How to Measure Quality of Life in Dogs?

A dog’s quality of life isn’t solely about its physical health. As with humans, it is influenced by a combination of physiological, emotional, and social factors. When an animal suffers from a chronic illness – particularly a digestive one – it’s essential to objectively assess its well-being to better tailor care.

Through a structured approach, MyDogQoL offers a scientifically validated self-assessment tool to support owners and veterinarians in this follow-up.

Here are the 4 main dimensions analyzed by our questionnaire:

Appetite & Eating Behavior

  • Loss or change in appetite
  • Difficulties eating or unusual behavior during meals
  • Motivation to eat, perceived pleasure

A decrease in appetite can be a revealing sign of chronic discomfort.

Digestive comfort

  • Presence of diarrhea, vomiting, or flatulence
  • Bowel movement regularity
  • Reactions during digestion (pain, licking, etc.)

Repeated digestive discomfort significantly alters daily well-being.

Physical activity

  • Overall energy level
  • Willingness to walk, play, or interact
  • Fatigue or signs of lethargy

The desire to move often reflects the animal’s general condition and mood.

Social Relations & Behavior

  • Interaction with humans or other animals
  • Signs of withdrawal, irritability, or anxiety
  • Changes in behavioral habits

Emotional and behavioral issues can be the first indicators of distress.

A Tool for Dialogue

The resulting score provides a comprehensive and personalized view of your dog’s condition, facilitating dialogue between owner and veterinarian. For researchers, it also offers a standardized method to compare the impact of different treatments in clinical studies.

This tool is based on a methodology validated by veterinary researchers and is part of a rigorous research framework.

📩 Stay informed: the questionnaire will be available online soon!

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