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Making the Hardest Decision: Understanding Quality of Life, Euthanasia, and “A Good Death”
- k9HS - Carlos
- Apr 5
- 6 min read
Hello hello, Pet Parents. Carlos here.
One of the most difficult parts of being a pet parent is facing the reality that our beloved dogs don’t live as long as we do. When our pups reach their senior years or face serious illness, we often struggle with knowing when the right time is to say goodbye.
Deciding on euthanasia is never easy, but understanding quality of life and what makes “a good death” can help you make a compassionate, informed choice for your dog.
1. What Is Quality of Life? Making the Hardest Decision: Understanding Quality of Life, Euthanasia
Quality of life isn’t just about whether a dog is alive—it’s about whether they are living well. While every dog is different, there are common signs that can help us assess their overall well-being.
Veterinarians often use a Quality of Life Scale to help pet parents evaluate their dog’s condition.
The most widely used tools are the Quality of Life Scale (HHHHHMM Scale), and Lap of Love’s Quality of Life Scale, which allows pet parents to track their dog’s well-being over time. You can find it here:🔗 Lap of Love’s Quality of Life Scale: https://www.lapoflove.com/Quality-of-Life/Quality-of-Life-Scoring-Tool
Lap of Love’s Quality of Life Scale – Key Areas to Assess
👉 How to Use It:
Track scores daily or weekly to observe patterns.
If your dog is consistently scoring low, it may be time to discuss euthanasia with your veterinarian.
If your dog’s bad days start to outweigh the good, making the decision earlier rather than later can prevent unnecessary suffering.
Category | Questions to Ask | Scoring (1-10) |
Hurt | Is my dog in pain that can’t be managed with medication? | 1 (severe pain) → 10 (pain-free) |
Hunger | Is my dog still interested in food? Are they losing weight despite eating? | 1 (not eating) → 10 (normal appetite) |
Hydration | Is my dog drinking enough water? Are they dehydrated despite my efforts? | 1 (severely dehydrated) → 10 (well-hydrated) |
Hygiene | Can my dog groom themselves or stay clean? Are they experiencing incontinence that causes distress? | 1 (dirty/discomfort) → 10 (clean/comfortable) |
Happiness | Does my dog still enjoy things they once loved? Do they engage with me and their surroundings? | 1 (withdrawn) → 10 (joyful/engaged) |
Mobility | Can my dog move without excessive struggle or pain? | 1 (unable to move) → 10 (mobile/comfortable) |
More Good Days Than Bad | Are the good days outnumbering the bad, or is my dog struggling more often than not? | 1 (mostly bad days) → 10 (more good than bad) |
Quality of Life Scale (HHHHHMM Scale) – Key Areas to Assess
Veterinarians often use a Quality of Life Scale (also called the HHHHHMM Scale) to help pet parents evaluate their dog’s condition.
Quality of Life Scale (HHHHHMM) | Questions to Ask |
Hurt | Is my dog in pain that can’t be managed with medication? Are they struggling to move comfortably? |
Hunger | Is my dog still interested in food? Are they losing weight despite eating? |
Hydration | Is my dog drinking enough water? Are they dehydrated despite my efforts? |
Hygiene | Can my dog groom themselves or stay clean? Are they experiencing incontinence that causes distress? |
Happiness | Does my dog still enjoy things they once loved? Do they engage with me and their surroundings? |
Mobility | Can my dog move around without excessive struggle or pain? Are they able to stand, walk, or change positions? |
More Good Days Than Bad | Are the good days outnumbering the bad, or is my dog struggling more often than not? |
If you’re answering “no” to most of these questions, it may be time to consider consulting with your veterinarian about end-of-life care and euthanasia options.
Source: Dr. Alice Villalobos, DVM, developed the HHHHHMM Scale to help pet parents objectively assess their pet’s quality of life.
2. What Is Euthanasia? Making the Hardest Decision: Understanding Quality of Life, Euthanasia
Euthanasia, also called “a good death”, is a humane and peaceful way to end a dog’s suffering when their quality of life declines beyond what can be managed.
