Beliefs about whether certain dog breeds are more or less sensitive to pain are widespread. Over 95% of veterinarians report believing that breeds differ in pain sensitivity. Caddiell and colleagues (2023) investigated whether these beliefs arise from veterinary training and clinical experience.
In an online survey, participants from four groups—the general public, animal-health undergraduates, veterinary students (across all four years), and veterinary faculty and staff—rated the pain sensitivity of 10 dog breeds shown only in pictures. The results showed clear differences between groups. Compared to the public and undergraduates, veterinary students’ ratings more closely aligned with those of faculty and practicing veterinarians. Furthermore, undergraduates with clinical experience tended to rate breeds in a way that mirrored veterinary professionals.
These findings suggest that veterinary education and hands-on experience actively shape perceptions of pain sensitivity across dog breeds. The authors highlight the need for future research on how these beliefs are communicated and whether they influence pain recognition and treatment in clinical practice. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ensuring that pain management in dogs is both accurate and free from stereotype-based bias.
Source: Caddiell, R. M., White, P., Lascelles, B., Royal, K., Ange-Heugten, K., & Gruen, M. (2023). Veterinary education and experience shape beliefs about dog breeds Part 1: Pain sensitivity. Scientific Reports, 13. Published August 24, 2023.
