In this video, I talk about an important but often difficult topic: evaluating your pet’s quality of life. When pets reach the later stages of life, it can be hard to know when the right time is to make compassionate decisions. I break down what “quality of life” really means—looking at a pet’s mentation, personality, mobility, appetite, and overall well-being.
One of the most helpful tools available for pet owners in this situation is a quality-of-life questionnaire. These assessments, developed by veterinary professionals, help take the emotional weight of decision-making and turn it into a more objective evaluation by assigning scores to different aspects of a pet’s life. If the score falls below a certain threshold, it may indicate that end-of-life care or humane euthanasia should be considered.
I also emphasize the importance of family discussions since different members may have varying perspectives based on their level of daily involvement with the pet. Having everyone complete a quality-of-life assessment can open up honest and informed conversations.
If you’re facing this difficult decision, I encourage you to visit the Resources tab in our menu, where we have links to quality-of-life questionnaires. These tools, along with guidance from your veterinarian, can help you make the best choice for your beloved pet.
Thank you! - Very good information....