Pet Quality of Life Scale
When we decide to have a pet we take on a complex responsibility and covenant to protect and be there for them— in every way. The time may come when he or she grows sick or painful, and it is our duty to do what is best for them, despite the heartbreak and sorrow it may bring to us personally. Euthanasia is our last and most profound act of love and stewardship. In making that difficult decision we must step beyond our own feelings and do what is best for our beloved companions. And making the decision almost always comes down to quality of life.
Nobody wants to live forever. When we can also somehow put that into perspective for our dear animal companions, it makes a lot of new sense. They have their own strong sense of dignity, too. Unfortunately, that is too often overlooked.
One of the most common concerns we hear is that people worry if they have allowed the pet to suffer. Please know that there is no right or wrong answer, and our pets know that each decision we make is made only out of deep love for them and because we don't want them to suffer.
We hope this interactive scale will be helpful in providing an objective assessment of your pet's quality of life, when often we can be too emotionally involved and subjective to make a clear decision. You can save the score over several days to see changes, or print the results.
This scale is based on the HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale created by veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos. You'll score seven parts of your pet's daily life: hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and good days versus bad days. A total over 35 out of 70 generally means quality of life is still acceptable. A total under 35 is a sign it may be time to talk with us or your veterinarian about comfort care or euthanasia.
How to use this scale: for each category, tap the number from 1 to 10 that best describes your pet today. Your total adds up as you go.
Nothing you enter here is sent to us. It stays on this device only.
Hurt
Adequate pain control and breathing ability is of top concern. Trouble breathing outweighs all concerns. Is your pet’s pain well managed? Can they breathe properly? Are you seeing them panting, having labored breathing or shallow, rapid breathing? Do they have a difficult time settling, or seem restless?
Hunger
Is your pet eating enough? Does hand feeding help? Does appetite come and go? Are you able to entice them with different foods? Have they lost interest in food?
Hydration
Is your pet dehydrated? For pets not drinking enough water, mixing water in with food, feeding broths or giving subcutaneous fluids can help supplement fluid intake.
Hygiene
Is your pet keeping themselves clean? If not, you can help with brushing and cleaning them, particularly after eliminations. Avoid pressure sores with soft bedding and keep all wounds clean. Keeping nails short can help with mobility.
Happiness
Does your pet express joy and interest? Are they responsive to family, toys, walks, etc.? Do you feel that they are depressed, lonely, anxious, bored or afraid? Are they actively enjoying life?
Mobility
Can your pet get up without assistance? Do they need human or mechanical help (for example, a cart)? Does your pet feel like going for a walk? Are they having seizures or stumbling? Do they seem uncoordinated, or are they dragging their feet?
Good days vs. bad days
When bad days outnumber good days, quality of life might be too compromised. When a healthy human-animal bond is no longer possible, the caregiver must be made aware that the end is near. The decision for euthanasia needs to be made if the pet is suffering. If death comes peacefully and painlessly at home, that is okay.