Saying goodbye to your canine companion for the very last time is every pet parent's worst nightmare. But often, the difficult decision to put a beloved dog to sleep is the hands of the owner.
A team of vets have put together a simple chart to help owners decide whether it is the right time to peacefully put their dog down and "minimise unnecessary suffering". The Ohio State University veterinary medical centre has created a linear scale with 26 points, ranging from strongly agree (all the time) to strongly disagree (never).
Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.
The chart combines physical and mental wellbeing to consider all aspects of a dog's life, from their favourite activities to sleep, symptoms and demeanour.
It ultimately decides whether the animal is healthy and happy enough to continue living, or whether it is fighting to survive each day.
"It is important to remember that all pets are different. What may be considered a poor quality of life for one may be different for another," the document explains.
A higher number on the chart equals a better quality of life. So, a very lower number would indicate that you may need to speak to a vet about your options.
As well as rating your dog's overall happiness on the scale, it suggests marking good and bad days on a calendar and writing a concrete list of three things your pet likes to do.
When your pet is no longer able to enjoy these things, and the bad days start to outweigh the good, it is time to discuss euthanasia.
The chart called 'How do I know when it's time?' includes the following statements, marked on a scale of one to five.
My pet...
- does not want to play
- does not respond to or does not interact with me in the same way as before
- does not enjoy the same activities as before
- is hiding
- demeanour/behaviour is not the same as it was prior to
- diagnosis/illness
- does not seem to enjoy life
- has more bad days than good days
- is sleeping more than usual
- seems dull and depressed
- seems to be or is experiencing pain
- is panting (even while resting)
- is trembling or shaking
- is vomiting and/or seems nauseous
- is not eating well (may only be eating treats or only if fed by hand)
- is not drinking well
- is losing weight
- is having diarrhoea often
- is not urinating well
- is not moving normally
- is not as active as normal
- does not move around as needed
- needs my help to move around normally
- is unable to keep self clean after soiling
- has coat that is greasy, matted or rough-looking
- How is my pet's overall health compared to the initial diagnosis/illness?
"This chart may help you to better visualise the general wellbeing of your pet," the document reads.
"In some cases, even one item on the left-hand side of the chart (for example: pain) may indicate a poor quality of life, even if many of the other items are still positive.
"Some items or symptoms on the list may be expected side effects of the treatments that your pet is undergoing.
"It is important to discuss these symptoms and side effects with your veterinarian."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
