Quality of Life
Quality of Life
Quality-of-Life Wellbeing
Many pet parents are faced with making difficult end-of-life decisions for their pets. This decision may become necessary for the welfare of your pet and your family. It is important to address quality-of-life concerns for pets and people alike.
Some concerns include:
- Your pet has an illness or disease that requires more care than your family can give
- Your pet can no longer experience the things it once enjoyed, cannot respond to you in its usual ways, or appears to be experiencing more pain than pleasure
- Your pet is terminally ill or critically injured
- The financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means
The Five Freedoms
We believe that all cats and dogs should be provided the opportunity to live out their natural life spans in accordance with the Five Freedoms. We often use these freedoms to guide our decisions on humane euthanasia.
The Five Freedoms are:
- Freedom from hunger, thirst, and malnutrition.
- Freedom from physical and thermal discomfort.
- Freedom from fear and distress.
- Freedom from pain, injury, and disease.
- Freedom to express normal patterns of behavior as long as it does not cause injury to them or another species.
The Five Freedoms
We believe that all cats and dogs should be provided the opportunity to live out their natural life spans in accordance with the Five Freedoms. We often use these freedoms to guide our decisions on humane euthanasia.
The Five Freedoms are:
- Freedom from hunger, thirst, and malnutrition.
- Freedom from physical and thermal discomfort.
- Freedom from fear and distress.
- Freedom from pain, injury, and disease.
- Freedom to express normal patterns of behavior as long as it does not cause injury to them or another species.
Here For You
Our veterinarians understand the bond with your pet is important. They will help evaluate your pet’s condition, estimate their chances for recovery, and discuss any potential disabilities, special needs or long-term hardships. Ultimately, veterinarians cannot make this decision for you.
If you have any questions or concerns, our veterinarians are available for quality-of-life counseling.
Resources
Below are resources for identifying pain, cognitive dysfunction, and overall quality of life concerns. These can be helpful when determining if and when euthanasia is the right decision for your pet and your family.
Resources
Below are resources for identifying pain, cognitive dysfunction, and overall quality of life concerns. These can be helpful when determining if and when euthanasia is the right decision for your pet and your family.
