A recent study conducted in the Netherlands and published in PlosOne reveals that many dog families struggle to recognize subtle signs of pain in their pets, with fewer than half correctly identifying behaviors such as nighttime restlessness and clinginess as indicators of discomfort. This highlights an urgent need for veterinary professionals to educate caregivers on early pain recognition.
Key findings from the research
The study assessed the recognition of 17 behavioral signs and three case descriptions among dog families and non‑dog families. Less than 50% of respondents identified subtle signs like restlessness at night, increased clinginess, or changes in social interaction as pain‑related. More obvious signs, such as limping or vocalization, were more readily recognized.
Clinical implications
For veterinary professionals, these findings underscore the importance of proactive communication. Subtle behavioral changes often precede overt clinical signs, and failure to recognize them can delay intervention. Dogs experiencing chronic pain may present with altered sleep patterns, withdrawal, or clinginess — behaviors easily dismissed as personality quirks rather than medical concerns.
By educating caregivers about these nuances, veterinarians can:
- Encourage earlier consultations, reducing progression of painful conditions
- Improve treatment adherence, as families better understand the rationale behind interventions
- Strengthen the human–animal bond, ensuring dogs receive timely support and comfort.
Practical steps for veterinary teams
- Integrate pain recognition checklists into routine wellness visits.
- Use frailty and pain scales to guide discussions with caregivers.
- Provide examples of subtle signs during consultations, emphasizing that pain is not always visible.
- Encourage caregivers to track behavioral changes at home, especially in aging dogs.
Future directions
The study highlights a gap in public awareness that veterinary medicine must address. Educational campaigns, client handouts, and digital tools can help bridge this divide. By reframing pain as a spectrum — where subtle signs are as important as overt ones — veterinarians can promote earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Veterinary professionals should prioritize caregiver education on subtle pain indicators. Recognizing behaviors like restlessness, clinginess, or withdrawal as potential signs of discomfort can transform outcomes, ensuring dogs receive timely care and improved quality of life. This study is a reminder that advancing pain management requires not only clinical expertise but also effective communication with those closest to the animals.
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Innovative Veterinary Care Journal bridges the gap between the worlds of allopathic and integrative veterinary care. Thousands of veterinarians and vet technicians are interested in ways to enhance their practice and update their skills…and integrative health is considered to be highly innovative and requested by patients along with a vast number of other traditional and emerging techniques. IVC features articles by some of the top experts, focusing on market trends in health treatments, new product features, industry news, how to create a strong retail experience, leading integrative modalities, and nutrition education not typically taught in vet school.
