How can I tell if my dog is in pain?
Recently, we posted regarding seeing the signs of pain in horses so lets now take a look into signs of how your dog may be in pain. These are the signs our four-legged friends give us through their own way of communication.
Firstly, let’s look at the potential causes of pain. There are two types of pain a dog can experience, acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) and often subtle acute flare-ups can lead to chronic pain. Arthritis is one of these examples, beginning as an inflammation of the joint and eventually leading to bony formation in the joint called osteoarthritis. Dogs with elbow and/or hip dysplasia will commonly have osteoarthritis as the joints do not line up in the appropriate socket therefore there is less protection of the joint, leading to bony formations. Other conditions causing pain are; soft tissue injuries, sprains, slipped discs, bone cancer, infections, dental problems, surgery, back conditions, excessive weight gain.
How do I recognise my dog in pain?
You know your own dog better than anyone else, the way they walk, sleep, eat and what they like to do. The most common way to spot if your dog is in pain is by assessing if they are still coping in their normal routine or are they beginning to act slightly differently. Dogs are very good at coping with pain due to their natural survival instinct therefore we have to look out for the subtle signs before a larger problem arises. Common symptoms to look out for are:
Loss of appetite
Abnormal gait
Aggression
Lack of interaction/play
Excessive licking or chewing on themselves
Shaking
Low posture
Flattened ears
Panting excessively
Vocalisation/crying
Finding it difficult to stand after being lay down
Reluctance to walk
These are just a few of the most common signs, there are plenty of other signs that your own dog may show. It is most important to consult with your veterinarian to discuss the best pathway moving forward. Depending on their findings your dog may be put on pain relief or anti-inflammatories whilst finding the best way to manage the condition. Physiotherapy can also be offered to help dogs manage pain through non-invasive techniques such as using massage, laser therapy and PMFT.
