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Dog Quality of Life Calculator

Score your dog's quality of life across seven dimensions using the HHHHHMM scale — the same framework vets use for end-of-life decisions.

❤️ Dog Quality of Life Calculator
Enter your dog's details below to get an instant result.
Quality of Life Score
-/ 42
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Assessment
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Guidance
Warning: This is a guided estimate based on the HHHHHMM scale. It does not replace a veterinary assessment. Discuss results with your vet, especially if scoring below 21.

What Is the Dog Quality of Life Calculator?

Score your dog's quality of life across seven dimensions using the HHHHHMM scale — the same framework vets use for end-of-life decisions.

The Quality of Life scale gives you an honest, structured way to assess how your dog is doing — especially when facing illness or end-of-life decisions. Based on the HHHHHMM scale developed by Dr Alice Villalobos.

Every result is based on published veterinary research and breed-size-specific growth data — not generic averages. This tool is completely free, works instantly in your browser, and requires no account or sign-up.

How to Use This Calculator

1
Enter Your Dog's Details

Fill in the required fields above — typically your dog's weight, age, or breed size. Every field has a clear label and hint.

2
Click Calculate

Press the calculate button to get your instant result. No page reload, no account needed, no waiting.

3
Review Your Result

Your result appears immediately below the calculator. It includes the primary answer plus additional context where relevant.

4
Use the Information

Share, print, or save your result. Always discuss health-related results with your veterinarian before making decisions.

How It Works

The HHHHHMM scale assesses seven dimensions: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad. Each is scored 0-10 (this calculator uses 0-6 for clarity) and the total indicates overall quality of life. A total above 35/42 suggests acceptable quality of life. Between 21-35 suggests monitoring and vet discussion. Below 21 indicates quality of life may be significantly compromised and end-of-life conversations are appropriate.

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Veterinary Research

Every formula is derived from peer-reviewed veterinary studies and clinical guidelines, not guesswork or generic rules.

Instant Results

No page reload, no waiting, no account needed. Enter your details and your result appears immediately.

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100% Private

All calculations happen in your browser. Nothing you enter is ever stored on our servers or shared with anyone.

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Always Free

Every calculator on Doggy Calculators is and will always be completely free to use — no premium tier, no catch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HHHHHMM scale?+
Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad — a 70-point quality of life scoring system developed by Dr Alice Villalobos for companion animals facing serious illness.
A score below 21 means I should euthanise my dog?+
No — it means quality of life may be significantly compromised and a serious conversation with your vet is appropriate. The decision is always personal and multifactorial.
How often should I score my dog?+
Weekly for dogs with progressive illness. Monthly for healthy senior dogs as a wellness check. Score on a day that is representative — not on their best or worst day.
My dog scores differently week to week — is that normal?+
Yes. Illness and pain fluctuate. Trend over time matters more than any single score. Consistently declining scores over 4-6 weeks are significant.
Can I use this for a healthy dog?+
Yes — as an annual wellness check for senior dogs. A high score confirms good wellbeing. A surprisingly low score may identify issues you had normalised.

Sources & References

This calculator's formulas are based on the following peer-reviewed and authoritative veterinary sources:

⚠️ These calculators are reference tools only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before administering medication or making medical decisions.