The Gray Muzzle Ledger / Good days: a quality of life self-check for older pets

Good days: a quality of life self-check for older pets

Quick answerThe HHHHHMM scale, created by veterinarian Dr. Alice Villalobos, scores seven areas from 0 to 10. A total above 35, with each area above 5, is the published “acceptable” threshold. This tool is a way to notice changes and bring notes to your vet, not a verdict.

Published Oct 19, 2026 · Updated Oct 19, 2026 · By the Editorial team. General education, not veterinary advice and not yet individually reviewed by a licensed veterinarian. About and sources

Score today

Save your scoresKeep your scores and daily notes in PawLine, free for 30 days, and share them with your vet.Every good day, on the record. Free to download. Try it free, no payment info needed, then decide after the trial.What is PawLine? An AI-powered pet health app whose answers draw on published veterinary research, including sources like PubMed. Ask health questions any hour, get emergency triage and first-aid steps, set medication reminders, keep a profile and daily notes for each pet and email them to your vet, and find nearby vets. Try it free for 30 days with no payment info needed; after the trial, continued access is an in-app purchase (weekly or yearly). Guidance only, not a diagnosis.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

Save your scores

Keep your scores and daily notes in PawLine, free for 30 days, and share them with your vet.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

Complete pet profilesBreed, age, weight, health conditions and photos for each pet, so advice fits that animal.
Daily health notesWrite down symptoms and observations, then share the records with your vet by email.
Medication remindersSet medication schedules for every pet, get push notifications, and track dosing history.

Every good day, on the record. Free to download. Try it free, no payment info needed, then decide after the trial.

What is PawLine? An AI-powered pet health app whose answers draw on published veterinary research, including sources like PubMed: instant health answers, emergency triage with first-aid steps, medication reminders, pet profiles and daily notes you can email to your vet, and nearby vet search. The 30-day free trial needs no payment info; after it, continued access is an in-app purchase, weekly or yearly (see the store listing). PawLine gives guidance and information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical decisions.

How to use this gently

Score on the same day each week and write the numbers down.
Look at the trend, not one bad day.
Bring your scores to your vet and talk about comfort and pain control together.
You do not have to decide anything alone. Your vet can help you plan.

Frequently asked questions

What is HHHHHMM?

It stands for Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More good days than bad. Dr. Alice Villalobos created it to help families assess quality of life.

Does a low score mean it is time to say goodbye?

No tool can decide that. A low score is a reason to talk with your vet soon about care and comfort.

Keep your senior pet’s whole story in your pocket

PawLine keeps a health profile, daily notes and medication schedule for each pet, and lets you email the records to your vet.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play

Complete pet profilesBreed, age, weight, health conditions and photos for each pet, so advice fits that animal.
Daily health notesWrite down symptoms and observations, then share the records with your vet by email.
Medication remindersSet medication schedules for every pet, get push notifications, and track dosing history.
Instant health answersAsk about a symptom, diet or behavior question and get a research-backed answer, day or night.
Emergency triageHelps you judge whether your pet needs urgent veterinary care, with step-by-step first aid while you get to the vet.
Nearby vets and pet placesFind vet clinics, dog parks, groomers and pet shops, and save favorites.
Birthday remindersA reminder before each birthday with breed facts.
Many speciesDogs, cats, birds, rabbits, reptiles, small pets, and livestock such as horses, goats, sheep, cows and chickens.

Every good day, on the record. Free to download. Try it free, no payment info needed, then decide after the trial.

Sources

VCA: Quality of life at the end of life for your dog (HHHHHMM) https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/quality-of-life-at-the-end-of-life-for-your-dog
Animal Health Foundation: Quality of Life Scale https://www.animalhealthfoundation.org/

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