Cancer is the leading cause of death in older dogs, and quality of life management during treatment and end-of-life care is a critically important but often under-resourced area of companion animal welfare.
Canine cancer welfare requires a quality-of-life centred approach throughout diagnosis, treatment and end-of-life care. Dogs with cancer can maintain good quality of life during many treatment protocols - the goal is not length of life but quality of that life. Pain assessment using validated tools, nutritional support for treatment-related appetite changes, and modification of home environments to support mobility all contribute to welfare during illness. End-of-life decision making, supported by quality of life assessment tools like the HHHHHMM scale, allows owners to make humane and timely euthanasia decisions that prevent unnecessary prolonged suffering.