As dogs live longer thanks to improved veterinary care, managing the welfare of aging dogs through their senior years and at the end of life requires proactive monitoring and honest quality-of-life assessment.
The welfare of aging dogs requires a shift from reactive to proactive management. Conditions including arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, dental disease, and cancer become increasingly prevalent with age; their progressive nature means waiting for obvious clinical signs before intervening delays welfare improvement. Quality-of-life assessment tools help owners and vets make informed decisions about treatment and, ultimately, about whether euthanasia is the most welfare-protective option available.