The process is:
✅ Painless – Veterinarians use medications that gently put your dog into a deep sleep before stopping their heart.
✅ Peaceful – Your dog does not feel fear or distress. They simply drift into unconsciousness.
✅ Loving – Most veterinarians allow you to be present, holding or comforting your dog in their final moments.
3. How Do You Know When It’s Time?
Every pet parent hopes their dog will pass peacefully in their sleep, but most dogs need help at the end of their journey. Signs that it may be time include:
Chronic pain that no longer responds to medication.
Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing.
No longer eating or drinking without intervention.
Frequent accidents due to incontinence, leading to distress.
Withdrawal or depression—your dog no longer engages with their surroundings.
More bad days than good.
Pro Tip: Keep a daily log of your dog’s quality of life scores. A sudden decline can help confirm when the time is right. Making the Hardest Decision: Understanding Quality of Life, Euthanasia
4. At-Home Euthanasia vs. Vet Clinic Euthanasia
✅ At-Home Euthanasia:
Less stressful for the dog.
Allows the entire family to be present.
Feels more private and personal.
✅ Vet Clinic Euthanasia:
Readily available and often more affordable.
Quick access to medical support if needed.
Vets are trained to provide comfort for both dogs and pet parents.
💡 Either option is a valid and compassionate choice. Talk with your vet to see what’s best for you and your dog.
5. Saying Goodbye: What to Expect
The euthanasia process is designed to be gentle, pain-free, and peaceful:
1️⃣ The Sedation – Your vet will administer a sedative to help your dog relax and fall into a deep sleep.
2️⃣ Final Injection – A second injection stops the heart painlessly, allowing your dog to pass peacefully.
3️⃣ Time to Say Goodbye – You’ll have time to hold, comfort, and say your final goodbyes.
6. What Happens After?
After your dog has passed, you’ll have several options:
Private cremation – Your dog’s ashes will be returned to you.
Communal cremation – Your dog is cremated with other pets, and ashes are not returned.
Home burial (if allowed in your area).
Pet cemeteries and memorial services.
💡 Many pet parents choose to keep paw prints, fur clippings, or memorial stones to honor their dog’s memory.
4. The Guilt and the Grief
One of the hardest parts of euthanasia is the guilt that often follows. Many pet parents wonder:
❓ Am I making this decision too soon?
❓ What if they have one more good day left?
❓ What if I’m just not ready?
Here’s something important to remember: It is better to let your dog go one week too early than one day too late.
A peaceful passing before suffering becomes unbearable is the kindest gift you can give. Choosing euthanasia does not mean you’re failing your dog—it means you love them enough to prevent unnecessary pain.
💔 Grief is natural and expected. Losing a beloved dog is heartbreaking, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve. Surround yourself with support, whether from friends, family, or pet loss support groups.
🐾 You gave your dog a lifetime of love. Helping them pass with dignity is the final act of love you can offer.
7. Final Thoughts: A Love That Never Ends
Pet parents, making the decision to say goodbye is one of the hardest and most selfless acts of love you’ll ever face. It’s okay to grieve, to question, and to feel a mix of emotions.
But remember this: Your dog has never doubted your love. From the moment they joined your life to their final breath, they have always known they were cherished.
💛 “A good death” is one that is peaceful, free of suffering, and surrounded by love. When the time comes, you won’t be alone—you’ll have the love of your dog, your memories together, and a community that understands your loss.
If you’re facing this difficult decision, please know that I’m here for you. You’re not alone, and your love for your dog will always live on.
Carlos F. Morales - CDBC | CPDT-KA
Carlos is head trainer at Canine High School in Long Beach CA, a force-free Puppy School and Dog School. He is responsible for creating the School's Dog Training System, Curriculum and Philosophy. In addition to educating his canine students and their human parents, he runs a teaching school that offers apprenticeship and internship programs for aspiring professional dog trainers. He is a Certified Mentor Trainer for several dog training schools and holds certifications with the IAABC and the CCPDT. He lives in Long Beach CA in a little house by the beach with his human, his three dogs GoGo, Kiba, Choji and a sassy cat, Habibti.
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