How to Tell If Your Dog is in Pain
Dogs excel at concealing signs of pain. While this was effective as a survival strategy prior to being domesticated as pets, it is not ideal for dog owners who want to ensure their pup's quality of life and well-being. So, what are the signs that your dog is in pain? How do you know if a dog is in pain?
You'll be better prepared to detect subtle signs of pain in your dog if you have a good understanding of his temperament and personality, as well as a keen eye for abnormal behaviors that may indicate pain or discomfort. You must then respond appropriately and in a timely manner.
How Dogs Handle Pain
Dogs will hide their pain for as long as possible, until symptoms appear and their owners notice. Being adept at concealing signs of disease, injury, and pain in wild species can help animals avoid being perceived as weak by predators, making them an easy target.
It is critical that any sign of pain or discomfort in your dog be addressed and treated by a veterinarian, as early detection of disease or illness leads to better health outcomes, fewer long-term complications, and less risk during treatment.
Types of Pain a Dog Can Experience
Dogs, like humans, can experience acute or chronic pain due to various health conditions, including dental problems, heart and immune system disorders, and gastrointestinal issues. Tumors and different types of cancer can also cause pain. A foreign object becoming lodged in its paw, an exercise-related injury, a fall, an accident, or other mishaps can all cause acute pain.
A dog of any age can contract parasites and develop disease or infection. Senior dogs may be in pain due to joint or bone disorders. Diabetes or other medical conditions.
Signs Your Dog is in Pain
Many dog parents contact us wondering how to tell if their dog is in pain. There are a few subtle and obvious symptoms to look for. Dog pain symptoms include:
- Significant decrease in appetite
- Tail tucked in or lowered
- Spending more time sleeping
- Yelping or whining
- Irritability
- Limping
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
- Reduced play or enjoyment of exercise
If your previously physically active, outgoing, and friendly pup now cowers away from being pet, doesn't want to play, or loses its appetite, some type of pain or discomfort may be the culprit. Changes in behavior can indicate suffering and should be tended to by your veterinarian, who can examine your dog and diagnose the underlying health issue or condition. Since the pain can exhaust dogs just as it does humans, many pooches become tired more easily. You may notice your dog sleeping more if their pain has become a problem recently or they are experiencing chronic pain.
If you notice your dog suffering from pain and showing symptoms, contact your vet so the underlying issue can be diagnosed. If your pup has been injured and the pain is accompanied by bleeding, loss of consciousness, vomiting, or diarrhea, this is considered a veterinary emergency that should be treated right away. Our vets in Thousand Oaks can also detect, diagnose and treat health conditions that cause chronic pain.
How Pain in Dogs is Treated
Depending on the cause and diagnosis of your pet's pain, we may recommend pain medication, wound care, various therapies, or surgery. Our veterinarians can perform a number of surgeries, such as soft tissue surgery and orthopedic surgery.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.