Sunset Vets Palliative and End of Life Care

16/06/2026

This week, we have been reflecting on a message shared during Cancer Prevention Action Week 2026: Science Not Fiction - Evidence Saves Lives.

While the campaign focuses on human health, the message resonates strongly in veterinary medicine too. When it comes to our pets, evidence-based care, trusted information, and compassionate support can help pet owners navigate some of the most difficult decisions they may ever face.

When a pet is diagnosed with cancer, families are often faced with an overwhelming amount of information, opinions, and advice. In moments like these, having access to clear, evidence-based guidance can make a significant difference.

Every pet, every diagnosis, and every family is unique. Understanding the available options, expected outcomes, and how treatment may impact quality of life helps families make informed decisions that align with their pet's needs and wellbeing.

This week is a reminder of the importance of asking questions, seeking trusted veterinary advice, and making decisions based on evidence rather than fear or misinformation.

14/06/2026

World Blood Donor Day

When we think about blood donation, we often think about people. But every year, countless dogs and cats also rely on life-saving blood transfusions.

Pets may need blood products following surgery, trauma, serious illness, immune-mediated disease, cancer treatment, poisoning, or emergency medical care. In many cases, a donated unit of blood can help save a life.

Just like human medicine, veterinary medicine relies on generous donors. Without healthy donor dogs and cats, many emergency and specialist hospitals would struggle to provide critical care to the pets who need it most.

Could your pet be a donor?

Typical donor requirements for dogs include:

• Between 1–7 years of age
• Over 20–25kg
• Healthy and up to date with preventative healthcare
• Calm and comfortable with handling

Typical donor requirements for cats include:

• Between 1–8 years of age
• Over 4.5–5kg
• Generally indoor-only
• Healthy and comfortable with handling

If you think your pet may be suitable to become a donor, consider speaking with your local veterinary hospital, emergency centre, or veterinary blood bank to learn more about donor programs in your area.

This World Blood Donor Day, we would like to thank every pet and family who has participated in blood donation. Your generosity helps provide hope and a second chance to pets facing some of their most critical moments.

We also recognise the dedication of our specialist and emergency veterinary colleagues, whose expertise and care, together with these invaluable donations, help save the lives of countless pets each year.

11/06/2026

❄️ Winter and arthritis in pets

As the weather becomes cooler, many families notice changes in their pet's comfort and mobility.

For pets living with arthritis, winter can sometimes make stiffness and discomfort more noticeable. You may find your dog is slower to get up after resting, less enthusiastic about walks, or reluctant to jump into the car. Cats may begin avoiding stairs, jumping onto furniture less often, or spending more time sleeping.

Because these changes often happen gradually, they can easily be mistaken for a normal part of ageing. However, arthritis is a painful condition, and many pets can benefit from additional support.

Some simple ways to help include:

• Providing a warm, comfortable place to rest
• Using non-slip mats on slippery floors
• Keeping gentle exercise and routines consistent
• Making food, water, and favourite resting spots easy to access
• Speaking with your veterinarian about pain management and mobility support

With the right care, many pets living with arthritis can continue to enjoy a good quality of life and remain comfortable throughout the colder months.

If you have noticed changes in your pet's mobility, comfort, or daily routines, a conversation with your veterinary team can help identify whether arthritis may be playing a role.

09/06/2026

🐾🌈 World Pet Memorial Day

Today, we pause to remember the pets who have left pawprints on our hearts.

Whether they were with us for a few short years or a lifetime, our pets become part of our families, our routines, and some of our most treasured memories. They greet us at the door, comfort us through difficult days, and bring joy to ordinary moments in ways that are impossible to forget.

Even after they are gone, the love we shared with them remains.

World Pet Memorial Day is an opportunity to honour those special companions who are no longer by our side, but who continue to live on in our hearts through the memories, lessons, and unconditional love they gave us.

Today, we invite you to take a moment to remember your beloved pet. Share a favourite photo, tell a cherished story, or simply reflect on the bond you shared.

While their time with us is never long enough, their impact lasts a lifetime.

