Pet Loss

Mobility—Pets lose mobility as they age. This can often be accommodated, but if your pet can no longer sit or lie down without collapsing, cannot walk, cannot handle basic functions like squatting in a litter box, or if they growl or whimper if you attempt to move them, there is more concern about their quality of life.

Appetite—A pet that cannot eat or cannot consume enough food to be properly nourished or immediately regurgitates after eating may be experiencing loss of quality of life. If they have to be coaxed to take food or have difficulty chewing or swallowing, families have to consider if the quality of life is diminished.

Breathing—A pet that has lost the ability to breathe easily or comfortably may have significantly reduced quality of life.

Discomfort—Sometimes determining if a pet is in pain can be difficult but some signs to watch for include:

Lack of mobility

Hiding

Growling, hissing, or snapping when touched

Incontinence—Sometimes aging pets just need to get outside or to the litter box more frequently, but if an animal can no longer control when or where it urinates or defecates, it is not likely to be happy with the situation.

Mental capacity—Aging pets can become forgetful or confused but will often adapt. If the confusion becomes fear, there is more reason for concern.

Happiness—Knowing your pet’s normal behavior will help you determine if he or she is happy. When your pet no longer enjoys favorite toys, food, and attention from the family, he or she may not be finding joy in life anymore.

Response to treatment—If our efforts to treat a pet’s illness are more stressful to the pet than the condition itself, our treatments may be diminishing rather than enhancing the quality of life.