Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Cancer Quality of Life Advanced

Supporting dogs with cancer requires welfare-centred decision-making that prioritises quality of life over length of life, using evidence-based assessment tools.

Key Facts

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years
Common canine cancers include lymphoma, osteosarcoma, mast cell tumour, and haemangiosarcoma
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and palliative care
Veterinary oncology increasingly uses quality of life assessment to guide treatment decisions
The HHHHHMM scale provides owners with a framework for daily quality of life assessment

Welfare Considerations

Cancer treatment decisions in dogs must centre on the animal's welfare experience, not owner preferences; evidence-based quality of life assessment enables informed, compassionate decisions.

What You Can Do

Use validated quality of life tools to monitor your dog through cancer treatment
Work with a veterinary oncologist to understand realistic prognosis and welfare implications
Prioritise comfort and dignity when curative treatment is not feasible