When trying to decide what your pet is trying to tell you, we often suggest that pet parents keep a diary of their pet’s day-to-day status. Often times, the days can start blending together. Some days they seem to rally, and other days they seem to struggle. It can make things really confusing. You may sometimes get the impression that your pet is doing fairly well overall, when in reality they are starting to suffer.
By keeping a log of information, you can objectively assess the situation and more clearly see when your pet is starting to have more bad days than good days. Feel free to download copies of this Quality of Life score sheet (PDF) to keep track of your pet’s overall condition.
Please keep in mind that animals instinctively hide their pain and suffering. They want to please their owners and keep them happy. This can make it very difficult for you to determine when it’s time. Some animals, despite their condition, will never stop eating. They may never appear to be in pain or suffering. So, using that end point to decide it’s time may mean that you never come to make that decision, or you may make that decision too late.
Please understand that the factors described on the scoresheet, and throughout the site, are general guidelines and there are no clear-cut answers. Try to look at the big picture, and only do those things that will help your pet toward better health and function, but nothing that prolongs a hopeless struggle. This takes both courage and compassion, because it may mean being faced with the brave but difficult decision to let go. Know that any time your decision is made in love, it is the right decision.