30/09/2026
Nice article.
THE PAIN BEHAVIOUR CONNECTION
Recently a well known veterinary specialist in Johannesburg told my client that her GSD, who has a history of being treated for hip pain and ear infections, should be put to sleep as his fear reactivity had nothing to do with pain. He labelled him as a fundamentally aggressive dog who had no hope of improving. This was upsetting to my client to say the least as when he was on pain or allergy meds, he was a "good boy". Horrifically enough, other well meaning friends recommended board and train facilities for the dog. Knowing him well enough, made my heart sore that he was negatively labelled. Yes he had some issues, not all pain related, but these recommendations were certainly inappropriate for him. What he needed was an excellent veterinary behaviourist to address the impact of possible pain on his mood and emotional state...his guardian has been in touch with such a professional already.
Pain, or any physical discomfort, and behaviour are closely linked in animals as with humans. Pain is not only a physical experience; it can profoundly influence an animal’s emotional experiences, perception, learning, and behaviour. Animals may not be able to self report that they are hurting, so pain can present as a change in behaviour rather than an obvious physical symptom.
Pain can change an animal's emotional threshold. A dog that is normally comfortable around another dog or people may become reactive because the additional stimulation is harder to tolerate when they are already experiencing discomfort.
Similarly, a cat who suddenly becomes aggressive when handled may not be "dominant" or "bad"; he may be communicating "that hurts" or "please don't touch me."
Animals can also develop learned associations with situations that previously predicted pain. For example, a dog with painful hips may begin avoiding the car because getting into the car has repeatedly involved discomfort. Even after the underlying pain improves, the learned emotional response may persist and require careful behaviour modification
Signs of possible pain include:
1. Irritability or aggression — an animal may scratch, growl, snap, bite or become defensive when approached or touched.
2. Fear and avoidance — painful animals may avoid people, other animals, stairs, being handled, or particular environments.
3. Reactivity — increased sensitivity to dogs, people, sounds or movement can occur when an animal's threshold for coping has been reduced.
4. Withdrawal — some animals become quieter, less interactive or socially withdrawn.
5. Reduced tolerance — an animal that previously tolerated handling or interaction may suddenly object.
6. Changes in sleep and activity — pain can cause restlessness, difficulty settling, or reluctance to move.
7. Changes in appetite and innate behaviours — interest in food, play, exploration or other rewarding activities may decrease.
8. House-soiling or toileting changes — pain affecting mobility or elimination can alter normal toileting behaviour.
9. Compulsive or repetitive behaviours — discomfort can sometimes contribute to excessive licking, chewing or other repetitive behaviour.
10. Learning and training difficulties — pain, stress and reduced emotional capacity can make it harder for an animal to concentrate, learn and respond normally.
Pain should therefore be considered in behavioural cases, especially when behaviour changes suddenly, escalates without an obvious explanation, or involves aggression, fear, avoidance or reduced tolerance. A veterinary assessment should be considered before assuming that the problem is purely behavioural.
Addressing physical discomfort is often an important part of behavioural intervention, while any remaining learned or emotional component may require separate behaviour modification.
Behaviour is communication. Sometimes the behaviour is telling us that something hurts.
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