Caring for a pet with a serious illness or nearing the end of their life can be heartbreaking and overwhelming. It can be hard to know how they’re truly feeling day to day. The HHHHHMM Scale is a simple way to check in on your pet’s comfort and happiness over time. The letters stand for: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More Good Days than Bad. It was developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos, a respected veterinary oncologist.
By giving each area a score from 1 to 10, you can create an overall picture of your pet’s quality of life. This can help you notice changes, make adjustments to their care, and have more informed conversations with your veterinary team about what’s best for your beloved companion.
If the score is high (35 or above)
Your pet’s score suggests they’re still finding joy and comfort in their days and that’s truly worth celebrating. As time goes on, their needs may shift, and a little extra support can help keep them feeling their best. Our Registered Veterinary Technologist, Kelly, has a special interest in quality of life care and can share thoughtful ideas to keep your beloved companion happy, comfortable, and connected to the things they love most.
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If the score is low (below 35)
Your pet’s score suggests they may be facing more challenges than joys right now and that can be so hard to see. You don’t have to carry this alone. Our Registered Veterinary Technologist, Kelly, offers gentle, compassionate guidance to help you find ways to bring comfort and peace to your pet. She can also walk alongside you in preparing for a loving, dignified goodbye when the time is right.
Click HERE to book a consultation with Kelly
Adapted by Villalobos, A.E., Quality of Life Scale Helps Make Final Call, VPN, 09/2004, for Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology Honoring the Human-Animal Bond, by Blackwell Publishing, Table 10.1, released 2006.