Chronic pain in dogs is often undertreated, with welfare implications for millions of animals suffering from osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, and other painful conditions.
Unrecognized chronic pain causes prolonged suffering in millions of companion dogs. Behavioral changes from pain including reduced activity, irritability, and reluctance to exercise are often attributed to aging. Undertreated pain causes peripheral and central sensitization making future pain management more challenging. Dogs unable to express pain vocalizations suffer silently. Owners often delay seeking help because chronic pain onset is gradual.