A cancer diagnosis can change a family’s world overnight. While some pets benefit from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation aimed at controlling or eliminating cancer, palliative care is another important path. The goal of palliative care is simple: to keep a pet comfortable, minimize pain, and protect quality of life, for as long as possible.
At Animal Cancer Care Clinic, Dr. Evan Sones (DVM, MS, DACVIM – Oncology) explains that palliative care is highly individualized and can begin at any point during the cancer journey.
“Palliative care is about comfort and quality of life,” says Dr. Sones. “It can be used on its own, alongside treatment, or once treatment has concluded, depending on what a pet and their family need.”
When is palliative care the right choice?
According to Dr. Sones, deciding whether to pursue palliative care depends on many factors, including the type of cancer, the pet’s overall health, and the family’s goals and circumstances.
“The two biggest questions we ask are: How effective will it be? and How long can we reasonably expect it to help?” says Dr. Sones.
A classic example is a dog with lymphoma when intensive chemotherapy is not the right fit for the family due to cost, time, the pet’s health, or personal preferences. In these cases, prednisone may be recommended as a more manageable and affordable approach.
“Prednisone isn’t curative,” Dr. Sones explains, “but in many cases it can reduce symptoms and improve comfort. For some dogs, that can mean up to several more months of feeling good and enjoying life.”
What palliative care can include
Palliative care is not focused on cure, or even treating the cancer. Instead, it is a multi-pronged approach to sustaining comfort, reducing distress, and preserving the family-pet bond.
As DVM360 notes, palliative care and hospice techniques focus on “sustaining comfort, relieving pain, and maintaining the family-pet relationship as long as possible.”
Depending on your pet’s needs, palliative care may include:
- Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs tailored to a pet’s symptoms
- Radiation therapy when the goal is pain control or reduction of inflammation
- Appetite stimulants and anti-nausea medications
- Dietary adjustments to encourage eating and maintain strength
- Supportive therapies (such as mobility assistance or anxiety reduction strategies)
- Routine preservation, including consistent walks, mealtimes, and normal activities
Dr. Sones emphasizes that comfort should never come at the cost of a pet’s personality or ability to enjoy life.
“We take great care not to over-sedate pets,” says Dr. Sones. “The goal is to help them feel like themselves and enjoy life.”
Routine matters more than people realize
In many cases, supporting quality of life also means maintaining the rhythm of daily life: familiar walks, favorite sleeping spots, and consistent meal routines.
“Pets are incredibly routine-oriented,” Dr. Sones says. “Families often tell me their pets remind them when it’s time to eat or go for a walk. Keeping that routine can help pets feel more normal and secure.”
Importantly, Dr. Sones notes that not every palliative case involves obvious pain.
“Sometimes it’s not dramatic pain,” he explains. “It’s that a pet just doesn’t feel like themselves. Our job is to identify why, then adjust our plan until they’re doing what they love again and feeling comfortable.”
Every situation is unique
Because no two pets, cancers, or families are the same, the best first step is a conversation. Work with your primary care veterinarian and your medical oncologist to explore the options and choose a plan that best supports your pet and your goals.
For more information, please visit our Resources Page for articles and guidance for both dog and cat owners. If you’d like help determining whether palliative care is right for your pet, contact Animal Cancer Care Clinic to schedule a consultation.