Chronic pain in dogs is significantly underdiagnosed and undertreated, and systematic quality-of-life assessment tools are essential for capturing the full welfare impact of ongoing painful conditions.
Chronic pain is perhaps the most significant and pervasive welfare issue in companion dogs — widespread, often invisible, and frequently undertreated. Dogs cannot report pain verbally, and the subtle behavioural signs of chronic pain are often misinterpreted as normal ageing. A dog that has stopped jumping on sofas or is slower on walks may be in significant pain rather than simply getting older. Systematic welfare assessment using validated tools gives owners and vets a common language to track pain burden over time and guide treatment decisions. Ensuring dogs receive adequate analgesia for chronic painful conditions is an ethical obligation of ownership and a primary veterinary welfare responsibility.