In veterinary medicine, as in any scientific field, it is essential to rely on reliable, reproducible, and validated tools. When it comes to assessing the quality of life of a dog with a chronic illness, intuition or observation alone are no longer sufficient. It is necessary to rely on a rigorous methodology, shared among practitioners, researchers, and owners.
An Approach Based on Scientific Rigor
The questionnaire developed as part of MyDogQoL was designed by specialist veterinarians, in conjunction with academic research. It is based on:
- Clinically relevant criteria, derived from scientific literature and field experience,
- A validation process, including testing phases, internal consistency analysis, and evaluation of sensitivity to change,
- A multidimensional approach, to capture the complexity of the lived experience of the sick dog (behavior, appetite, digestive comfort, etc.).
For Veterinarians: a Decision-Making Aid
A validated tool allows the veterinarian to:
- structure the exchange with the owner,
- monitor the patient’s clinical evolution over time,
- adjust treatments in a more individualized way,
- strengthen the owner’s adherence to the care plan.
This is a lever for evidence-based medicine, serving daily practice.
For Owners: an Active Role in Monitoring
The questionnaire gives the owner the opportunity to:
- better objectify what they observe in their dog,
- actively participate in its monitoring,
- communicate better with the care team.
This helps to strengthen the bond of trust between the caregiver, the animal, and its guardian.
For Research: a Standardized and Reproducible Tool
In clinical studies, a validated questionnaire:
- allows for the collection of homogeneous data,
- facilitates comparisons between groups or between studies,
- guarantees the reliability of scientific results.
A validated questionnaire ensures data quality, the relevance of medical decisions, and better patient care.
Coming soon: the MyDogQoL questionnaire will be made available to the public and the veterinary community via a dedicated platform.
