Pet Quality-of-Life Check

How this check works

The check looks at seven parts of daily life. Each part gets a score from 0 to 10. The highest total is 70.

The idea comes from the HHHHHMM quality-of-life scale. Dr Alice Villalobos, a vet who cares for pets with cancer, made this scale. The letters stand for Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More good days than bad. Her scale says a total over 35 means life quality is good enough to keep going with comfort care. The questions here are in our own simple words.

We also look at each part on its own. One very low score can matter a lot, even when the total looks fine. Pain and breathing matter most. So if comfort scores 3 or less, we suggest you talk to your vet this week.

Use it more than once

One check shows one moment. Many checks show a pattern. Try to:

• do the check once a week, on the same day
• have the same person do it, if you can
• print your notes each time and keep them together
• mark each day as good or bad in the 14-day log

Patterns help your vet see what is changing. They also help you trust what you see.

Looking after yourself

Watching a pet get older or sick is hard. Many people start to grieve before their pet has died. This is normal. It does not mean you love your pet less.

You do not have to decide anything today. Talk with your vet. Talk with people who knew your pet. It is fine to cry, and it is fine to ask for help.