Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years, and pain management throughout the cancer journey represents a major welfare priority for affected dogs and their families.
Canine cancer pain is a major welfare challenge because it is often undertreated relative to its prevalence and severity. Veterinary oncology has advanced enormously in treatment options, but the welfare priority must include pain management throughout treatment, not only at end of life. Dogs undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation experience procedural pain, treatment side effects, and disease-related pain that requires proactive management. Owners may not recognize subtle behavioral pain indicators, and financial constraints limit access to optimal pain management for many families. Palliative care approaches that prioritize comfort and quality of life when curative treatment is not pursued represent welfare-positive choices that deserve equal support and guidance. The decision to pursue aggressive treatment versus palliative care should always center on the patient welfare evidence, not emotional or financial drivers alone.