End-of-life decisions for companion dogs are among the most difficult and important welfare decisions their owners face. Palliative care and timely euthanasia can prevent significant suffering in dogs' final days and weeks.
End-of-life welfare is one of the most direct expressions of the human-animal bond in companion animal care. The capacity to end suffering through timely euthanasia is a profound welfare gift that carries an obligation to use it when suffering outweighs quality of life — not to delay it beyond the animal's interest due to owner grief. Palliative care before euthanasia is appropriate and important, but must be distinguished from prolonging dying. Quality-of-life assessment tools provide structure for difficult conversations between owners and vets. The concept of a good death — peaceful, pain-free, in familiar surroundings with loved ones present — is achievable for companion dogs in a way that is not available for most humans, and represents one of the most important welfare advantages of veterinary medicine.