| BEAP Pain Scale for Dogs |
| Many signs of chronic pain are non-specific. Please see your
family vet to rule out other possible causes of these symptoms. |
| | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Score |
| “B” is for Breathing | Breathes normally | | May pant intermittently | Pants often, possibly with labored breathing | Faster breathing rate with more noticeable effort; frequent panting episodes | Panting; increased breathing rate and effort | ______ |
| “E” is for Eyes | Eyes bright and alert | | Eyes slightly duller in appearance; can have a slightly furrowed brow | Dull eyes; worried look | Dull eyes; may have distressed look | Dull eyes; may have panicked look | ______ |
| “A” is for Ambulation | Walks normally on all four legs; no lameness present | Walks normally; may exhibit very subtle lameness when walking | Noticeably slower to lie down or rise; may exhibit lameness when walking | Very slow to rise and lie down; hesitation with movement; difficulty on stairs; reluctant to come when called; more obvious lameness | Obvious difficulty rising or lying down; will not bear weight on affected leg; avoids stairs; obvious lameness | May refuse to get up; may not be able to (or willing to) take more than a few steps; will not bear weight on painful limb | ______ |
| “A” is for Activity | Engages in play and all normal activities | Engages in play and all normal activities | May be slightly unsettled and more restless; difficulty getting comfortable; shifting weight | Not eager to interact but may be in tune with surroundings; obvious lameness when walking; may lick painful area | Avoids all interaction; will “go off” and hide, often in new places; stops grooming; frequently licks or chews at painful area, sometimes to the point of fur loss | Difficult to distract from pain, even with gentle touch or soothing voice; may bite or chew painful area; may eliminate where lying | ______ |
| “A” is for Appetite | Eats and drinks as normal | | Appetite more finicky, such as wanting only treats or “junk” food such as canned food | Frequently loses appetite | Loss of appetite; may not want to drink | No interest in food or water | ______ |
| “A” is for Attitude | Happy; interested in surroundings and playing; seeks attention | Generally remains happy and interested in surroundings | Subdued; engages less or does not initiate play | Anxious or restless; unable to settle or sleep well | Agitated, fearful, worried, reclusive; potentially aggressive | Extremely depressed or minimally responsive; may vocalize in pain; in distress at rest | ______ |
| “P” is for Posture | Comfortable at rest and during play; perky ears and wagging tail | Tail may be down more often; ears up; whiskers generally relaxed | Difficulty squatting or lifting leg to urinate; subtle changes in posture; tail more tucked and ears more flattened | Abnormal weight distribution when standing; difficulty posturing to eliminate; arched back, tucked belly, head hanging low; tucked tail; frequently shifting positions; ears more flattened | Tail tucked, ears flattened or pinned back; abnormal posture when standing; more hesitant to move or stand | Prefers lying position or being on side; flat or pinned ears; may prefer to be very tucked or stretched out | ______ |
| “P” is for Palpation | Enjoys being touched, petted and brushed; no body tension present | Enjoys being touched, petted and brushed; no body tension present | Does not mind touch except on painful area; turns head to look where touched; mild body tension | Guards painful area or tries to escape; moderate body tension when being touched | Significant body tension when painful area touched; may vocalize in pain; guards painful area by pulling away or changing position | Severe body tension when touched; will not tolerate touch of painful area; becomes fearful when non-painful areas are touched | ______ |
| Total: ______ | Total / 8 = Pain Score : ______ |
| | 0 - No Pain | 1 - Mild Pain | 2 - Moderate Pain | 3 - Moderate to Severe Pain | 4 - Severe Pain | 5 - Worst Pain Possible |
| | | Speak with your vet during your next regular visit. | See your vet to assess pain. | CONCERNING, see your vet. | VERY CONCERNING, see your vet. | EMERGENCY, see your vet immediately. |