End-of-life care for dogs — including palliative care, pain management, and euthanasia decisions — is one of the most significant welfare responsibilities of dog ownership.
End-of-life welfare for dogs depends on the ability of owners and veterinarians to recognise declining quality of life and act in the dog's interest. The difficulty of euthanasia decisions means many dogs spend their final weeks or months in pain, confusion, or distress rather than receiving timely relief. Quality of life scales provide objective frameworks for discussion. Proactive conversations between owners and vets about end-of-life wishes — including euthanasia thresholds — while dogs are still healthy allow clearer decision-making when the time comes. A peaceful, timely death is one of the most important welfare gifts an owner can give.