Quality of Life
We understand that saying goodbye to your pet is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever have to make, and we hope that this assessment provides some comfort and reassurance in your situation.
Quality of Life
If saying goodbye at home in a calm and peaceful manner is one of your priorities, the decision may require some planning and be more of a leap of faith. QOL is made up of physical parameters, as well as social and emotional parameters. Our Veterinarians are here to help guide you in this difficult time.
This visit is valuable for families who simply need time and space to address the current quality of life concerns. We will discuss the expected changes that may occur due to your pet’s condition or illness and how to monitor them by providing you with tools to help arrive more clearly at an end-of-life decision. We will discuss how the end-of-life process occurs and any questions or concerns you may have related to this topic.
How can I tell if my pet is in pain, and what is the quality of life for my pet?
- Mobility
Is your pet able to stand on its own? Do you notice your pet having difficulty rising or moving when he or she is in pain? Do they have the ability to lie down comfortably or do they simply fall to the floor? - Appetite and Drinking
What is their appetite like? Do they eat more or less than usual? Have you increased or decreased your water consumption? Have you had any episodes of vomiting or diarrhea? - Incontinence
Do they have faecal or urinary incontinence? Do they appear to be in a hurry to go outside, or do they need to go outside more frequently? Is it difficult for them to urinate or defecate? - Breathing
Is your pet having any respiratory problems? Do they tire more easily when they exercise? Is there any coughing or wheezing? - General Pain Level
Is there a “stressed” expression on their face? When they rise or move around, do they make any noises or groans? Do they tend to spend the majority of the day in one place and show a reluctance to move? Do they flinch when you show affection or act as if they don’t want to be petted? This is frequently a sign of discomfort caused by simply touching them. - Sleeping
Have your sleeping habits changed? Are they having difficulty sleeping at night or pacing during normal sleeping hours? When they wake up, do they appear confused or disoriented? - Happiness & Mental Acuity
Do they appear to be less responsive to activities that they would normally enjoy? Do they appear less alert or engaged when you arrive home? Are they perplexed about where they are in their usual surroundings? - Quality of Life
Is your pet experiencing more bad days than good? When their bad days outnumber their good days, their quality of life suffers. When this occurs, it is time to seriously consider in-home hospice or pet euthanasia.
Aftercare
We understand that every step in the final care and arrangements for your beloved pet is of the utmost importance in honoring the life, love, and bond you shared. Individual or communal cremation, personalized boxes, or urns, as well as burial services, is available through our trusted partners at Bubbling Wells. We are here to assist you in deciding what is suitable for your beloved friend and to support you through the process.
Veterinary Services
Below are all of the veterinary services we offer at Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital. If you have any questions regarding our services, please feel free to call us.