Pet Family Concerns

SCORE EACH ITEM ON A SCALE OF 0-2:

0 - I am not concerned at this time 
1 - There is some concern
2 - I am concerned about this

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE FOLLOWING THINGS:

RESULTS:

0-4: Your concerns are minimal at this time. You have either accepted the inevitable loss of your pet and understand what lies ahead, or have not yet given it much thought. If you have not considered these things, now is the time to begin evaluating your own concerns and limitations.

5-9: Your concerns are mounting. Begin your search for information by educating yourself on your pet's condition; it's the best way to ensure you are prepared for the emotional changes ahead.

10-16: A though you may not place much value on your own quality of life, your concerns about the changes in your pet are valid. Now is the time to prepare yourself and to build a support system around you. Veterinary guidance will help you prepare for the medical changes in your pet while counselors and other health professionals can begin helping you with anticipatory grief.

DISCUSS THE QUESTIONS BELOW, AND THE ENTIRE QUALITY-OF-LIFE SCALE, WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN

Below are some open-ended questions that assist gauge your family's time, emotional, and (when appropriate, financial) budgets:

1. Have you ever been through the loss of a pet before? If so, what was your experience (good or bad, and why)?
2. What do you hope the life expectancy of your pet will be? What do you think it will be?
3. What is the ideal situation you wish for your pet's end of life experience? (at home, pass away in her sleep, etc.)

Suggestions on using this quality-of-life scale:

1. Complete the scale at different times of the day, note circadian fluctuations in well-being. (We find most pets tend to do worse at night and better during the day.)
2. Request multiple members of the family complete the scale; compare observations.
3. Take periodic photos of your pet to help you remember their physical appearance.

Resources

1. AAHA AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, www.aahanet.org/Library/PainMg...