Dog Quality of Life Calculator

Pri Geens

Pri Geens

ProCalculatorTools > Lifestyle > Pets & Animals > Dog Quality of Life Calculator

Dog Quality of Life Calculator

1. Hurt (Pain Control)
Is the dog free of pain? Is pain managed successfully with medication? (0 = In agony, 10 = Pain-free/Controlled)
0 10 5
2. Hunger
Is the dog eating enough? Does the dog require hand-feeding or force-feeding? (0 = Refuses food, 10 = Eats normally)
0 10 5
3. Hydration
Is the dog dehydrated? Do they drink voluntarily? Do they need subcutaneous fluids? (0 = Severely dehydrated, 10 = Normal drinking)
0 10 5
4. Hygiene
Can the dog stay clean? Do they soil themselves? Do they have pressure sores? (0 = Cannot keep clean/Sores, 10 = Normal grooming/Clean)
0 10 5
5. Happiness
Does the dog show joy or interest? Are they depressed, lonely, or anxious? (0 = No joy/Depressed, 10 = Happy/Engaged)
0 10 5
6. Mobility
Can the dog get up without assistance? Do they need help to go for walks or relieve themselves? (0 = Cannot move, 10 = Fully mobile)
0 10 5
7. More Good Days Than Bad
Are there more good days than bad days? (0 = Every day is bad, 10 = Every day is good)
0 10 5

Assessment Score

Total Score (Max 70) 0
Clinical Interpretation –
Dr. Alice Villalobos Scale (HHHHHMM): A score above 35 usually indicates an acceptable quality of life. A score below 35 suggests that the pet’s quality of life may be compromised, and end-of-life decisions should be discussed with a veterinarian.

What Is a Dog Quality of Life Calculator?

A Dog Quality of Life Calculator is a scoring tool based on the HHHHHMM Scale, developed by veterinary oncologist Alice Villalobos.

HHHHHMM stands for:

  • Hurt
  • Hunger
  • Hydration
  • Hygiene
  • Happiness
  • Mobility
  • More Good Days Than Bad

Each area is scored from 0 to 10:

  • 0 = severe problem
  • 10 = normal and healthy

The highest possible total score is 70.

How the Score Is Interpreted

  • 50–70 → Excellent quality of life
  • 35–49 → Acceptable quality of life, monitor closely
  • Below 35 → Poor quality of life, consult your vet

A score above 35 generally suggests an acceptable level of comfort. Below 35 may mean your dog is suffering.

How the Dog Quality of Life Calculator Works

The calculator uses sliders for each of the seven categories. You select a number from 0 to 10 for each one. Then you click Assess Quality of Life.

The tool:

  1. Adds all seven scores
  2. Displays your total (out of 70)
  3. Provides a clinical interpretation
  4. Color-codes the result for clarity

There is also a reset button to start again.

Simple input. Clear output. No complicated math.

Understanding Each Quality of Life Category

Let’s break down what each section really means in daily life.

1. Hurt (Pain Control)

This measures whether your dog is in pain and whether medication is working.

Ask yourself:

  • Is my dog whining, shaking, or panting excessively?
  • Does my dog resist being touched?
  • Is pain managed with medication?

0 means severe, unmanaged pain.
10 means comfortable and pain-free.

Pain control is one of the most important indicators of quality of life.

2. Hunger

This measures appetite and ability to eat.

Consider:

  • Is your dog eating regular meals?
  • Do they need hand-feeding?
  • Are they refusing food?

A healthy appetite usually suggests comfort. A dog that refuses food consistently may be declining.

3. Hydration

Hydration affects organ function and comfort.

Look for:

  • Dry gums
  • Sunken eyes
  • Low energy
  • Need for fluid injections

Dogs who drink normally score higher. Severe dehydration scores lower.

4. Hygiene

Can your dog stay clean?

Check for:

  • Soiling accidents
  • Urine or feces stuck in fur
  • Bed sores
  • Skin infections

Dogs who cannot move well often struggle with hygiene. Cleanliness affects dignity and comfort.

5. Happiness

This is about emotional well-being.

Does your dog:

  • Wag their tail?
  • Respond to your voice?
  • Show interest in toys or food?
  • Enjoy being near family?

A dog who no longer engages with life may be struggling more than they show physically.

6. Mobility

Mobility measures independence.

Ask:

  • Can your dog stand up alone?
  • Walk outside?
  • Use the bathroom without help?

Limited mobility does not automatically mean poor quality of life. But complete immobility can reduce comfort and independence.

7. More Good Days Than Bad

This is often the most honest category.

Think about the past two weeks:

  • Were most days calm and comfortable?
  • Or were most days painful and distressing?

If bad days outnumber good ones, it may be time for deeper conversations.

Why Use a Dog Quality of Life Calculator?

When emotions run high, objectivity becomes difficult.

This tool helps you:

  • Track decline over time
  • Document patterns
  • Prepare for veterinary discussions
  • Reduce guilt-driven decisions
  • Focus on your dog’s experience, not just your fear

Many pet owners say the calculator gives them clarity. It does not make the decision for you. But it helps frame it.

When Should You Use It?

Use the Dog Quality of Life Calculator if your dog:

  • Has cancer
  • Has organ failure
  • Is very elderly
  • Has chronic pain
  • Is recovering from major illness
  • Has lost mobility

You can also use it weekly to track changes.

Tip: Write down scores over time. A downward trend matters more than a single number.

What the Calculator Cannot Do

It is important to understand the limits.

The calculator:

  • Does not diagnose illness
  • Does not replace veterinary care
  • Does not predict lifespan
  • Does not make end-of-life decisions

It is a conversation tool.

Always discuss low scores with your veterinarian.

How to Talk to Your Vet About the Results

Bring your score and notes to your appointment.

Say something like:
“I used a quality of life scale and got a 32. I’m worried that most days are bad now. What options do we have?”

This opens a calm, clear discussion.

Veterinarians appreciate structured information.

Emotional Side of Quality of Life Decisions

Numbers help. But emotions are real.

You may feel:

  • Guilt
  • Fear
  • Hope
  • Denial
  • Sadness

That is normal.

Many owners wait too long because they fear acting too soon. Others worry about acting too early.

A quality of life calculator helps you center the decision on your dog’s comfort, not just your heart.

Signs It May Be Time to Reassess

Consider re-evaluating if your dog:

  • Stops eating for multiple days
  • Cannot stand at all
  • Cries in pain despite medication
  • Withdraws completely
  • Has more bad days than good

Trust patterns, not isolated moments.

Benefits of a Structured Quality of Life Assessment

Using a Dog Quality of Life Calculator provides:

  • Clear scoring system
  • Visual feedback
  • Repeatable tracking
  • Objective structure
  • Emotional reassurance

It transforms a vague worry into measurable insight.