Interpreting the Results of a Quality of Life Assessment

The Quality of Life Assessment in Hospet is designed to help you track your pet’s well-being over time. Each category is scored individually, and if a category falls to 50% or lower, it indicates that supportive measures may be needed to improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life.

Below, we’ll walk you through what a low score in each category might mean and provide actionable steps to help support your pet.

Understanding Your Pet’s Scores

Each category is scored on a scale, and a 50% or lower rating suggests that intervention may be beneficial.

Keep in mind that a single low score doesn’t necessarily mean immediate action is required, but trends over time are important. Pets, like people, can have occasional off days where they seem more tired, less interested in food, or experience temporary discomfort. However, if a particular category—such as mobility or nourishment—continues to score low over time, it may indicate a larger issue that needs to be addressed. Regularly tracking your pet’s quality of life helps identify these patterns, allowing you to take supportive action before their well-being declines further.

Supportive Measures by Category

Behavior (Attitude)

Provide mental enrichment: Engage your pet with puzzle toys, new scents, or gentle play.
Modify the environment: Create safe, cozy spaces for resting away from noise.
Try alternative therapies: Consider calming supplements, aromatherapy, or music therapy.
Increase positive interactions: Spend quality time with gentle petting or soothing talk.

Discomfort

Consult a veterinarian: Adjust medications or explore pain management options.
Provide orthopedic support: Use memory foam beds or supportive harnesses.
Maintain warmth: Offer heating pads or warm blankets if they seem cold.
Track symptoms: Keep a pain diary to notice patterns and discuss them with your vet. If you are a Hospet premium user you can add a category to the Daily Ratings feature to better assist you in tracking

Nourishment

Enhance food appeal: Try warming up meals, offering softer textures, or hand-feeding.
Ensure hydration: Provide flavored water (like tuna juice or broth) to encourage drinking.
Monitor weight loss: Work with a vet on a nutrition plan with high-calorie options.
Address nausea: Ask about anti-nausea medications if vomiting is frequent.

Elimination

Ensure easy access: Use puppy pads, low-entry litter boxes, or more frequent potty breaks.
Monitor stool/urine changes: Keep track of patterns and inform your vet.
Consider dietary changes: A vet may recommend fiber adjustments for digestive health.
Provide cleanup support: Use pet wipes or sanitary trims to maintain hygiene.

Movement

Create slip-free surfaces: Add rugs or traction mats for stability.
Use mobility aids: Slings, ramps, or pet wheelchairs can help with movement.
Encourage gentle exercise: Short walks or hydrotherapy can maintain mobility.
Assist with standing: Provide supportive harnesses for lifting.

Hygiene

Help with grooming: Use pet wipes, dry shampoo, or schedule professional grooming.
Monitor for skin infections: Address matting, pressure sores, or excessive dirt buildup.
Adjust bedding: Use soft, moisture-wicking materials for comfort.
Keep paws clean: Check for debris, overgrown nails, or irritation.

Household

Seek emotional support: Connect with pet loss groups or counselors.
Balance responsibilities: Ask family or friends for help with caregiving.
Address financial strain: Look into assistance programs or lower-cost veterinary options.

Conclusion

Caring for a pet at the end of their life is a deeply emotional journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every small adjustment you make—whether improving their comfort, adapting their environment, or seeking additional support—can have a meaningful impact on their well-being. Remember, you are not alone in this process. Reach out to your veterinary team, support network, and trusted resources to help guide your decisions. Above all, be kind to yourself. The love and care you provide, even in difficult moments, is a testament to the bond you share with your pet.