End-of-life decisions for companion dogs are among the most welfare-critical moments in veterinary care, requiring careful quality-of-life assessment and compassionate palliative support.
End-of-life welfare for companion dogs requires balancing the genuine welfare interests of the dog with the emotional needs of the owner. The welfare-centric principle — that euthanasia is appropriate when suffering cannot be adequately controlled — is now widely accepted in veterinary medicine. Delaying euthanasia to allow owners more time with their dog frequently results in prolonged suffering that serves owner needs rather than dog welfare. Validated quality-of-life tools provide structured, evidence-based frameworks for these difficult decisions. Good palliative care in the weeks before death — aggressive pain management, comfort-focused nutrition, environment optimisation — honours the dog's welfare while allowing owners time to prepare.