Summary:Pain is an essential survival mechanism, acting as an alarm to protect the body in cases of danger or imbalance. Transmitted by nociceptors to the brain, its perception varies between individuals and contexts. Animals, guided by
their instincts, naturally manage pain by soothing the affected area and seeking calm. Emotional suffering, though
intangible, is just as real and requires an appropriate approach to relieve the animal. Lastly, simple gestures such as petting can reduce the sensation of pain, enhancing the natural healing process. 🐾

We have all, at some point, experienced pain or suffering. These sensations are an integral part of life on Earth. All living beings, from humans to animals, have a pain detection system. But have you ever wondered: where does pain come from? Why do we feel it? What is its role and importance in our daily lives?

The Role of Pain

Pain is an essential survival mechanism. It acts as an alarm to protect the body during potentially dangerous events, such as burns, falls, or other accidents. This signal allows living beings to learn to avoid these dangers in the future. Pain occurs when the body reaches or exceeds its natural limits, indicating a state of imbalance.

Pain is not a state in itself, but a message. Small nerve receptors, called nociceptors, located throughout the body—especially in the skin—transmit these messages. They respond to various stimuli:

• Thermal(heat or cold),
• Mechanical (pressure or stretching),
• Chemical(internal or external molecules).

These signals are then transmitted via the spinal cord to the brain, where they are filtered and interpreted.

A Subjective Perception

The perception of pain varies greatly from one individual to another . For example, one dog may react strongly to a simple hair being pulled, while another may tolerate a fracture while continuing to play. This phenomenon is influenced by the “pain matrix” in the brain, where signals are modulated based on the context and priorities of the moment. For example, an engaging activity may diminish or even completely mask the sensation of pain.

How Animals Manage Pain

Animals have an innate wisdom in responding to pain. When they are injured, they:

• Recognize the sensation without judgment,
• Soothe the affected area by licking it, massaging it with their muzzle or paw,
• Withdraw to a quiet place to recover .

Animals in groups often show touching solidarity: members of a herd or pack come to the aid of an injured companion. However , high stress or resistance to pain can slow this natural healing process.

The Pain Scale

To assess the intensity of pain in animals, professionals use a simple scale from 0 to 10:

• 0: No pain,
• 10: Unbearable pain, incompatible with life.

This method allows the measurement of pain and helps to adjust care to optimize the animal’s well-being.

Emotional Suffering

In addition to physical pain, animals can experience emotional suffering related to relationship disturbances or trauma. Although it cannot be located in the body, it is very real and manifests through changes in behavior . Identifying the cause of this imbalance often leads to quick and lasting relief, sometimes instantaneously.

Touch: A Powerful Tool

Nociceptors not only transmit pain but can also respond positively to pleasant stimuli, such as petting or gentle massages. These soothing gestures reduce the overall sensation of pain by sending positive signals to the brain, helping the animal relax and heal more quickly.

So, get ready for those caresses!

Dre Madeleine Tremblay, Veterinarian