Dog Quality of Life Calculator – HHHHHMM Scale Assessment Tool

1. Hurt - Pain Management

Is your dog's pain well controlled? Can they breathe comfortably? Consider effectiveness of pain medication and overall comfort level.

2. Hunger - Appetite & Eating

Is your dog eating enough? Does hand-feeding or special food help? Consider food interest, ability to eat, and intake.

3. Hydration - Water Intake

Is your dog drinking enough water? Are they well-hydrated? Check gums and skin elasticity for dehydration.

4. Hygiene - Cleanliness & Grooming

Can your dog groom themselves? Are they clean? Consider matted fur, soiling, and need for assistance with hygiene.

5. Happiness - Mental Well-being

Does your dog express interest in surroundings? Do they respond to family? Consider engagement, tail wagging, and mental state.

6. Mobility - Movement & Activity

Can your dog move around adequately? Can they reach food, water, and go outside? Consider assistance needed for basic functions.

7. More Good Days Than Bad

Overall, does your dog have more good days than bad? Consider enjoyment of life, suffering level, and quality of daily experience.

Interpretation

Next Steps

Scoring Guidelines

What is a good quality of life score for a dog?

A total score above 35 out of 70 (average of 5 per category) suggests acceptable quality of life according to the HHHHHMM Scale developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos. Ideally, each individual category should score 5 or higher. Scores of 50-70 indicate good quality of life, while scores below 35 suggest significant concerns that warrant immediate veterinary consultation about treatment options or end-of-life care.

How often should I assess my dog's quality of life?

For dogs with chronic or terminal illnesses, assess quality of life every 1-3 days using this scale. For senior dogs (typically 7+ years depending on breed) or those with stable chronic conditions, weekly assessments are appropriate. Keep a written record with dates to track trends over time. Sudden declines in multiple categories warrant immediate veterinary attention. Regular assessment helps you make timely decisions about care adjustments, treatment changes, or end-of-life considerations.

What does the HHHHHMM scale stand for?

HHHHHMM stands for the seven quality of life factors: Hurt (pain control), Hunger (eating), Hydration (drinking), Hygiene (cleanliness), Happiness (mental well-being), Mobility (movement), and More good days than bad. This acronym was developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos, a veterinary oncologist, to provide a standardized way for pet owners and veterinarians to objectively assess a pet's quality of life, especially when making end-of-life decisions. The scale is widely used in veterinary medicine worldwide.

When should I consider euthanasia for my dog?

Consider euthanasia when your dog's quality of life score consistently falls below 35, when multiple categories score below 5, or when bad days significantly outnumber good days. Other indicators include unmanageable pain despite medication, inability to eat or drink, severe breathing difficulty, or complete loss of interest in life. This is a deeply personal decision that should be made in consultation with your veterinarian, who can assess your dog's medical condition and prognosis. Choosing euthanasia is an act of compassion to prevent suffering. "Better a week too early than a day too late" is a saying many vets use to help owners.

Can quality of life scores improve with treatment?

Yes, quality of life scores can improve with appropriate veterinary treatment, pain management, dietary changes, physical therapy, or environmental modifications. If your dog scores in the fair range (35-49), discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. Many dogs with chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer, or organ disease can maintain good quality of life for months or years with proper management. Regular reassessment helps determine if interventions are effective. However, if scores continue declining despite treatment, it may indicate disease progression requiring different care decisions including hospice or end-of-life planning.

How do I know if my dog is ready to say goodbye?

Your dog may be ready when they show disinterest in favorite activities, foods, or family interactions; when they cannot walk to relieve themselves; when pain medication no longer provides comfort; or when they've lost their "spark" or joy for life. Quality of life scores consistently below 35, particularly with scores of 0-2 in multiple categories, suggest it may be time. Trust your instincts - you know your dog best. Many owners report knowing "when it's time" through their bond with their pet. Discuss concerns openly with your veterinarian, who can provide objective medical assessment. Remember: letting go is the final act of love and prevents unnecessary suffering.