“Quality of life, not just survival, should guide decisions at the end of a pet’s life.”
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This is a very difficult subject for a blog, but I feel it’s one of the most important things I can write about.
Deciding on the right time to let your much-loved pet go at the end of a wonderful life is something all of us find incredibly difficult – (and yes, that includes my family and me). Towards the end of my patients’ lives, my job as a vet often becomes one of providing palliative care. This means I assess pain levels, prescribe pain-killing and other drugs and offer care advice to help keep my patients happy and ensure they have a quality of life.
And of course, as a mobile vet, I’m in a great position to do this since I see your pets in their own home.
By observing my patients’ behaviour in their natural environment, I can tell a huge amount about their quality of life.
For example, if a dog pricks his ears and wags his tail when his owner walks in the room, and is excited when his owner offers him a tasty bowl of food, these are good signs that he is still enjoying life. These signs are hard to assess in a busy vet surgery.
He can’t be in pain because he’s not crying
Many owners tell me they don’t think their dog or cat is in pain because it isn’t crying out or whimpering. It’s important to realise that our pets often show pain by just withdrawing from life. For example, they might decide they don’t want to go for walks, they might stop eating their favourite foods, or they might simply stop the tail wags you get when you get home.
I think it’s also useful to know that pain isn’t the only factor in making the right decision. Some chronic diseases like kidney disease, result (in the later stages) in your pet feeling incredibly ill and sick all the time (like if you have food poisoning or the day after a really big night). When a pet feels like this all the time their quality of life is very poor.
“Pets often show pain by withdrawing from life, not by crying out.”
So when should we decide to let go?
I am a strong advocate for ensuring our pets’ quality of life is acceptable. For me, the gold standard and benchmark is no suffering at all, as our pets simply cannot consent to prolonged and traumatic palliative care.
But of course, we owe it to our pets and ourselves not to let them go too early and for them to miss out on quality time.
Often, the best way for us to make a decision is to try to take our emotional attachment out of the picture and look at our pet’s life purely from their point of view. Are they really happy most of the time? Are they engaged with life? Are they able to eat, drink and go to the toilet without pain? Are they still interested in their favourite things? Are they pleased to see you when you come home? If you keep answering No to these questions, you might need to think carefully about whether you’re doing the right thing by delaying the decision.
Don’t forget this is not a decision you have to make on your own. At VETaround, we’re here to help. We’re experts in the field, and by observing your pet carefully at home and chatting with you, we’ll help you make the right decision at a difficult time.
To learn more about how we look after your pet on his final day, please see this page on our website about pet euthanasia at home and if you have any questions, as always, we’re only a phone call away.
Key Takeaways
- Quality of life is the key factor
Decisions should be based on your pet’s comfort, engagement and overall well-being. - Pain is not always obvious
Pets often show pain through withdrawal rather than vocalisation. - Chronic illness can reduce quality of life
Some conditions cause ongoing discomfort even without visible pain. - Assessment is clearer at home
Observing behaviour in a familiar environment provides more accurate insight.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when it is time to consider euthanasia for my pet?
The decision is usually based on your pet’s quality of life rather than a single event. Signs such as loss of interest in food, reduced mobility and lack of engagement can indicate decline. Looking at your pet’s daily experience from their perspective can help guide the decision.
Can a pet be in pain even if they are not crying?
Yes, many pets do not vocalise pain. Instead, they may withdraw from activities they once enjoyed or become less responsive. Changes in behaviour are often a more reliable indicator than noise.
What are the signs my pet’s quality of life is declining?
Common signs include reduced appetite, reluctance to move, loss of interest in favourite activities and decreased interaction with family. These changes often develop gradually and should be considered together rather than in isolation.
How can a mobile vet help assess my pet’s condition?
A mobile vet can observe your pet in their normal home environment, where behaviour is more natural. This allows for a clearer understanding of comfort, mobility and engagement. It also provides an opportunity to discuss care options in a familiar setting.
Is pain the only reason to consider end-of-life care?
No, some chronic diseases can make pets feel consistently unwell even if pain is not obvious. Conditions that affect appetite, energy and overall comfort can significantly reduce quality of life. These factors are just as important to consider.
Do I have to make this decision on my own?
No, veterinary guidance is an important part of the process. A vet can assess your pet’s condition, discuss changes over time and help you evaluate the quality of life. This support can make a difficult decision more informed and balanced.