Study Finds Dog Owners Often Miss Subtle Signs of Pain in Pets

A new study has examined how effectively people recognize pain in dogs. Conducted through an online questionnaire, the research included 530 dog owners and 117 non-owners. Participants assessed 17 dog behaviors for their likelihood to indicate pain based on prior knowledge and experience.

All 17 behaviors listed in the questionnaire were actual signs of pain in dogs. Obvious indicators, such as hesitant paw lifting, reduced play, and personality changes, were correctly identified by most participants. However, subtler signs like yawning, lip and nose licking, looking away, and increased blinking were less frequently associated with pain.

Non-owners were more likely than dog owners to recognize certain subtle cues, such as freezing or turning the head or body away, as pain indicators. This finding suggests that familiarity with dogs may lead to overlooking some behavioral changes. The study underscores that dogs often mask pain as a survival mechanism, making detection challenging.

Assessing Pain in Behavior Cases Participants also evaluated three written scenarios describing canine behaviors.

Two scenarios involved dogs with painful conditions—one with obvious movement issues like hopping and leg lifting, and another with subtler signs such as night restlessness and shadowing family members. The third scenario was unrelated to pain. Dog owners were more likely to identify pain in the obvious movement case compared to non-owners.

In the subtle pain scenario, recognition levels were similar between owners and non-owners. Owners with prior experience of pets in pain performed better in identifying both overt and subtle signs across scenarios. This indicates that personal experience can enhance the ability to detect pain-related behaviors.

Previous research shows that different animal species express pain uniquely; for instance, rabbits often freeze, which can resemble fear. Tools like facial grimace scales, which track minor facial muscle movements such as eye tightening, are used to assess pain in species including cats and horses.

Recognizing and Responding to Pain Signs Prompt recognition of pain in pets is essential for their health and welfare.

Undetected pain can contribute to behavioral issues, including increased reactivity to noises, where dogs flinch or bark at sudden sounds. It may also raise the risk of bites, often linked to chronic pain. Owners should watch for changes in behavior or movement, such as lameness, lethargy, or reluctance to exercise or play.

Subtle signs include altered sleep patterns, restlessness, clinginess, unusual licking or chewing, changes in ear position, coat quality, or avoidance of touch in specific areas. If these are observed, veterinary consultation is recommended to rule out underlying issues.

Behavioral changes in dogs, whether gradual or sudden, warrant consideration of pain before attributing them to training needs or other causes.

Seeking advice from a veterinarian or behaviorist can help address potential health problems early. This approach supports better outcomes for the pet's well-being.