Which dogs suffer from pain the most: a list of sensitive breeds

Scientists have proven that dog breeds have different levels of pain sensitivity. The study conducted by the University of North Carolina involved ten of the most common breeds, including retrievers, Huskies, and Maltese dogs.

It is interesting that the results of the scientists' analysis did not always coincide with the opinion of veterinarians who are faced with the reaction of four-legged animals to pain and stimuli in practice. The Science Alert publication told us which dogs suffer from pain the most.

The study involved 149 adult male and female dogs. First of all, they were divided into groups based on how veterinarians assess pain sensitivity.

• High (Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Maltese dog, Siberian Husky);
• Medium (Border Collie, Boston Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier);
• Low (Golden Retriever, pit bull, Labrador retriever).

"Veterinarians provided their own estimates of pain sensitivity in dogs of different breeds, and these estimates often contradicted the results of the study. This is probably due to the emotional activity of dogs during contact with doctors," said Margaret Gruen, a veterinary behaviourist at North Carolina State University.

The tests were conducted very carefully, with scientists using mild external stimuli, pressing various objects on the paws. The emotional aspect was determined by interacting with a stranger whom the dog did not know and a toy plush monkey.

As a result, scientists have found that Maltese dogs react quickly to stimuli and have a low tolerance to pain.

Huskies, according to veterinarians, are also very sensitive, but scientists have classified them as middle-class.

Labradors and Golden Retrievers are recognised as the least pain-sensitive breeds. These dogs are really able to withstand severe pain and have a high pain threshold.

Duncan Lascelles, a veterinary surgeon at North Carolina State University, stressed that the study encourages the search for potential biological reasons to explain these differences, which will allow for more effective treatment of certain breeds.

OBOZREVATEL also told which dogs quickly overheat in the sun and cannot control their temperature.

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