Chronic pain is a major welfare concern in companion animals, yet it often goes unnoticed until physical symptoms become severe. In a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Rachel Malkani and colleagues investigated the multidimensional impact of chronic pain on dogs’ lives using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG), a holistic welfare evaluation tool.
The study assessed 76 welfare evaluations across 46 dogs diagnosed with musculoskeletal pain and compared them to a control group of 143 healthy dogs. Statistical analyses, including Wilcoxon-rank sum tests and logistic regression, were applied to identify factors significantly associated with chronic pain.
Results showed that dogs suffering from chronic pain scored significantly worse across nearly all welfare domains—physical, psychological, environmental, and procedural. Beyond the expected physical signs such as stiffness, gait changes, or lameness, behavioral and emotional changes were key predictors of chronic pain. The frequency of fear and anxiety, a dog’s reaction to stressors, and reduced engagement with enrichment or social activities were among the most significant indicators.
Importantly, the study emphasized that behavioral changes often precede visible physical symptoms. Dogs may display subtle cues such as avoidance behaviors, decreased interest in play or interaction, or slower recovery from stressful events long before overt mobility issues arise. These findings suggest that owners and veterinarians can improve welfare outcomes by paying attention to early behavioral deviations rather than waiting for obvious signs of pain.
Malkani and colleagues conclude that regular welfare assessments incorporating behavioral observation, such as those offered by the AWAG framework, are essential for early detection and intervention. By identifying pain-related changes proactively, veterinarians can enhance both the quality of life and longevity of affected dogs through timely treatment and management strategies.
Source: Malkani, R., Paramasivam, S., & Wolfensohn, S. (2024). How does chronic pain impact the lives of dogs: an investigation of factors that are associated with pain using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. Published April 4, 2024.
