Dog Quality of Life Scale & Calculator
This free dog quality of life calculator uses the vet-recognised HHHHHMM scale (with a JOURNEYS option) to turn how your dog is doing into a clear score. It's built to be repeated over time — one score is a snapshot, but the trend tells you what's really happening. It supports your decisions; it doesn't replace your veterinarian.
The HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale by Dr. Alice Villalobos. A total above 35 of 70 suggests quality of life is acceptable enough to continue supportive care.
1. Hurt
Is pain managed? Can your dog breathe easily? Adequate pain control — including the ability to breathe without effort — is the first priority.
2. Hunger
Is your dog eating enough? Hand-feeding, warming food or a bland/blended diet can help. Persistent refusal is a meaningful sign.
3. Hydration
Is your dog drinking enough? For dehydrated pets, ask your vet about subcutaneous fluids to supplement.
4. Hygiene
Can your dog be kept clean and dry, especially after toileting? Pressure sores and soiling erode dignity and comfort.
5. Happiness
Does your dog still show interest — greeting you, wagging, engaging with favourite people or toys?
6. Mobility
Can your dog get up, walk, and toilet — with or without a sling, harness or cart? Some owners accept limited mobility if the pet is otherwise content.
7. More good days than bad
Bad days mean pain, nausea, seizures or frustration outweighing the good. When bad days outnumber good, quality of life is compromised.
Score all 7 factors to see your interpretation.
Track trends over timeOne score is a snapshot. The trend is the truth.
A single number can't tell you which way things are heading. SteadyTails logs your pet's quality of life over time and shows the trend — so you, your household, and your vet see the real picture, not just one hard day. Join the waitlist for early access.
How to use this scale
Repeat at intervals
Score every few days — or daily during a decline. A single score is far less useful than a trend you can see moving.
Involve the household
Have each caregiver score independently. It keeps the assessment honest and shares an emotionally heavy job.
Bring it to your vet
Your scores are a conversation-starter. Your vet can weigh them against the diagnosis and comfort options available.
The HHHHHMM factors explained
The HHHHHMM Scale (Dr. Alice Villalobos) rates seven areas of comfort from 0 to 10. Here's what each one means for your dog.
1. Hurt
Is pain managed? Can your dog breathe easily? Adequate pain control — including the ability to breathe without effort — is the first priority.
2. Hunger
Is your dog eating enough? Hand-feeding, warming food or a bland/blended diet can help. Persistent refusal is a meaningful sign.
3. Hydration
Is your dog drinking enough? For dehydrated pets, ask your vet about subcutaneous fluids to supplement.
4. Hygiene
Can your dog be kept clean and dry, especially after toileting? Pressure sores and soiling erode dignity and comfort.
5. Happiness
Does your dog still show interest — greeting you, wagging, engaging with favourite people or toys?
6. Mobility
Can your dog get up, walk, and toilet — with or without a sling, harness or cart? Some owners accept limited mobility if the pet is otherwise content.
7. More good days than bad
Bad days mean pain, nausea, seizures or frustration outweighing the good. When bad days outnumber good, quality of life is compromised.
Prefer a different framework? The calculator above also offers the JOURNEYS Scale (Dr. Katie Hilst), an 8-factor alternative scored out of 80.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good quality of life score for a dog?
On the HHHHHMM scale (7 factors, 0–10 each, 70 total), Dr. Villalobos' published guidance is that a total above 35 suggests an acceptable quality of life for continuing supportive care, while 35 or below suggests quality of life may be suffering. Treat the number as a conversation-starter with your vet, not a verdict, and watch the trend across repeated assessments.
When is it time to put a dog down?
There is no single score that decides this. The most useful signals are persistent, poorly-controlled pain or breathing difficulty, refusal to eat or drink, loss of mobility and dignity, and — above all — more bad days than good over time. If your scores are low or trending downward, that's the moment to have an open, compassionate conversation with your veterinarian about comfort and options.
How often should I assess my dog's quality of life?
Re-score at a set interval — many owners choose every few days, or daily during a decline — and involve the whole household so it isn't one person's judgement. Quality of life often changes gradually, so a consistent record makes a falling trend visible early, while there's still time to adjust care with your vet.
Does this calculator replace my veterinarian?
No. It's a structured, non-judgemental way to reflect on comfort and to bring an organised record to your vet. It does not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your veterinarian can weigh your scores against your dog's specific diagnosis and comfort options you may not know exist.