Quality of Life

When your companions grow older or you have received devastating news that your companion is terminally ill you may wish to assess their quality of life. There are several indicators that you should look out for –

Does your pet appear to be in pain?

Has there been a change in eating habits – eating more or less

Has there been a change in water intake – drinking more or less

Refusing treats or titbits

Have they lost weight – have they gained weight

Are they having difficulty eating – are they taking longer to eat

Sleeping more or less

Disturbed sleep – needing out for the toilet during the night or just restless

Finding different places to sleep than where they would usually sleep

Taking time to get comfortable

Are they interacting less with you

Are they spending more time alone?

Are they still playing with toys?

Do they still enjoy their walk?

Do they resist going out for a walk

Are they pacing around the room or from room to room?

Has their behaviour changed towards other dogs when outside

Do they still greet you in the same manner when you enter the home?

Are they still as mobile?

Has their posture or gait changed – a limp perhaps?

Are they licking at an area constantly?

Are they still grooming themselves?

Do they allow you to groom them?

Have you noticed a change in their eyesight (including a blue or cloudy tinge)

Are they showing signs of being uncomfortable when they stand up, move or settle down?

Is their movement restricted in anyway?

Have you noticed a deterioration in their hearing?

Does your companion seem confused and alter their daily routine

Has there been a change in their toilet habits

Has there been a change in their stools

Are they urinating more frequently?

Are they having accidents in the house?

When was the last time your pet saw a vet?

As pet carers we need to remain vigilant at all times when assessing the health of our pets as they can be exceptionally good at hiding pain.  You may want to monitor your pet over a few days, but you should always consult your Vet if you think your pet is in pain or their quality of life is deteriorating. Just because a dog is wagging its tail is not an indication of quality of life.