When is it time?
Losing a cherished pet can be profoundly heartbreaking. The choice of when to say goodbye is among the toughest decisions you'll face concerning your pet. This decision is especially hard if your pet is elderly or battling ongoing health issues. Sometime while being together daily with our pets, we might not fully perceive the extent of our pet's declining condition. Although we naturally desire to maximize our pets' time with us, it's crucial not to extend their discomfort. Conducting a sincere assessment of your pet’s quality of life is essential for making a kind decision that prioritizes their well-being.
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If the goal is to allow our pets to pass away at home, in their sleep, surrounded by family -- the decision may need to be made before you're fully ready in order to avoid an emergency or decline.
Additional helpful outside resources to review are linked here.
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Veterinarian
The first resource you should turn to is your veterinarian; don't hesitate to seek their assistance. Your vet can offer valuable insights into your pet's medical condition and explain the likely progression over time. We can help be a resource as well through a telehealth visit.
Quality of Life Scales and Resources
​These scores can provide a clearer understanding of your pet’s condition. For chronic conditions, consider filling out a questionnaire weekly or monthly to track any trends. There are multiple resources online to review.
Personal Consultation with Vetcierge
For a more tailored approach, you can schedule a teleadvice consultation via telephone with Dr. Lavine or a more comprehensive house call visit for an exam and consult. These consultations include a review of your pets records and tailored recommendations. Please contact us below.