Of all the issues we as senior dog parents deal with, quality of life is the most discussed and most confusing. Sometimes there is a bad test result and the answer is clear, but much of the time it’s not that straightforward, no one measure to let us know this is it.  

Assessing a Dog’s Quality of Life

Measuring the quality of life in a dog involves considering various key factors that can affect their well-being. These factors include physical health, emotional state, social interactions, and environmental conditions. Evaluating these aspects can provide insights into a dog’s overall happiness and fulfilment.

Physical Health

The physical health of a dog is a crucial component in determining their quality of life. Factors such as diet, exercise, and medical care play a significant role in maintaining a dog’s well-being. Monitoring their weight, energy levels, mobility, and overall physical condition can help assess their quality of life in terms of physical health.

Emotional Well-Being

A dog’s emotional well-being is equally important when measuring their quality of life. Observing their behavior, mood, and reactions to different situations can provide valuable information about their emotional state. Factors such as stress, anxiety, and boredom can impact a dog’s emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

Social Interactions

Social interactions also play a significant role in a dog’s quality of life. Dogs are social animals that thrive on companionship and human interaction. Assessing their relationships with other dogs, family members, and strangers can help gauge their social well-being and overall quality of life.

Environmental Conditions

The environment in which a dog lives can greatly influence their quality of life. Factors such as living space, access to outdoor areas, and exposure to stimuli can impact a dog’s well-being. Ensuring a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment for a dog is essential for maintaining their quality of life.

4 Ways to Help You Measure Quality of Life

1)Use a Calendar

In my FB group, I’ve seen many members share their tip about using a calendar. At the end of each day they write if it was a good day or a bad one for their dog, then look back over the previous 1-2 weeks. If the bad days outweigh the good, they know it’s time to say goodbye before all their days are bad.

2)List Their Favorite Things to Do

Make a list of some of your dog’s favorite things to do. When he’s no longer able to do most of them, it’s probably time to say goodbye.

3)Use a Quality of Life Scale

Dr Alice Villalobos, a veterinary oncologist, developed a quality of life scale called The HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale. The 5 H’s stand for Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene and Happiness. The two M’s stand for Mobility and More good days than bad.

Here are 3 others for you to check out:

Lap of Love  

Transitions 

Cinque Ports Vets (this has a questionnaire and a daily diary) 

4)Speak to Your Vet

If you feel like you’re approaching “the” decision or just need help gaining some clarity, have a chat with your vet. Every time I’ve been near that point, I’ve had a conversation with my trusted vet. Although the decision ultimately is ours to make, speaking to a professional can give us insight we don’t have.

My Experience Making a Quality of Life Decision

I had to make a quality of life decision once, and if I never have to do it again it will be way too soon! Over the years I have fostered and adopted several old dogs with some health issues. They were well cared for both by us and the vet, and we did all we could to ensure their quality of life was good. It was always clear when it was time to let them go, and as heartbreaking as it was, I never questioned our decision. I do not believe in allowing animals to “linger” or heaven forbid suffer, because it’s too hard to say goodbye.

A tough road with Josephine

Josephine was a deaf and mostly blind Shi Tzu we permanently fostered. It was the first time I was ever faced with a quality of life issue, and boy was that tough.

When we first brought her home she was able to see a bit, but about a year later, in a split second the lights went out for her and that’s when the hard times began.

Deaf and blind, conversations about ethics and quality of life starting cropping up, with no real answer.

I rely a lot on my vet to help me care for my animals, but I didn’t have that “great vet” at the time. As she developed more and more issues, I struggled. When she was diagnosed with diabetes and I needed to give her insulin shots, it became a constant source of worry and anxiety for me.

It wasn’t so much the shots that were the problem, it was that she would cry a little when I gave them to her. The poor thing had no idea what was going on and that broke my heart.

I took her to the vet and we had “the” conversation. I have said goodbye to many animals, but it was the first time the decision came down to quality of life. All her issues were manageable, but it was a question of whether or not it was right.

I ended up putting her down that day, but I never felt completely at peace. Did I wait too long? Should I have waited longer? When I look back I’m sad I didn’t do it sooner, but in these types of cases it can be so difficult to know when. What do you do, look at a calendar and pick a date? Although my vet was nice (I had to go through 9 when I moved to Florida to find him!), we never had that bond I’ve had before which made that whole process very unsettling for me.

We said goodbye to Jack March 2023. It was heart wrenching as it always is. He died from kidney disease, and the decision was clear because of his blood test results.

Conclusion

Measuring the quality of life in a dog requires a holistic approach that considers their physical health, emotional well-being, social interactions, and environmental conditions. By evaluating these key factors, dog parents can gain valuable insights into their dog’s overall happiness and well-being.

It’s also very important to mention, when you know in your heart it’s time to say goodbye, you have to gather all the strength you have and let your dog go.

I don’t say this lightly. I’ve had to say goodbye many times, and each time is just as heart wrenching. It never gets easier, but it’s part of the responsibilities we take on.

Of course we can’t imagine life without them, of course we’re scared of the pain and loss we’re going to experience, and none of us want to go back into an empty house.

The thing is, at the end of the day it’s never about us. We will deal with the grief later, but in the meantime all that matters is that we do what’s best for them…and that is the greatest gift of love we can ever give.

 

I’m excited to announce my new Senior Dog Care Support Service.

I offer 1:1 support on everything from health & wellness advice and training tips, to preparing to say goodbye and grief counselling. You can find details on all the packages I offer by visiting the Senior Dog Care Support Service page. If you have any questions or would like to book your FREE 15 minute chat, please email hpearson141@gmail.com