How Do You Know It's Time???

You’re so unsure...perhaps that’s an understatement. You know it’s time... but then you really don’t.   Are you making the right decision.  Perhaps you think you could never be sure. After all, it’s a life you’re taking into your own hands.  This is your pet, your fur baby, a beloved family member often times that you have raised from a puppy or kitten.  You have you raised, shared so much with, and adored unconditionally, and now it's time to let go. 

But how do you know it's time???

Euthanasia is often a blessing and gift to a suffering animal. That’s why this post is about YOUR decision, YOUR choice.  As your vet staff, we can help provide advise & guidance to the best of our ability, but the decision for euthanasia is ultimately in YOUR hands.  I will do my best in this article & also throughout this month to provide you with multiple resources, videos, etc to help you when that time comes...to be prepared...to know when it's time....to know grief will come...and what to expect. Because while it’s all about what’s best for your pet, your feelings count, too.

One of the tools some owners may use to help determine quality of life is by using a quiz like the one I have included below.  It is build for a feline, but you can easily use your imagination to use it for canines as well.  Most quality of life quizzes & charts are fairly self explanatory.  You rank your pet on a 0-10 scale for each category.  Over 5 scores are satisfactory, a total score under 35 usually means you should seek your veterinary clinic to discuss options or end of life discussions.  

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This chart is NOT all powerful.  Keep in mind, we have lots of treatment options available to improve quality of life!!  It may not be a fix, but it can buy you more quality time with your pet.  Make sure you have spoken with your veterinarian to explore ALL options available to you to improve your pet's quality of life.

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Below I have also included some videos from veterinarians discussing this exact topic in case you do not like the chart, or just want more advise.

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Don't forget...you can schedule a end-of-life consult with our clinic to discuss your pet & options with one of our capable doctors.  Please call our clinic to schedule.

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You know your pet best.  Trust your instincts, make sure you have explored your options to improve quality of life, & keep your veterinary staff informed.  If I had one thing for you take away from this article it is this....

Quality over quantity