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Tips for Monitoring Your Pet's Quality of Life

How Do I Know It Is Time To Say Goodbye?


            As our pets age or become ill, it can be difficult to know what they are feeling and when it may be time to consider euthanasia.  Pets cannot talk or advocate for themselves.  They cannot write or sign living wills or advanced directives.  Deciding end of life procedures falls to us, the pet owners, and this can be a daunting task.  So, how do we know when it is the right time to say goodbye? 

            There are several criteria that can be used to determine if a pet is still experiencing good quality of life or if he is suffering and experiencing a decline in meaningful life.   However, every case is different and it is always a very personal decision.   You need to be at peace in your heart with the decision, and most people will know when it is time to let their friend cross the Rainbow Bridge. 

Some things to consider:

1.  Is your pet in pain that cannot be improved or controlled with medication?  If your dog or cat is in constant pain that cannot be managed, he or she is suffering.  No one ever wants their faithful pet to suffer or to think about them being in chronic pain.  Unmanageable pain is a good indicator that it is time to let your friend go. 

2.  Does your pet still want to eat?  Loss of appetite is often, though not always, an indicator of serious illness or significant loss of quality of life.  Many dogs will progress from not wanting to eat their dog food but still eating dog treats, to refusing dog food and treats but still eating human food to not eating at all.  Cats may just refuse food altogether when they are critically ill. 

3. Is treatment for your pet improving quality of life, or just providing quantity or extension of life without enjoyment?  If your dog or cat can no longer do the things he or she enjoys, such as go for walks, play with toys or be happy to see you when you come home, then your pet is most likely no longer enjoying life.  Everyone can have a bad day and feel crummy, but, if the bad days start to outweigh the good, euthanasia should be strongly considered. 

4. Can your pet still get up and move around?  If your pet cannot get up on his own or cannot get up even with assistance, and spends nearly all his time lying in one spot, he may not have the best quality of life.  Failure to be able to get up to urinate and defecate can also be a problem. 

5.  If your pet has chronic, uncontrollable vomiting, diarrhea, significant dehydration or difficulty breathing, she is likely not feeling well at all, and it may be time. 

        I know from personal experience how heart-wrenching the decision is to euthanize a loving pet and best friend. If you need guidance on determining if it is time to say goodbye to your pet or question whether you made the right decision to euthanize a pet, please let us know.  Our doctors and nurses can walk you through it to make the best decision for your pet and your family.  We also hold periodic pet loss support groups with a certified therapist for those who want to talk about their feelings of grief and loss or need help dealing with the loss of their pet. These sessions are provided at no charge and are open to the community.  The next pet loss support group will be held at Patton Veterinary Hospital on May 1st at 1PM (please register by phone to Tiffany Ayres or Wendy Fisher).

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities. 

Sources:  The Rule of Five Good Things”: Pick the top five things that your pet loves to do. Write them down. When he or she can no longer do three or more of them, quality of life has been impacted to a level where many veterinarians would recommend euthanasia.  Vetstreet.com

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