How do I know if my dog is in pain or hurting?

How do I know when my dog is in pain or hurting?



When we have pain, we complain. However, we generally don't hear a peep out of our pets. So how do you know when your pet's in pain?


Because our dogs aren't able to tell us when something is wrong, it's important for you, the owner, to take note of any change in their behavior. Look for any of the following signs, they may be your dog's way of saying "I hurt."



  • Being unusually quiet, listless, restless, or unresponsive

  • Whining, whimpering, howling, or constantly barking

  • Biting

  • Constantly licking a particular part of the body

  • Acting funny and out of character, either aggressively or submissively

  • Flattening ears against the head. Having trouble sleeping or eating

  • Seeking a lot more affection than usual


If you suspect your dog might be hurting, ask your veterinarian to help you figure out the problem and to talk about what options are available. Be prepared to answer questions about your dog's behavior, activity level, and tolerance for being handled. Your dog's mobility is also crucial. Does Rover have a hard time getting up off his haunches or negotiating stairs (which was never a problem before)? Does Muffy no longer jump up on to the furniture or have a hard time hopping back down?


Some dogs never show signs of pain, but that doesn't mean they aren't feeling it. In these cases, if the injury, illness, or experience is one that sounds painful to you, go with the assumption that it may also hurt your pet and get to your veterinarian.


What you can do to help?



First and foremost, a complete physical exam by your veterinarian is needed, possibly including lab and blood tests or X rays. Veterinarians will usually recommend physical therapy, drug treatment, or in more serious cases, surgery. There also are some simple things you can do at home to help keep your dog comfortable and to monitor whether his/her pain level is changing. (Check with your veterinarian first to make sure these won't harm your pet.)



  • Massaging your dog from head to toe will help relax and soothe him. This organized form of petting is a great way to bond with your buddy as well as to notice any unusual bumps, scrapes, or bruises on the body.

     

  • Watch for changes in how your dog responds to exercise. If he's acting sluggish, you may need to reduce his activity, or it may mean that chronic pain is developing. His ability to exercise will depend on his health, however, so make sure he has a thorough veterinary physical before he starts a new exercise program.

     

  • Watch his diet. What you feed your little friend will help maintain his weight, regularity, and physical health, all of which can affect how well he feels. Don't let your dog overeat and don't let yourself over-treat him. Also, with certain conditions, your dog may need a special diet. Consult your veterinarian before you make any dietary changes.


Treatment choices and considerations:

The standard form of treatment for pain is with medication. There are new and varied forms of prescriptions currently available. Aside from pill form, many drugs come in easily administered forms such as liquids, skin patches or gels. There are also new analgesic (pain-reducing) products to help treat your dog after an injurious trauma or to help treat chronic pain. Traditionally, steroids have been used for anti-inflammatory purposes and to decrease pain, but they can have adverse side effects. Although effective, steroids generally aren't used for prolonged periods, and it is crucial that you dispense them following your veterinarian's instructions. Additionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are often used to treat orthopedic-related pain with fewer side effects.

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