Symptoms indicative of a dog's discomfort: A veterinary professional's advice
In the world of our four-legged friends, pain can often go unnoticed, but understanding the signs is crucial for their wellbeing. Dr. Barnette, an expert vet with 15 years of clinical experience treating dogs, cats, and occasional exotic patients, has identified several common signs of pain in dogs.
Dogs in pain might show physical and behavioural changes. Limping or favoring a leg, excessive panting or rapid breathing, trembling or shaking, hunched or rigid posture, swelling in specific areas, difficulty rising or lying down, excessive licking or biting at one spot, and squinting or changes in the eyes are some of the physical signs. Behaviourally, dogs in pain may show decreased interest in play or exercise, unusual aggression when touched, changes in appetite, restlessness, increased vocalization (whining, growling, yelping), social withdrawal, disrupted sleep, and accidents indoors despite being house-trained.
Whimpering or whining, shaking, muscle loss, reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or move normally, clinginess or withdrawal depending on the dog’s personality, unexplained growling, snapping, or avoidance behaviours, sleeping more or choosing unusual resting positions, and becoming restless and pacing during the day and night are other common signs often seen.
It's essential to note that some pain may be "silent" or chronic and not obviously visible through limping or vocalization. Recognising more subtle behavioural shifts or changes from a dog’s normal patterns is, therefore, crucial to detect pain early. Early diagnosis, especially with chronic conditions like arthritis or bone tumors, is important for better pain management and quality of life.
If your dog is crying or whining, limping, shaking, or showing any unusual behaviour, it could indicate pain or discomfort. In such cases, it's advisable to consult a vet. Never give your dog human pain relief; only give them medication that your vet has prescribed or advised.
To comfort a dog in pain, provide them with a thick, padded, comfortable bed and make sure they can reach food and water easily. If your dog is prescribed medication for pain relief, it might be carprofen for dogs, tramadol for dogs, or gabapetin for dogs.
Remember, only you know what's normal for your dog, so any changes in behaviour should be closely monitored. If your dog is in pain, they might be restless, struggling to sleep well, becoming restless, struggling to settle, and waking up regularly. Some dogs respond to pain by becoming antisocial, anxious, or aggressive.
In summary, the most common veterinary-identified signs of pain in dogs are limping, vocalizing (whining, growling), changes in posture or movement, excessive licking of painful areas, and behavioural changes such as decreased activity or aggression when touched. If you suspect your dog is in pain, don't hesitate to consult a vet.
References:
[1] PetMD. (n.d.). What Are the Common Signs of Pain in Dogs? Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/common-signs-pain-dogs
[2] ASPCA. (n.d.). Understanding Pain in Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/understanding-pain-dogs
[3] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Silent Pain in Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-university-hospital-for-animals/departments-and-services/anesthesia/pain-management/silent-pain-in-dogs
- In the realm of pet care, adequate awareness of a pet's health-and-wellness is vital, especially when it comes to understanding signs of pain in dogs and cats.
- Apart from physical symptoms like limping or rapid breathing, behavioral changes in pet dogs, such as decreased interest in play, excessive growling, or social withdrawal, could indicate pain or discomfort.
- Veterinary science has identified various physical signs of pain in dogs, including trembling, swelling, difficulty rising, excessive licking, and squinting, along with changes in the eyes.
- Training, breed, and individual personality can influence a dog's behavior, making it essential to observe and understand deviations from a dog's normal patterns as indicators of pain.
- In the case of silent or chronic pain, early detection through recognizing subtle behavioral shifts is crucial for effective pain management and improved quality of life for your pet.
- If your pet dog shows signs such as whimpering, limping, or changes in behavior, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian for prompt diagnosis and treatment, while refraining from administering any unprescribed medication for pain relief.
