Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years. Navigating diagnosis, treatment decisions, and end-of-life care with a welfare focus significantly affects quality of life.
A cancer diagnosis in a dog triggers complex decisions that are fundamentally welfare questions: what treatment best serves this individual dog's quality of life? Aggressive curative treatment may extend lifespan but involves significant welfare costs from procedures and side effects. Palliative care focused on comfort can provide high-quality life for its remaining duration without the burdens of treatment. There is no universal right answer — the calculus depends on the cancer type, prognosis, the dog's resilience, and owner capacity for intensive care. Central to all decisions should be honest, regular assessment of the dog's quality of life using validated tools, and willingness to choose euthanasia before suffering becomes irreversible. Veterinary oncologists can help frame treatment decisions within a welfare framework.