Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs - quality of life assessment and palliative care are central to welfare throughout cancer treatment and end-of-life.
Cancer welfare in dogs requires nuanced quality of life assessment throughout the disease course. Treatment decisions must weigh therapeutic benefit against treatment-related welfare costs (surgery recovery, chemotherapy side effects, hospitalisation stress). Palliative care that prioritises comfort over cure is sometimes the most welfare-positive choice, particularly in advanced disease. Owner education in recognising pain, monitoring quality of life, and making end-of-life decisions without excessive delay is essential. Timely euthanasia when quality of life is irretrievably poor is an act of welfare, not failure. Specialist veterinary oncology improves treatment options and welfare outcomes.