Your pet’s quality of life is a key factor in deciding whether it is time to say goodbye. But what does quality of life mean for your cat or dog?
Quality of Life
For most people, the term ‘quality of life’ describes the standard of an individual’s life in terms of physical, mental and emotional health and well-being; family, education and employment; wealth, safety and security; religious beliefs, freedom, the environment and the ability to enjoy life’s normal abilities. The question is, what does this mean when speaking about pets?
What Does Quality of Life Mean for Pets?
Essentially, in terms of your pet, quality of life means your dog, cat, rabbit or other pet’s standard of health, comfort, happiness and, of course, his or her ability to enjoy the activities he/she has always enjoyed. Factors to consider when assessing your pet’s quality of life include, for example his/her:
Mobility – This is your pet’s ability to move around, get out of/into bed, go for regular walks, jump onto a favourite chair, sofa or bed and other normal daily activities.
Nutrition – This involves assessing your pet’s appetite, inclination to eat, food choices and regularity of eating, as well as his/her ability to enjoy his/her usual foods (including treats) in normal amounts.
Fluid Balance – This considers your pet’s hydration status and his/her inclination and ability to take in liquids via varying sources of fluids (i.e. is he/she able to drink or is it necessary to administer fluids another way?)
Attitude & Interaction – This, a so-called ‘happiness factor’, is concerned with your pet’s willingness and ability to participate in his/her usual lifelong habits like, for example, happily purring or barking, wagging his/her tail, greeting you enthusiastically when you come home, sleeping on your bed, etc.
Toilet Habits – This considers your pet’s ability to maintain regular toilet habits with the usual frequency & consistency and in appropriate places without discomfort, straining and/or pain.
Favourite Activities/Things – Measuring your pet’s uniqueness, this factor considers whether your pet still shows interest in his/her favourite activities and things, i.e. running around in the garden, going for walks, playing with a favourite toy, special tricks or “quirks” and so on.
If old age, illness or a serious injury significantly impairs your pet’s quality of life, the time to ‘let go’ and allow your pet to pass away in a peaceful, pain-free and comfortable manner may be drawing near. Our Pet’s Quality of Life Check/Score Chart can help you monitor your beloved pet’s quality of life on a daily/weekly basis and guide you in when to make this difficult decision.
Make an Appointment
If you believe the time to end your pet’s suffering/pain or poor quality of life may be upon you, give us a call or request a quality of life check appointment for your pet here and our experienced, caring vets will help you ensure you make the right, most loving choice neither too early nor too late and provide your pet with a comfortable, peaceful end in your home.