Dog Quality of Life Score Calculator
What this dog quality of life calculator measures
This calculator helps you estimate a dog’s overall well-being using a simple 7-factor scoring approach often referred to as the HHHHHMM quality-of-life scale. Each factor is scored from 0 to 10, then combined into a single total and a clear risk level.
The 7 factors (HHHHHMM)
You provide a 0–10 score for each factor:
- Hurt – pain control and breathing comfort
- Hunger – appetite and ability to eat
- Hydration – water intake and hydration status
- Hygiene – cleanliness, grooming, and skin comfort
- Happiness – engagement, interest, and mood
- Mobility – ability to move and get up
- More good days than bad – overall day-to-day balance
How the score is calculated
The calculator sums the seven inputs into a total score and a percentage:
\[ \text{Total Score} = \sum_{i=1}^{7} s_i \]
\[ \text{Quality Percent} = \left(\frac{\text{Total Score}}{70}\right)\times 100 \]
How to interpret the result
The result includes a Risk Level designed to be easy to act on:
- Good – strong overall well-being based on your inputs
- Monitor – acceptable but worth tracking frequently
- Concern – low scores or warning signs; discuss comfort and care adjustments
- Critical – very low total or a very low single factor; consider urgent veterinary guidance
Many caregivers use a total around 35 (out of 70) as a practical threshold for “acceptable” quality-of-life tracking, but trends over time are often more informative than a single snapshot.
Practical tips for using the calculator
- Re-score daily (or weekly) and watch whether the trend is improving or declining.
- Pay special attention to very low single-factor scores (for example, pain, breathing comfort, hydration, or inability to stand).
- Use the table to identify the weakest area first, then discuss targeted options with a veterinarian.
Important note
This calculator is an educational tracking tool and does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your dog has breathing distress, uncontrolled pain, collapse, or cannot drink, seek veterinary advice promptly.