open to the public.

Veterinary Care in San Diego FAQs

Do dogs and cats in San Diego get fleas?

While ticks are a more seasonal concern, fleas are a year-round issue in climates like San Diego, and they become especially problematic during heatwaves. Fleas live in the environment and will only land on an animal to feed, so if you see one flea on your pet, chances are there are many more nearby. Routine flea and tick prevention is a key component of preventive health for cats and dogs in San Diego.

Learn More
Are dog parks common in San Diego?

There are many dog parks all over San Diego with off-leash areas for your dog to explore and interact with other dogs. That being said, make sure your dog is leash-trained and vaccinated before bringing him or her to public spaces. Keep your dog in check and within sight at all times, particularly if they are off-leash. Don’t forget to pick up after your pet.
How much does it cost to spay or neuter a cat in San Diego?

The cost of a spay or neuter procedure for a cat in San Diego will vary depending on several factors, including whether or not you have a wellness plan, the age and general health of the animal in question, and more. Spaying and neutering helps keep the cat population under control, and both procedures have a variety of health benefits for cats as well.

Learn More
How can I pay for veterinary treatment in San Diego?

Most San Diego residents pay for their veterinary care using insurance or out of pocket.

Your San Diego vet wants to help your pet get the care they need to achieve a healthier smile. If you do not have pet insurance and cannot afford to pay for the care your pet needs, ask your vet about financing options or a payment plan.
How do I find a good vet in San Diego?
To find a good veterinarian in San Diego, there are a few things you can look for during your search:
- Positive reviews online
- A good 'bed-side manner' that makes you feel comfortable
- Willingness to take time to educate you on your pet's health in addition to providing treatment
- Easy process for booking appointments that strives to coordinate with your schedule
- Clear infection control protocols for your safety
- A range of services, including the specific types of pet care you are looking for
Is Parvovirus common in San Diego?

Canine parvovirus, also called “parvo”, is a deadly disease that is spread via stool from one dog to another. Sadly, Parvo is very common in San Diego. It spreads easily with rain and can stay in the soil up to eight years. For these reasons, it is essential to get your dog vaccinated.

Learn More

Find Cat & Dog End of Life Care in San Diego, CA.

Top reviewed veterinary professionals in San Diego, CA, US offering Cat & Dog End of Life Care

Click here to find a Veterinarian that's right for your pet.

{locationName}

{locationName}