10/09/2026
Myth: It is good that animals feel pain as they will self limit and prevent further injury.
This is false. There is no functional purpose to pain. Pain limits mobility, cognitive ability and can cause behavioural issues. A dog that experiences pain will not self limit but will learn abnormal gait, posture and behavioural patterns which in turn can, and in all the cases I have seen will, negatively affect recovery and quality of life.
In addition the repetitive and prolonged pain receptor activation which happens in chronic pain changes the central nervous system and the way it functions through central sensitization.
During central sensitization:
1. The pain transmitting nerve fibre threshold is reset. This results in hyperalgesia, where less stimulation is required to initiate pain. And the pain felt is more intense due to the sensitivity of the fibres.
2. The nerve fibres that normally carry non painful information are recruited and become part of the pain-transmission process. This is called allodynia and results in normally harmless sensation being interpreted as pain.
3. There is reduced fading so the pain is felt for longer.
Take home message:
Central sensitization highlights the importance of regular pain monitoring and immediate action if your dog is in pain. If your dog is on pain relief, regular medication review with vets are very important. And if you are unsure whether your dog has pain, speak to a physiotherapist or your vet