If you would like to honour your pet today, we would love to hear their name in the comments below.

07/06/2026

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, and when children are part of that experience, families often carry the additional responsibility of helping them understand and navigate their grief. Creating a calm, supportive environment where everyone can say goodbye in their own way is something we consider a great privilege.

We are so pleased that Dr Ashlee was able to provide the patience, guidance, and compassionate support that Jax and his family needed, ensuring he was surrounded by love and able to receive the peaceful and dignified farewell he deserved.

We are incredibly grateful to Jax’s family for sharing these kind words and for allowing us to be part of such an important moment in Jax’s journey.

05/06/2026

Sharing knowledge, compassion, and connection.

At Sunset Vets, we are passionate about supporting not only pets and families, but also the wider veterinary community through education, collaboration, and shared learning.

Recently, Dr Jackie Campbell and Rosie Overfield had the opportunity to deliver a dedicated Palliative Care Workshop for veterinary professionals across general practice, specialist, and emergency settings.

Together, they explored the importance of compassionate communication, quality-of-life discussions, end-of-life support, and the ways veterinary teams can help families feel more guided and supported through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Palliative care is one of the most meaningful, and often most emotionally complex, areas of veterinary medicine. Creating space for ongoing education and open conversation helps strengthen the support available to both families and the professionals caring for them.

We are incredibly grateful for every opportunity to share knowledge, learn alongside others, and continue building greater awareness around palliative and end-of-life care within the veterinary industry.

02/06/2026

Looking After Our Golden Oldies 💙🐾

As pets grow older, their needs can change in subtle ways. Even if they seem fine on the outside, regular check-ups become more important than ever.

These visits help catch early signs of illness, ease discomfort, and give us the chance to plan ahead, all with the goal of keeping them feeling well and supported through their later years.

It’s one of the kindest and most caring things we can do for them.

28/05/2026

25/05/2026

Sunset Vets is now supporting families in Bundaberg 🐾💙

We are so pleased to officially announce that Sunset Vets is now offering compassionate in-home palliative and end of life care services throughout Bundaberg and the surrounding Wide Bay region.

As pets grow older or begin living with complex or life-limiting conditions, many families are looking for guidance, support, and care that allows their pet to remain comfortable in the place they know best, home.

Leading this care in the region is our lovely Dr Naomi, who has a special interest in geriatric medicine, palliative care, and veterinary behaviour. Dr Naomi is passionate about helping senior pets maintain comfort and quality of life, while supporting families through the changes that can come with ageing and illness.

Through in-home consultations, families can access support with:

• Palliative and end-of-life care

• Quality-of-life discussions

• Comfort-focused treatment plans

• Guidance and support through difficult decisions

We know how important it is for families in regional communities to have access to compassionate veterinary support close to home, and we are incredibly proud to now be able to offer this care within the Bundaberg and Wide Bay community.

You can learn more about Dr Naomi and our Bundaberg services here:
https://sunsetvets.com.au/sunset-blog/senior-pet-care-in-bundaberg-meet-dr-naomi-your-in-home-vet/

23/05/2026

For many families, Quality of Life assessments can help bring gentle structure to what can otherwise feel overwhelming. They are not about reducing a pet’s life to a score, they are about helping families reflect on comfort, mobility, appetite, rest, enjoyment, and the small day-to-day changes that can sometimes be difficult to interpret.

A few important reminders:

• Looking at patterns over time is often more helpful than focusing on a single day

• Moments of happiness can still exist alongside discomfort or decline

• Emotional wellbeing matters just as much as physical health

• Caring for a much-loved pet can be emotionally exhausting, and your wellbeing matters too

• You do not have to navigate these thoughts and decisions alone

Sometimes, simply having a compassionate conversation with your veterinary team can help families feel more supported and more confident in understanding what their pet may be experiencing.

We also offer a free Quality of Life assessment worksheet that families can download and use at home to help guide these reflections and conversations: https://sunsetvets.com.au/resources/faqs/quality-of-life-assessment-worksheet/

Paying close attention to your pet’s comfort and wellbeing is an act of love, even when the questions feel difficult.