Chronic pain in dogs, especially due to joint instability or degenerative conditions, can significantly affect their behaviour. Dogs experiencing ongoing discomfort may become more irritable, anxious, or reactive, often misinterpreted as “bad behaviour.” Understanding the connection between physical pain and behavioural changes is essential for providing effective care. By using a multimodal approach that includes pain management, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and emotional decompression, you can help alleviate discomfort while improving your dog's emotional well-being and behaviour.

The pain transmission process, also known as the nociceptive pathway, is a 4-step relay race from injury to the brain. It begins with transduction, where tissue damage is turned into electrical signals. These signals travel through the body, via transmission, until they reach the brain, where they are perceived as pain. Finally, the brain modulates the pain signal, either amplifying or reducing its intensity. This complex process explains why pain can be persistent and why therapies that target these stages — like laser therapy, NSAIDs, and physiotherapy — are essential in pain management for dogs, especially when dealing with chronic conditions.

Chronic pain in dogs can significantly impact both their physical and emotional well-being, often leading to behavioural changes like irritability, anxiety, and avoidance. Central sensitisation amplifies pain signals, making even mild stimuli feel intense, while neuroplasticity rewires the brain, causing pain to persist long after the original injury. Understanding these processes is crucial for providing effective treatment. A multimodal approach, including pain relief medications, physiotherapy, and emotional decompression, can help manage both the physical discomfort and behavioural challenges associated with chronic pain.

Separation-related distress in dogs can be deeply impacted by underlying pain, amplifying feelings of panic and grief. When discomfort is present, separation from a caregiver can worsen emotional responses, intensifying the dog’s experience of distress. By addressing medical concerns first and implementing strategies like pain management, emotional decompression, and gradual departures, owners can help their dogs feel more secure and reduce anxiety during periods of separation.