You will go above and beyond for your dog without a second thought. When your pet gets diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, you’re responsible for making critical decisions in the shortest amount of time while educating yourself about the disease and needing to show up for your dog in brand new ways. The emotional and physical demands of caregiving can strain even the strongest owners, and the overwhelm can sneak up on you.
Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can happen when you dedicate all of your time and energy to managing the health and safety of someone else and neglect taking care of yourself. This can significantly affect your ability to fulfill your responsibilities.
Burnout is like a candle that has run out of wick — it no longer has what it needs to continue providing light.
A study performed on veterinary clients showed that 44% of responders with sick animals showed caregiver burden, displaying symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress and overall lower quality of life. It also identified risk factors, including low sense of control, poor social support, and inadequate coping skills.
The signs will manifest differently in every person, but they can mostly show as:
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Feeling overly anxious or worrying all the time.
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Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
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Having frequent headaches or other pains or health problems.
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Emotional and physical exhaustion.
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Withdrawal from friends, family, and other loved ones.
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Feeling negative, hopeless, and helpless.
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Changes in appetite and/or weight.
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Changes in sleep patterns.
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Unable to concentrate.
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Irritability, frustration, or anger toward others.
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Feelings of ineffectiveness
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Negative thinking
Going through this illness with your dog will naturally bring up many of the manifestations listed – but it’s when they begin to feel uncontrollable or start to eclipse all parts of your life that can drain you.
Understanding Where It Comes From
Mary Beth Spitznagel, the study’s author, explained: “When we see a burdened caregiver, oftentimes the burden is kind of the constant problem solving because new problems are always emerging when you are caring for someone who is sick.”
Susan Cohen, a support group facilitator at the ASPCA, explains how pet owners constantly try to figure out whether their pet is getting worse or better— navigating it all without a proper support system.
The study showed that the poor sense of control and response to problems in owners caused a spike in veterinary consultation for emotional support and advice. It also showed that following new rules and routines for managing treatment for the condition was challenging for the respondents.
Self-Care for the Caregiver
Identifying, treating, and preventing caregiver burden is crucial because your pet depends on you, and you cannot care for them without first caring for yourself.
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The first thing you need to do is give yourself the same grace you’ll give to anyone in your position. Allow yourself to realize you are frustrated that your dog is dealing with a terminal illness. You are not angry with your dog for requiring care.
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Focus on what you can do to dissipate some of the uncertainty hemangiosarcoma carries. Collaborate on your pet’s care plan, and speak up when a prescribed plan becomes too complex.
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If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering whether you’re experiencing caregiver burden, you can search for the ZBI Questionnaire for Pet Caregivers to assess your levels. You can fill it out yourself as a guide, or, even better, ask your veterinarian to guide you.
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Seek knowledge from the right sources. Education is a necessary first step to feeling a sense of control in this situation, but avoid overwhelming yourself by reading everything and everyone you find online. Always fact-check with your veterinary team.
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Work on your problem-solving skills by identifying the problem you consider the greatest concern. How often does it happen? Develop a list of possible solutions (consult with your veterinarian if a change to your pet’s care plan is involved). Choose one, and stick with it long enough to assess if it has reduced the problem. If it hasn’t, on to the next. This is a method based on science!
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When dealing with a pet’s worsening symptoms, it can be helpful to reflect on the sources of your stress and emotions and to concentrate on the actions you can take in the situation. Interestingly, the study found that these factors were much more significant contributors to the caregivers’ burden than household income.
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Practice self-nurturing every day. Maintain your routine and activities you enjoy as much as possible. Prioritize eating well and doing what’s needed to get a good night’s sleep.
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Take a break (going to work doesn’t count!). If possible, leave your dog in good hands and spend some time away to recharge.
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Seek for others. If you have a strong support system – that’s great! But you may feel the need to connect with people who have been in your shoes and know your situation.
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Before you lose objectivity, establish limits on your pet’s care. Some owners set financial limits, while others focus on subjective quality-of-life measures. Stick to the criteria you select to ensure that you make the fairest and most humane decision for both your pet and yourself.
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Pause your caretaking duties and just be with your pet. Keep in mind that your dog is not aware of its illness. Stay in the moment, and enjoy the simplicity of spending time together.
Closing thoughts
If you’re reading this, it’s clear that you’re committed to being the best pet parent you can be, and you’re already doing so much for your beloved companion. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this journey—what matters most is what works for you and your dog. Trust yourself and know that, in your dog’s eyes, you are number one—far beyond any caregiver burden.
