Cancer is the leading cause of death in older dogs. Pain management is a central welfare concern — many dogs with cancer experience undertreated pain that owners and vets fail to recognise.
Dogs with cancer experience pain from tumour invasion of tissues, nerve compression, inflammation, and treatment side effects. Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) causes particularly severe chronic pain — dogs affected often show reluctance to bear weight, disturbed sleep, and behavioural changes indicating persistent suffering. Pain undertreatment is widespread: studies indicate many veterinary oncology patients receive inadequate analgesia. Owners who understand that stoic behaviour does not equal painlessness are better positioned to advocate for their pets. Palliative care focused entirely on comfort rather than cure is an appropriate and compassionate choice when treatment side effects outweigh benefits. Euthanasia timing discussions should centre on quality of life — a dog with well-controlled pain and retained pleasure in food and interaction has meaningful life remaining; one in uncontrolled pain does not.