Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Cancer Palliative Care and Quality of Life

Canine cancer is very common and palliative care focused on quality of life is an essential aspect of oncological management.

Key Facts

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years of age
Palliative care focuses on comfort, pain control and quality of life rather than cure
Pain management using NSAIDs, opioids and gabapentin is central to palliative care
Quality of life scales help owners and vets assess when welfare is compromised
Hospice and home palliative care services are increasingly available for dogs

Welfare Considerations

Dogs with cancer can live comfortably for extended periods with good palliative care. Pain management, maintaining appetite and enabling normal activities contribute to quality of life. Knowing when to pursue palliative rather than curative options is a key welfare decision.

What You Can Do

Discuss palliative care goals with your vet if your dog is diagnosed with cancer
Use validated quality of life scales to monitor your dog's comfort at home
Ask about pain management options including multimodal approaches for cancer pain