Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Canine End-of-Life Welfare

End-of-life welfare for dogs encompasses palliative care, quality of life assessment, and timely euthanasia to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Key Facts

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10, requiring palliative care in many cases
Quality of life scales including HHHHHMM (by Dr. Alice Villalobos) help owners assess welfare
Home euthanasia services reduce stress compared to clinic settings for many dogs
Anticipatory grief support helps owners prepare for loss and make welfare-focused decisions
Post-death bereavement support is increasingly offered by veterinary practices and pet loss organisations

Welfare Considerations

End-of-life welfare is one of the most important things owners can provide for their dogs. Good palliative care, quality of life monitoring, and timely euthanasia prevent prolonged suffering.

What You Can Do

Discuss end-of-life planning with your vet before crisis
Use quality of life assessment scales to monitor your senior or ill dog
Access pet bereavement support after the death of a companion dog