When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it can be a very emotionally trying experience, even when that loved one has four legs. Pet cancer is, unfortunately, a relatively common diagnosis, and one that no animal lover wants to hear. Should you find yourself in the midst of this unfortunate news, Veterinary Oncology Services and Research Center is here to provide you with the pet cancer owner resources and support that you need.
Emotional Impact of a Pet Cancer Diagnosis
It is totally normal to feel everything from overwhelmed to hopeless to devastated when learning that your pet has cancer. Each individual processes and deals with this information differently, and all of us need different types of support during this tumultuous time.
Knowing that depression and anxiety can increase after a pet cancer diagnosis, it is important to seek help. Take a minute to breathe, and then consider healthy ways to cope including:
- Acknowledging that this is hard and unfair and allowing yourself to grieve the loss of your pet’s perfect health
- Seek support from friends and loved ones or an outside group (if that feels right)
- Knowledge is power, and educating yourself about your pet’s particular diagnosis can help you to feel more in control
- Don’t forget about your self-care practices already in place
When you are ready, putting a plan of action into place for your pet’s care and future can be an empowering action. So much anxiety centers around the unknown. By taking control of the things that you can, you can improve your overall mental well-being.
Our expert staff is here to help plan a pet cancer treatment plan that focuses on you and your pet’s unique needs and diagnosis. Together we can work towards the best quality of life for your best friend possible.
Pet Cancer and Pet Loss Support
Sometimes in medicine, though, things don’t follow the path that we hope they will. While we aim for recovery for all of our patients where possible, nature can have alternative plans.
The ups and downs of pet cancer treatment are not for the faint of heart. When things don’t seem to be going your way, you can ground yourself by:
- Looking for small wins (maybe a nice day with your pet, a small victory in the larger scheme of treatment, something to look forward to with your pet)
- Reflect on good memories
- Share your experience with someone who understands (online forums can be great for this)
- Creating some kind of memory or initiative on behalf of your pet
If losing your pet is something that is on the horizon, don’t be ashamed to be sad, mad, or experience any other emotion. Pet loss is just as real as losing any other loved one, and there is no reason to not acknowledge how impactful it is.
There are many resources available to help support those going through a pet loss. Don’t hesitate to lean on them.
There is hope for a pet cancer diagnosis, but the journey is not always a straightforward one. While no one wants to be in a position to need our help, please know that we are here for you should you need us.