As beloved pets approach their twilight years, owners must take stock of their health and comfort. It can be difficult to objectively determine the quality of your pet’s life on your own. Before you begin to consider pet euthanasia, having a quality of life exam may shed light on how much comfortable life your pet has yet to live. The following guide explains what every owner of a senior pet should know about these consultations.

What to Know About Quality of Life Consultations

What Is a Quality of Life Exam?

This appointment involves a thorough examination of your pet’s current and past health along with a sincere discussion about pet euthanasia. This is most often completed by a veterinarian. When a senior pet is nearing the end of their life, you might need a professional opinion to determine if it is time to make the transition. On the other hand, they may have more life to live than you originally thought. The ultimate purpose of the consultation is to lay out all of your options and work with you to decide when the time is right.

What Do Veterinarians Look For?

One of the first qualities veterinarians look at is pain. If your pet is experiencing chronic pain and has difficulty completing basic necessary functions like eating, walking, or going to the bathroom, their debilitating health may only get worse.

Your pet’s history of disease and health issues will also be important factors. Persistent terminal illnesses can weaken your pet over time, and putting them to sleep might be the most painless and humane option. The vet will likely ask you what your pet’s day-to-day life is like. Have there been many recent changes? Does your pet still express joy, excitement, or contentment? If they seem to have more happy, enjoyable days than bad, they might have a little more time ahead of them.

Does Your Pet Need This Exam?

This examination can be helpful for anyone with a senior pet. You may have doubts about your pet’s health, comfort, and happiness, and a consultation with animal care experts can help clear your mind and offer valuable perspective. Even if you decide to postpone the pet euthanasia appointment, your veterinarian can prescribe medications, suggest treatments, and give you tips and resources for taking care of your companion during their final days. With support and guidance, you can give your pet a peaceful goodbye at just the right time.

When you’re making such a difficult decision, you and your companion deserve compassionate senior pet services from Sweet Dreams In-Home Pet Euthanasia. This clinic provides pet hospice and respectful euthanasia services to families in the North Metro Atlanta, GA, area. Their licensed veterinarian and vet technicians offer the option to schedule a special examination to ensure your companion has lived the longest life they can before the step of pet euthanasia is taken. With in-home consultations, exams are much more convenient for pets that have trouble making it to the vet’s office. Learn more about their services online. To schedule a quality of life exam for your pet, call (770) 880-1596 today.