Cancer is common in dogs and treatment decisions must center quality of life. Understanding treatment options and their welfare implications enables informed compassionate decisions.
Cancer treatment decisions for dogs require centering quality of life rather than maximal lifespan extension. Dogs cannot consent to treatment or communicate the value they place on continued life versus freedom from treatment discomfort. Owners must balance the benefit of extended time with their dog against the burden of treatment side effects, repeated veterinary visits, and reduced quality of life during treatment. Veterinary oncologists can provide honest prognosis information that enables realistic decision-making. Palliative care — prioritizing pain management and comfort without disease-directed treatment — is always a compassionate option and sometimes the most welfare-positive choice. Euthanasia at appropriate timing is an act of love, not giving up.