The Role of Your Veterinarian: Making Informed Decisions

As I/we continue to explore the theme of “How to Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to a Pet,” we turn to our community of skilled professionals. In cases such as people choosing plan-ahead services as well as when losing a friend is a total surprise, I get asked often about what to look for and/or what was missed. Perhaps this article might help craft your next conversation with your animal’s healthcare provider.

Part 2: The Role of Your Veterinarian

When facing the difficult decision of saying “goodbye” to a beloved companion animal, your veterinarian is one of your most important allies. They have the medical knowledge and experience to help guide you through the process, but it’s crucial to come prepared for open and honest discussions. Understanding how to communicate effectively with your vet can help you make informed, compassionate choices for your pet’s well-being.

Preparing for the Conversation

Emotions often run high when discussing end-of-life care, so taking notes beforehand can help you stay focused. Consider writing down your pet’s recent behaviors, appetite changes, and mobility issues. Bring a list of specific concerns and observations about your animal; this will allow your veterinarian to assess your pet’s quality of life more thoroughly. Most vets are tuned-in to animals as well as they can be, but you see your animal everyday: this gives you a great opportunity to observe behavior out of the ordinary and share it with your medical professional.

Key Questions to Ask

To gain clarity on your pet’s condition and options, ask direct questions such as:

• What is my pet’s prognosis with or without treatment?

• Will treatment improve their quality of life, or just extend it?

• What (other) signs of pain or discomfort should I watch for?

• What palliative care options are available if I choose not to pursue treatment?

Understanding the realistic outcomes of different choices can help you feel more confident in your decision.

Decoding Veterinary Terminology

Medical terminology can sometimes be overwhelming, but don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Terms like “palliative care” (comfort-focused treatment), “prognosis” (expected disease outcome), and “euthanasia” (a humane end-of-life option) should be discussed in a way that you fully understand. If needed, ask your veterinarian to explain in simpler terms or provide written resources.

By working closely with your vet and staying informed, you can ensure that your pet receives compassionate care in their final days, making the process a little easier for both of you.

References

• American Veterinary Medical Association. (2020). Hospice and palliative care for pets. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 256(5), 555-567.

• McMillan, F. D. (2019). Quality of life assessment in companion animals: A review of the literature. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 33(2), 456-467.

• O’Neill, D. G., Church, D. B., McGreevy, P. D., Thomson, P. C., & Brodbelt, D. C. (2019). Approaching end-of-life decision-making for pets. Veterinary Record, 185(9), 269-273.