Is it time for euthanasia? Helping owners assess a pet's quality of life

Putting the complete burden on pet owners to decide when it is time to euthanize is not the being the best advocate for the pet or owner. Mary Gardner, DVM, co-founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice who spoke with us at a recent CVC, says you can help owners assess a pet's quality of life by considering three things: 1) What ailment is the pet facing? 2) What is the pet's personality-how does it handle pain or anxiety? 3) What are the owner's personal beliefs and budgets? "When you're helping an owner assess quality of life, you also have to discuss quality of death and when they want to make that decision," she says. Hear more: