In the Literature
Kogan LR, Currin-McCulloch J, Brown E, Hellyer P. Dog owners’ perceptions and veterinary-related decisions pertaining to changes in their dog’s behavior that could indicate pain. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024;262(10):1370-1378. doi:10.2460/javma.24.02.0120
The Research …
Recognition of pain is necessary for treatment and typically relies on pet owner observation and awareness of relevant behaviors.1 Research has shown that owners can recognize signs of pain in dogs,2 but little is known about how owners interpret signs associated with specific presentations and what factors influence the decision to seek veterinary care.
In this prospective study, dog owners were provided 3 scenarios in which a healthy dog displays behaviors that could be associated with pain, including snapping when being petted, avoiding ear handling, and walking in an altered or unusual manner. Owners rated their level of concern, whether they would seek veterinary care, and the relative impact of various factors (eg, cost, potential stress of the dog) on their decision. Participants were then given brief pain-related educational information and reassessed regarding their level of concern and whether they would seek veterinary care.
Of 367 survey respondents, most felt moderately to very confident they could detect pain in their dog; higher confidence was positively associated with level of concern and likelihood of seeking veterinary care. Higher attachment scores (measured via the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale; see Suggested Reading) were also associated with higher concern and likelihood of seeking care across scenarios. Following presentation of educational information, concern increased for the snapping and avoiding scenarios, and an increased percentage of owners indicated they would immediately seek veterinary care for all scenarios.
Most respondents reported having a good or excellent relationship with their pet’s veterinarian; however, examination and treatment cost were considered by a majority of respondents when deciding whether to seek veterinary care.
… The Takeaways
Key pearls to put into practice:
Responses suggest owners are proficient at recognizing potential arthritic pain, as >75% indicated concern regarding the walking scenario before educational information was provided. Significant changes in concern about the snapping and avoiding scenarios following presentation of information indicate owners could benefit from discussion of behaviors not classically associated with pain, including defensive behaviors and avoidance of interaction.
Behaviors associated with pain should be discussed early and often, particularly for conditions less readily identified as painful (eg, otitis) and those that can occur throughout the patient’s life.
Owner confidence in identifying pain increased concern and likelihood of seeking veterinary care. Veterinary teams can foster confidence by discussing the importance of owner observation and providing information about pain-related behaviors. Acute pain scales and educational materials on behaviors associated with acute or chronic pain can be displayed in the clinic and distributed via email and social media. Concise information can be effective. This may sound like A dog that typically loves attention but no longer wants to be petted may be experiencing pain or discomfort. Signs of pain are not specific, so the change in behavior may be due to an injury or other medical problem.
Discussions with owners about the importance of pain management should be held proactively and include options that include cost as a consideration.
Pet owners may be more likely to seek veterinary care if they know they'll be met with empathy and transparency, especially regarding the cost of care. To help owners feel safe bringing up cost concerns and avoid feeling judged, try these tips:
- Acknowledge that veterinary care is expensive and there may be a divide between the care the owner would like to pursue and what they can afford.
- Address cost head-on. Be the first to bring up the cost of care, assure owners they won't be surprised by hidden costs, and directly ask owners about their financial concerns.
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