The thought of our pup in pain is a scary one. Dogs instinctively mask pain, which makes discerning
what our dog is experiencing challenging. Below are some clues a dog may be in pain.
What to Look For
Although dogs experience pain just like humans, a dog’s pain may not be evident to us. Here’s what to watch for physically:
- Muscle twitching or muscle tightness
- Shaking
- Lowering of the head below shoulders
- Panting
- Arching of the back
Movement
- Limp
- Apprehension with stairs and jumping
- Lethargic movement
- Anxiety with regarding certain body positions (such as sitting or standing)
Behavior
A dog’s behavior changes when they’re in pain. Therefore, they may become irritable, appear restless, and display an aversion to touch. They might also show unusual amounts of licking or vocal expressions.
Types of Pain
Dogs experience pain as a result of chronic conditions, recent injury, or trauma.
Sometimes the pain may be a sign of other medical conditions or behavioral problems. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to direct any concerns to a veterinarian.
How You Can Help
When it comes to helping your dog if they are showing signs of pain, the first step is to meet with your veterinarian. They can conduct testing and make a diagnosis.
Avoid activity whereby your dog exhibits pain until you’ve met with your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will also provide you with solutions on how to accommodate your dog, which may involve ceasing routine activities or restricting and altering others.
Observe your dog’s behavior. Does the dog display symptoms of pain briefly, but appears excellent later? It’s best if you’re able to document patterns of response to identify when your dog is experiencing pain. It’s still advisable to see the veterinarian even if symptoms subside.
Treatment
Your veterinarian can determine whether the pain is newly onset or chronic and how to best address pain moving forward. There are a host of treatments available in that regard. Inquire of your veterinarian and be open to feedback from other veterinarians or specialists. Consider the options and ask questions of a professional.
Source: petmd.com