❤️ Dog Quality of Life Calculator
Score key quality-of-life metrics to guide conversations with your veterinarian and family.
Pain control
Is your dog comfortable and free from chronic pain most days?
Appetite
Does your dog eat willingly and maintain healthy weight?
Hydration
Is your dog drinking enough and able to stay hydrated without assistance?
Hygiene
Is your dog able to stay clean and free from sores or accidents?
Joy & engagement
Does your dog enjoy favorite activities and interact with family?
Mobility
Can your dog move independently or with manageable assistance?
Good days vs bad
Are the majority of days still positive for your dog?
Total Score
21 / 35
Mixed quality of life
Address areas scoring 3 or below with your veterinarian. Adjust pain management, nutrition, or mobility aids.
This tool supports—not replaces—professional veterinary evaluation.
How to Use This Calculator
Score each category
Rate pain control, appetite, hydration, hygiene, joy, mobility, and good days versus bad on a scale of 0–5.
Review total
Higher scores indicate better quality of life. Track changes over time to identify trends.
Consult professionals
Discuss scores with your veterinarian to adjust care plans or explore palliative options.
Formula
Total Score = Σ (Category Scores)
Score Range: 0 (poor QoL) → 35 (excellent QoL)
Each category is scored 0–5. Track totals weekly to evaluate improvement or decline.
Full Description
Quality-of-life assessments help guardians make compassionate decisions for chronically ill or senior dogs. Combining objective scores with veterinary guidance ensures pets remain comfortable and happy.
Documenting daily observations—energy, appetite, pain, mood—provides context for medical adjustments and timely interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I score my dog?
Weekly scoring offers trend insights. Increase frequency during medical crises or treatment changes.
Can I customize categories?
Yes. Add criteria relevant to your dog (e.g., cognitive function) while keeping scores consistent.
What score indicates poor quality of life?
Totals below 21 often trigger discussions about advanced pain management or hospice care.
Should multiple family members score?
Absolutely. Share scores to ensure everyone views quality of life objectively and empathetically.