10 Signs It Might Be Time for a Quality-of-Life Assessment

Every pet parent dreads the moment when they begin to wonder if their beloved companion is suffering. It’s one of the hardest questions to ask — “Is it time?” A quality-of-life assessment helps answer that question with compassion and medical insight, ensuring your pet’s comfort and dignity are always the priority.

At River Valley Gateway, our veterinary team offers professional in-home and virtual assessments to help you make informed, loving decisions for your furry family member.

1️⃣ Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits

If your pet is eating less, refusing treats, or drinking far more or less than usual, this can indicate pain, nausea, kidney or liver disease, or other chronic conditions. Track these changes and note duration — your vet will ask.

2️⃣ Difficulty Moving or Standing

Stiffness, limping, or trouble getting up after lying down often point to arthritis or joint disease. When movement becomes painful enough to limit daily joy — walks, play, greeting you — it may be time for a professional evaluation.

3️⃣ Chronic Pain or Restlessness

Whining, panting, pacing, or a sudden preference for isolation can signal discomfort. Pets rarely vocalize pain directly, so behaviour changes often speak loudest.

4️⃣ Loss of House Training

When a previously well-trained pet begins to urinate or defecate indoors, it can reflect declining mobility, confusion, or organ issues. Rather than frustration, see it as a medical clue.

5️⃣ Withdrawn or Unusual Behaviour

A once-social dog hiding in another room or a cat who no longer wants to be touched might be communicating distress. Behavioural shifts deserve medical attention.

6️⃣ Breathing Changes

Laboured breathing, persistent coughing, or wheezing can accompany heart or lung disease. Any change in breathing rhythm or effort should prompt immediate veterinary guidance.

7️⃣ Poor Coat Condition or Weight Changes

Sudden weight loss, dull coat, or neglect of grooming (especially in cats) suggest declining health or pain that prevents normal self-care.

8️⃣ Cognitive Decline (Disorientation or Confusion)

Senior pets may wander aimlessly, stare at walls, or appear lost in familiar spaces — signs of cognitive dysfunction. While progression varies, a vet can help manage symptoms and evaluate comfort.

9️⃣ More “Bad Days” Than Good

If you find yourself keeping track of your pet’s good versus bad days, you’re already performing an informal quality-of-life assessment. When bad days begin to outweigh the good consistently, it’s time to consult your vet.

🔟 You’re Unsure — and Your Heart Feels Heavy

Sometimes, there’s no single obvious sign — just a quiet knowing that your pet isn’t themselves anymore. If uncertainty is weighing on you, you don’t have to carry it alone. A compassionate quality-of-life consultation can provide clarity and peace of mind.

💬 What Happens During a Quality-of-Life Assessment

At River Valley Gateway, our veterinarians use structured scoring tools (like the HHHHHMM Scale — Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More Good Days than Bad) to evaluate your pet’s comfort level.

We consider pain, appetite, hydration, mobility, and overall happiness, and then discuss options with you — from palliative care to hospice or humane euthanasia — always respecting your wishes and your pet’s dignity.

💗 Closing: Compassionate Call-to-Action

If you’re noticing any of these signs, reach out. Our caring team can guide you through the next steps — whether that’s adjusting pain management, trying supportive therapies, or discussing end-of-life options.

Your love and advocacy are the greatest gifts you can offer your pet.

👉 Schedule a Quality-of-Life Assessment with River Valley Gateway