Dog Quality of Life Calculator
Assess your dog's quality of life using Dr. Mary Gardner's validated scale
Assess Quality of Life Factors
Assess your dog's ability to move around comfortably
Evaluate your dog's appetite and eating habits
Assess your dog's water drinking patterns
Evaluate bathroom habits and control
Assess social behavior and engagement
Evaluate interest in toys, treats, and activities
Quality of Life Assessment
Complete all assessments to calculate quality of life score
Example Assessment
Senior Dog Scenario
Dog: 12-year-old Labrador Retriever
Mobility: Poor - Difficulty getting up, short walks
Nutrition: Good - Normal appetite
Hydration: Adequate - Normal water intake
Other factors: Normal interaction and elimination
Assessment Result
Total Score: 14/18 (78%)
Quality Level: Good Quality of Life
Recommendation: Monitor mobility, consider joint supplements
Assessment Categories
Mobility
Movement and exercise ability
Nutrition
Appetite and eating habits
Hydration
Water intake patterns
Elimination
Bathroom control and habits
Interaction
Social behavior and attitude
Favorite Things
Interest in activities and toys
Improvement Tips
Regular exercise appropriate for age
Mental stimulation with puzzles
Regular veterinary check-ups
Proper nutrition and hydration
Dental care and oral health
Quality bonding time
Understanding Dog Quality of Life Assessment
Dr. Mary Gardner's Scale
This assessment uses the Quality of Life Scale & Daily Diary developed by Dr. Mary Gardner, a validated tool used by veterinarians to objectively evaluate a dog's well-being across six critical areas of daily life and health.
Why Assessment Matters
- •Early detection of health issues
- •Objective evaluation of well-being
- •Guides veterinary discussions
- •Helps make informed care decisions
Scoring System
Total Score Range: 6-18 points
• Good (3 points): Normal function
• Poor (2 points): Reduced function
• Minimal (1 point): Severely impaired
Quality Levels
- 85-100%: Excellent Quality of Life
- 70-84%: Good Quality of Life
- 55-69%: Fair Quality of Life
- 40-54%: Poor Quality of Life
- Below 40%: Suffering
Professional Note: This assessment is a tool to guide discussions with your veterinarian, not a replacement for professional veterinary evaluation.