Accurate pain assessment in dogs is challenging due to their tendency to mask pain, making validated assessment tools essential for welfare management.
Pain is the most significant welfare problem in companion animals, and underdiagnosis through behaviour masking means much pain goes undetected and untreated. Validated pain scales enable veterinarians and owners to systematically assess pain beyond obvious vocalisation. Chronic pain assessment is particularly challenging — gradual adaptation means owners normalise subtle behavioural changes that represent significant ongoing welfare compromise. Proactive pain screening at wellness consultations using validated tools significantly improves detection rates and welfare outcomes.