Cancer is the leading cause of death in older dogs, and quality of life assessment during cancer treatment requires careful attention to signs of pain, nausea, and behavioral change.
Cancer management in dogs requires constant welfare monitoring because the disease and its treatment both affect quality of life. Dogs undergoing chemotherapy may experience nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression - side effects that can profoundly compromise welfare if not proactively managed. Unlike human cancer patients, dogs cannot report their subjective experience, requiring owners and vets to interpret behavioral signs carefully. The cultural and emotional pressure on owners to 'do everything possible' can override honest welfare assessment, pursuing aggressive treatments that extend survival while compromising quality of life. Palliative care focused on comfort and quality rather than cure is sometimes the most welfare-positive choice.