Dog’s Pain. How do we assess a dog’s pain? – A Panel Discussion with Veterinarian Piret Savvi

How do you know when a dog is in pain if it's not limping or whining? The pain of animals often goes unnoticed by us because they don't tell us directly. Yet we all know how a throbbing headache can ruin our day. In a conversation with animal neurologist Piret Savvi, we will talk about dog's pain and well-being and the extent of our role in the well-being of dogs.

The discussion series “Dogs in the Cultural Capital” is a part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 side programme.

Piret Savvi is one of the few animal neurologists practising in Estonia. Due to her work, her knowledge of animal pain and suffering is significantly greater than that of many of us. She constantly encounters animals in pain and distress from various diseases in her daily work. Her everyday work experience has prompted reflection on the role of a dog owner in ensuring the well-being of animals.
In this discussion, we explore how to assess whether a dog is experiencing pain. This is a fundamental question because people often overlook different pains as they don’t know what to observe and how to interpret a dog’s behaviour. We also discuss the crucial role of dog’s mobility in their well-being.

Piret Savvi is a senior veterinarian and neurologist at the Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences with 17 years of experience. She has been the head veterinarian at the same clinic. In 2021, she received the Dimedium Mission Award for organising the Estonian University of Life Sciences and Dimedium Summer School.

We welcome dog owners, volunteers working with animals, professionals and everybody else interested in the topic!

Location: Hea Koer Training Hall at Ujula 1a, 4th floor.
The number of seats is limited, and pre-registration is required!
The event is in Estonian.

During the year of European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024, Hea Koer and Kristina Mägi will host 7 discussions with exciting guests, exploring various aspects of dog-keeping culture, ranging from the development of dog-keeping culture in recent decades to the mental and physical well-being of people encountering dog pain. Each discussion features a new guest and topic, linking to the preceding Training Skills Workshop. Expect intriguing insights and developments from each conversation.
These events aim to raise awareness of the needs of people and dogs in urban environments and more broadly. The Arts of Survival strives towards a more compassionate and friendly (dog-keeping) culture. We can achieve this goal through knowledge, skills, and a change in mindset.

If you want to grab a bite or need a place to stay, see what the Tartu 2024 hospitality network offers in the area: https://tartu2024.ee/recommendations-tartucity