Quality of Life

If you're visiting this page, you've probably already made the decision that your pets life is near the end, and their quality of life is deteriorating. You know your pet best, you are the best judge of what their life is like at any given time.

Is now the right time for euthanasia?

Engagement

Has the level of their interaction with you changed? Are they less engaged in
general than they were before?
Has their behaviour or demeanour changed for the worse?
Do they show less enthusiasm for greeting people?
Are they less affectionate than before?

Pain

Is reduced eyesight or blindness diminishing their ability to get around?
Do they seem confused or are they showing simple signs of dementia (anger,
anxiety, etc)?
Has their hearing deteriorated? Are they mostly or completely deaf?
Are they more restless, pacing or unable to settle?
Have they lost a lot of weight?
Do they sometimes shake?

Body

Are they as mobile as they used to be (getting up, climbing or descending
stairs, etc)?
Do they still enjoy activity?
Are they avoiding one physical activity in particular (walking on a certain foot,
lying on one side)?
Do they groom themselves these days as much as they used to?
Do they limp or appear to be moving more stiffly?

Your feelings

Are you constantly worried about your pet?
Is your pet having more bad days than good?
Do you genuinely feel that your pet is happy?
Are you delaying putting your pet to sleep because you are worried about
what will happen?
Is your health affected by your pet’s condition?