Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years. Welfare-centered oncology balances treatment effectiveness with quality of life, ensuring dogs are not subjected to suffering without meaningful benefit.
Canine cancer welfare requires veterinarians and owners to navigate the tension between extending life and maintaining quality of life. Unlike human oncology, where aggressive treatment is typically pursued regardless of side effect burden, veterinary oncology should be guided by the principle that treatment is justified only when its benefits to the animal's quality of life outweigh its burdens. Dogs cannot consent to or understand treatment; their welfare interests must be represented by informed, caring owners supported by honest veterinary guidance. Pain management in cancer dogs is a welfare priority: undertreated pain causes unnecessary suffering that undermines any quality of life benefit from anti-cancer treatment. Timely, compassionate euthanasia is not a failure but often the most loving final gift an owner can give.