How to Assess Your Pet’s Quality of Life: A Guide for Pet Owners
As a pet owner, you want your furry friend to live a long, happy, and healthy life. However, pets age much more rapidly than humans and may develop age-related health issues that impact their quality of life. Assessing your aging pet’s quality of life can help you make difficult decisions about their care, including end-of-life decisions. This guide will help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life.
Look for Changes in Behavior and Activity Level
One of the first signs that your pet’s quality of life is declining is a change in their normal behavior and activity patterns. For example, a once active dog that loved long walks but now has little interest in exercise could indicate compromised physical abilities. A cat that no longer jumps up to their favorite window perch may have developing arthritis. And a pet that seems more withdrawn or less eager to greet you may be experiencing cognitive decline or chronic pain. Take note of any behavioral shifts that last more than a few days.
Monitor Their Eating and Drinking Habits
Appetite loss in pets is a warning sign that something is medically wrong. An aging pet that stops eating or begins losing weight rapidly warrants a veterinary exam to diagnose the cause. Increased drinking and urination can also signal kidney problems or diabetes. Make sure fresh water is always available and watch for significant changes in drinking habits as well. Measure their food at each meal to track daily intake.
Assess Personal Hygiene and Grooming
Neglecting personal hygiene is a clue that your pet isn’t feeling up to their normal self-care routine. A messy or matted coat, overgrown nails, red and irritated skin, and strong odors can indicate that your pet is having trouble grooming themselves properly. This may be due to declining flexibility and mobility or a sign of depression. Gently brush and bathe them more frequently to keep their coat clean and comfortable. Checking teeth and gum health is important too.
Evaluate Interactions with Family and Other Pets
Take note of how your pet interacts with family members and other household pets. Do they still seem interested in playing, getting petted or sitting next to family? Or have they become indifferent or withdrawn from social interaction? Aggression that comes on suddenly may indicate that your pet is in pain or feeling irritable due to illness. Monitor relationships to ensure your pet is still capable of enjoyable interactions with their family and environment.
Keep Track of Chronic Illnesses and Medications
Managing medications and vet care for an aging pet with chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, cancer or kidney disease takes diligence. Monitor their response to treatments and watch for side effects of medications that may impact quality of life, like diarrhea, vomiting or loss of appetite. Discuss adding or switching therapies with your vet if your pet seems to be experiencing more bad days than good. Make sure you understand dosage and timing to properly administer all medications.
Consider Mobility Issues and Incontinence
Difficulty standing up, walking, climbing stairs, or jumping are signs of compromised mobility and discomfort that should be addressed. Medications, supplements, orthopedic beds, ramps, physical therapy or acupuncture may help. Urinary and fecal incontinence can greatly reduce a pet’s quality of life. There are treatments, diapers and doggie wheelchairs that may minimize embarrassment and mess until the underlying condition can be determined. These are solvable problems so don’t immediately assume incontinence means it’s time to make end-of-life decisions.
Talk to Your Vet About Pain Level and Quality of Life
If your pet is displaying multiple symptoms of decline, have an open discussion with your veterinarian about their pain level and quality of life. There are standardized quality of life scales vets use to objectively assess and score indicators in five categories: hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility. Together you can determine if palliative care, treatment adjustments, or in-home euthanasia using a compassionate company like CodaPet is most appropriate to keep your pet comfortable at the end of their life. Focus on prioritizing comfort and dignity when treatment no longer restores an acceptable quality of life.
Assessing your aging pet’s quality of life may require some difficult observations. But being attuned to changes in their behavior, abilities and demeanor will help you make the best decisions for their wellbeing. With attentive care and love, you can ensure your pet’s final chapter is filled with more joy than suffering.