First, the End of Life Survey gives you a chance to update your dog’s health history and report any medical conditions that have arisen since your last update on either the Health and Life Experience Survey or the Annual Follow-Up Survey.
Second, the End of Life Survey asks specific questions about old age characteristics and medical signs and symptoms during the weeks preceding death, including whether or not the dog was seen by a veterinarian and given any diagnosis, prognosis, or medical care. There is also an opportunity for you to assess the factors that may have affected your dog’s quality of life in their final days.
Third, the End of Life Survey asks you to give detailed information about the cause of death and whether or not you decided to pursue euthanasia. As discussed by Dr. Moses in the post, Navigating End-of-Life Care and Decision Making:
The Dog Aging Project wants to understand how people come to a decision about euthanasia, and the team supports the decisions of dog owners, regardless of the path chosen, without judgment or reservation.
Finally, the End of Life Survey gives you an opportunity to share a written narrative of your dog’s final days. This can be a powerful way to process a very difficult experience.
NOTE: If you have previously uploaded veterinary electronic medical records, you will have the opportunity to update these records after the completion of the End of Life Survey.