Companion Animals

Recognising Pain in Dogs: Signs, Assessment, and Treatment

Pain recognition in dogs is a critical skill for owners and vets, as dogs mask pain instinctively and may suffer silently.

Key Facts

Dogs evolved to mask pain as a survival strategy making recognition challenging for owners
The Glasgow Composite Pain Scale is used by vets to assess acute pain in dogs
Chronic pain in dogs is often underdiagnosed and undertreated
Around 80 percent of dogs over 8 years old have some degree of arthritis
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly prescribed pain relief for dogs

Welfare Considerations

Unrecognised and untreated pain in dogs causes significant welfare harm. Dogs with chronic pain from arthritis or dental disease may appear to cope normally while actually experiencing constant discomfort. Owners who do not recognise subtle pain signs may delay veterinary care prolonging suffering. Inadequate pain management after surgery is a common welfare problem. The Five Domains model emphasises that positive experiences matter as much as absence of suffering.

What You Can Do

Learn the subtle signs of chronic pain in dogs including reduced activity and changes in posture
Discuss pain management options with your vet proactively especially for older dogs
Request pain scoring assessments at veterinary consultations
Advocate for improved pain management protocols at your veterinary practice
Support research into canine pain assessment tools and treatment protocols