Pain management in dairy cows is a crucial aspect of modern dairy farming for improving animal welfare and production efficiency. This article systematically reviews assessment methods for pain in dairy cows, the rational selection of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, and comprehensive management strategies for common painful procedures and diseases. Studies have shown that pain can lead to abnormal behavior, increased physiological stress, and reduced production performance in dairy cows. Internationally, various behavioral indicator-based pain assessment tools （such as the Dairy Cow Pain Scale） have been developed to provide a scientific basis for pain identification. In terms of pharmacological treatment, the use of highly selective COX-2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs （e.g., meloxicam） is recommended, with strict adherence to milk withdrawal and drug withdrawal periods. For common issues such as dehorning, castration, hoof diseases,dystocia, and mastitis,multimodal analgesic protocols should be implemented, combining local anesthesia with systemic analgesics, while emphasizing the timing and standardization of procedures. International dairy quality programs such as the U.S. FARM and Canada’s proAction have made pain management a mandatory requirement. China’s dairy industry should also accelerate the implementation of relevant standards to enhance dairy cow health and farming efficiency through scientific analgesia.

dairy cow  /  pain assessment  /  anti-inflammatory analgesia  /  nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs  /  meloxicam  /  animal welfare  /  pain management  /  dairy farming