Page 18 - Autumn 2025 Newsletter

WELFARE

Before you blame, check for pain Common pain-related behaviours

Unwanted Behaviour or is it include:

Unseen Pain? • Sudden aggression or reactivity

Pain is one of the most overlooked (growling, snapping)

causes of unwanted behaviour. Before • Reluctance to be touched or
we label, or train, we must ask ‘Could approached

this be pain? ‘ • Sudden aggression or reactivity

Dogs rarely vocalise pain directly. • Restlessness, pacing, or excessive

Instead, they show subtle shifts in licking
behaviour (like withdrawal, irritability, • Withdrawal or reduced social

or reactivity) that may be engagement
misinterpreted as training issues or • Changes in appetite, sleep, or
simply unwanted behaviour. toileting

Studies from Glasgow University and • Avoidance of walks or equipment
the development of the Glasgow Pain • Hyperarousal, excessive mouthing or

Scale highlight that behavioural signs vocalisation
are often the primary indicators of pain. • Repetitive behaviours like pacing,

Pain is a major contributor to guarding, or licking surfaces
behavioural issues. Professor Daniel • Changes in sleep, toileting, or eating

Mills (University of Lincoln) and others patterns
have shown that pain is either the direct
cause or a significant exacerbating Musculoskeletal pain is a frequent
culprit: A 2012 study found that 75% of
factor in many cases of unwanted
behaviour. In clinical reviews, pain was aggressive dogs had underlying
musculoskeletal pain, often from hip
implicated in 28% to 82% of behaviour
cases depending on the population dysplasia or elbow osteoarthritis.

studied. Unwanted behaviour isn’t always a
training issue - it’s often a welfare one.
Behavioural changes are often the first
Pain changes behaviour, and recognising
sign of pain. Dogs may not show
obvious physical symptoms, but subtle this is the first step toward helping, not
correcting.
behavioural shifts such as increased
reactivity, avoidance, or changes in
social engagement, can be early

indicators of discomfort.

info@bedlingtonrescue.co.uk www.bedlingtonrescue.co.uk