{"id":1835,"date":"2021-12-08T21:56:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-08T21:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/?p=1835"},"modified":"2021-12-08T21:56:00","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T21:56:00","slug":"when-to-consider-end-of-life-care-for-your-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/when-to-consider-end-of-life-care-for-your-pet\/","title":{"rendered":"When to Consider End-of-Life Care for Your Pet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The great circle of life is profoundly evident every time we say goodbye to a beloved pet, and for many pet owners, knowing when to choose humane pet euthanasia<\/a> is one of the most difficult decisions they ever have to make. As your pet progresses through her lifecycle, it\u2019s natural to wonder how you\u2019ll know when it\u2019s time to discuss pet end-of-life options with your veterinarian<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

As an emergency, 24-hour facility, Animal Medical Hospital & Urgent Care<\/a> has been there for pet parents faced with seeking end-of-life care for their dogs or cats. Sometimes the decision is clearer, as in the case of an unexpected, severe injury. Most of the time, however, our pets simply age or decline because of an illness\u2014and this can make the decision to choose pet euthanasia more complicated. We are always willing to answer your questions and provide as much information as you need to help you arrive at the decision that is best for you and your pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Your Pet has a Terminal Illness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your pet has been diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as heart disease<\/a> or cancer<\/a>, chances are your pet\u2019s doctor has already explained the long-term complications and signs of disease progression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, there is much more we can do to keep pets pain-free<\/a> and comfortable longer than in the past, and there is much more that you can do at home to manage your pet\u2019s serious medical condition<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since your pet\u2019s care likely includes regular doctor visits<\/a>, you can discuss your pet\u2019s declining health as needed and, ideally, consider ahead of time the point in your pet\u2019s disease progression when pet euthanasia<\/a> may become necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quality of Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether your pet is simply aging into her golden years<\/a> or battling an illness, knowing when it\u2019s time to say goodbye ultimately boils down to assessing your pet\u2019s quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Quality of Life Scale<\/a>, created by Dr. Alice Villalobos, can help you quantify your pet\u2019s quality of life by looking at several factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n