How Do I Know When It’s Time?
Quality of Life Surveys
“Assessing Quality of Life and Making Difficult Decisions For Your Pet” by The Ohio State University
This is an excellent evaluation document for assessing how our beloved pets are doing and beginning to work through some of the difficult feelings this can evoke.
The best way to take this survey is with everyone involved in your companion’s care and/or in the home. Even older children and young adults can participate. Often more perspectives are very helpful as there tends to be one primary caregiver and decision maker and the insights of others in the home may be surprising and enlightening.
Difficult Decision & Conversations
Coda Pet has put together some excellent resources including a quality of life scale, dealing with anticipatory grief, information about making the decision when family members don’t agree, how to talk about the decision (and death) with family of all ages, and what to expect during and surrounding your appointment.
Is My Pet in Pain?
A very common question Dr. Ben gets from pet owners involves how to evaluate pain. Our companion animals are very good at hiding pain, and when we see them day-to-day it can be difficult to recognize changes that may indicate pain.
To help guide this recognition, there are many resources available.
For a good overview of “Recognizing Pain in Cats,” the American Animal Hospital Association has put together this resource; HERE.
“How to Assess Your Senior Pet’s Quality of Life” by AAHA is also helpful and contains multiple links to other questionnaires.
