Dog Quality Of Life
Assess your dog's QOL using Dr. Mary Gardner's Quality of Life Scale. Score mobility, nutrition, hydration, elimination, interaction, and favorite things 1-10 for hospice decisions.
About This Calculator
The Dog Quality of Life Calculator uses Dr. Mary Gardner's Quality of Life Scale & Daily Diary to help pet owners and veterinarians evaluate a dog's well-being during hospice or end-of-life care. This tool assesses six criteria — Mobility, Nutrition, Hydration, Elimination, Interaction/Attitude, and Favorite Things — each scored from 1 (bare minimum) to 10 (excellent). The total score out of 60 determines whether your dog has an acceptable quality of life to continue hospice care with comfort.
Dr. Mary Gardner's Quality of Life Scale is a widely recognized veterinary tool for assessing canine end-of-life care. Each criterion addresses a fundamental aspect of your dog's well-being: Mobility evaluates the ability to get up, walk, and move without assistance. Nutrition assesses appetite and whether the dog eats willingly or needs encouragement or hand-feeding. Hydration checks whether water intake is adequate or if subcutaneous fluids are needed. Elimination measures bladder and bowel control, including accidents or the inability to eliminate without assistance. Interaction/Attitude looks at social engagement with family members and other pets. Favorite Things assesses whether the dog still shows interest in previously enjoyed toys, walks, treats, and activities.
When scoring your dog, try to be as objective and consistent as possible. Consider each criterion over the past week rather than a single moment. A total score of 30 or below suggests the dog's quality of life may not be acceptable, and you should consult your veterinarian to discuss hospice care adjustments, pain management, or humane euthanasia. A score between 31 and 48 indicates fair quality of life where interventions may help improve comfort. A score of 49 or above reflects good quality of life with continued monitoring.
Regional Notes
Global: Dr. Mary Gardner's Quality of Life Scale is a universal veterinary assessment tool recognized by veterinary professionals worldwide. The scoring criteria and interpretation are consistent across all regions. Always consult a licensed veterinarian in your country for personalized medical advice regarding end-of-life decisions for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dr. Mary Gardner's Quality of Life Scale for dogs?
Dr. Mary Gardner's Quality of Life Scale & Daily Diary assesses a dog's well-being across six criteria: Mobility, Nutrition, Hydration, Elimination, Interaction/Attitude, and Favorite Things. Each criterion is scored from 1 (bare minimum) to 10 (excellent), with a maximum total score of 60. This scale helps pet owners and veterinarians evaluate end-of-life care and hospice decisions for dogs.
How do I score my dog on the Quality of Life Scale?
Score each of the six criteria from 1 to 10, where 1 is bare minimum and 10 is excellent. Be as objective as possible. A total score of 30 or below means quality of life is not acceptable, 31-48 is fair and needs attention, and 49-60 is good and acceptable.
What does each criterion in the dog quality of life scale mean?
Mobility assesses the ability to move around without difficulty. Nutrition evaluates food intake and appetite. Hydration checks water intake and need for subcutaneous fluids. Elimination measures the ability to control urination and defecation. Interaction/Attitude looks at social engagement and emotional state. Favorite Things assesses interest in previously enjoyed toys, activities, and experiences.
When should I consider euthanasia for my dog?
If your dog's total score is 30 or below, quality of life may not be acceptable, and it may be time to discuss humane euthanasia with your veterinarian. Signs include bare minimum mobility, stopped eating or drinking, refusal of interaction, inability to control elimination, difficulty breathing, and signs of being in pain.
How can I improve my senior dog's quality of life?
Feed your dog meals lower in fat and higher in fiber in smaller, more frequent portions. Invest in an orthopedic bed to ease joint pain. Consider warming pads for arthritis. Maintain oral hygiene to prevent dental decay. Take your dog on more frequent, shorter walks to prevent muscle atrophy. Consult your veterinarian about vitamin supplements and pain management.
How is this dog quality of life scale different from the cat HHHHHMM scale?
The dog quality of life scale was developed by Dr. Mary Gardner and uses six criteria (Mobility, Nutrition, Hydration, Elimination, Interaction/Attitude, Favorite Things) scored out of 60. The cat HHHHHMM scale by Dr. Alice Villalobos uses seven criteria (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, Good Days) scored out of 70. Both help assess end-of-life care but use different criteria tailored to each species.
Is this calculator a substitute for veterinary advice?
No, this calculator is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. The results serve as a starting point for discussing your dog's quality of life with your veterinarian, who can provide a comprehensive medical assessment and recommend the best course of action.