How do I know if my dog still has a good quality of life?

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, a lot of emotions and questions come at you all at once. In addition to sadness and worry, many pet owners struggle with one of the hardest questions: 

“Does my dog still have a good life?” 

It's a difficult but incredibly valuable question. As an owner, you want to do the right thing for your pet — especially in tough times. In this blog, we’ll give you guidance to assess how your dog is truly doing, and how you can best support them. 

What does ‘quality of life’ actually mean? 

Quality of life is about more than just “being free of pain.” It includes how your dog feels physically, emotionally, and socially. 
Dogs may not have words to tell us how they feel, but they do give us signals. 

A dog with good quality of life: 

• has an appetite or shows interest in food, 

• shows curiosity about their surroundings, 

• seeks or responds to contact, 

• can move around relatively freely, 

• and still finds joy in certain moments (like cuddling, walking, or enjoying a treat). 

Signs to watch for 

Pay attention to the following points each day. It will help you spot changes early: 

• Appetite: is your dog eating willingly, or do you have to encourage them? 

• Pain: do you notice signs like limping, whining, panting, restlessness, or withdrawal? 

• Activity: is your dog still moving well? Do they show interest in walks or play? 

• Hygiene: is your dog still grooming themselves? Any accidents in the house? 

• Behavior: is your dog quieter, more agitated, or simply acting differently? 

It’s not about one bad day — it’s about overall trends. Every dog has off days. But if several signals change or persist, it’s a good moment to reflect. 

Support tools: a Quality of Life monitor 

It can be hard to remember everything or stay objective. That’s why tools exist to help, such as a Quality of Life scale. 
These scales help you regularly assess how your dog is doing by rating appetite, pain, comfort, social interaction, and more. 

At BraveBites, we’ve developed a monitoring tool you can use at home to track your dog’s wellbeing over time. It also helps guide conversations with your vet. 

Our new trial packs include this document, so you can get started right away. 

What if you're unsure? 

Are you uncertain about your dog’s quality of life? You’re not alone. Talk to your vet — they can support you medically and emotionally. 

Be kind to yourself, too. Pet owners often face difficult choices, and there is rarely a single “right” answer. What matters is that you’re acting out of love. 

In the end: every good day counts 

You don’t have to strive for perfection. Often, it’s the little things — a lick, a gentle look, a nap in the sun — that make all the difference. 

Quality of life isn’t black and white. It’s a sliding scale, filled with nuance, care, and love. And don’t forget: you’re doing great. 

Tip: Our new trial packs include a useful tool to monitor your dog’s quality of life, as well as a booklet full of support and tips for the first days after diagnosis. It also contains a bag of BraveBites – a delicious snack specially developed for dogs with cancer. 

Would you like to try a trial pack? 
Ask your vet or email us at info@bravebitespetfood.com!