Generally, dogs are thought to tolerate pain better than people; for this reason, it can be difficult to understand when a dog is in pain. Some animals show signs of suffering, while others can be impassive: in these cases it is not easy to tell if they are suffering from something. Many times dogs hide obvious symptoms of pain simply because they have a natural survival mechanism in place; however, there are many ways to tell if a dog is in pain. The sooner you can determine this, the sooner you can seek help. By doing this, you will prevent a minor condition from worsening and requiring urgent care.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Identifying Changes in the Body
Step 1. Observe if the dog is limping
One of the most obvious signs of malaise is a limp. It occurs if the dog feels pain when it leans on one paw.
- If one leg pains him, he is less likely to use it and sometimes leans on the other three.
- When he is in pain, he usually walks even less.
Step 2. Pay attention to other walking problems
In addition to a limp gait, you may notice other changes in his mobility. For example, they may find it difficult to get up and down, move slower than usual, or show reluctance in certain activities.
He may suffer from climbing or descending stairs, running or jumping
Step 3. Watch for changes in posture
Note the position in which he holds his head or tail. Any change in normal posture - for example, keeping the tail hanging or tucked between the paws when it normally wiggles - can indicate pain.
- If your dog uses his paw in a different way than usual, this could be a sign of being unwell.
- The pain can also cause him to arch his back or stiffen when he is up or moving.
Step 4. Pay attention to your breathing
To find out if he is in pain, notice if there is an increase in his breathing rate or if he is short of breath.
If you are out of breath, especially in winter, it could indicate pain
Step 5. Check your eyes
Your dog's eyes can tell you a lot about any pain he may be suffering from. If your eye area is sore, you will likely notice that your eyes squint frequently, that they are red, streaked, or have secretions.
- He can also rub himself in the area that hurts him. If you rub around your eyes often, it could be discomfort around the eyes.
- The eyes can also suggest pain in other areas. If he squeezes them, he is likely to be in pain in the eye area, but in some cases the pain may be located elsewhere.
- Dilated pupils can also indicate that the dog is in pain.
Part 2 of 2: Look for Behavior Changes
Step 1. Be careful if it bites
Pain can change the dog's behavior. Even a loving dog, if in pain, can bite.
- Even a dog that has never bitten can bite when you get close if the pain is severe.
- A dog with such a condition may also bite if you touch or move a sore area. When you get to feel a painful area, its natural reaction will be to turn in that direction; instinctively he might even try to bite you.
- Among the first signs of danger you will notice that he growls. A dog about to bite points its ears back or bares its teeth. This is a natural defense mechanism that the animal uses to avoid further pain.
Step 2. Check how he eats
When in pain, a dog can reduce their food intake. If you suddenly experience a decrease in appetite, this may be a sign of pain.
If his mouth hurts, he may even drop his food while he eats
Step 3. Watch for signs of restlessness
An ailing dog may exhibit agitation or an inability to get comfortable. He may express this by repeatedly moving and adjusting his position or by frequently rising and lowering.
Step 4. Look for sleep disturbances
If a dog is physically unwell, he can show changes during normal sleep phases. He may sleep more than usual, or have difficulty falling asleep.
Step 5. Listen to the changes in the verses it emits
Unusual vocalizations, such as a moan, a groan, a groan, a yelp, and even a growl, can be symptoms of pain.
- Sometimes these sounds may be associated with particular movements, such as when standing up. By noting if there is a particular link between vocal emissions and movements, you may get some clues as to the nature of the pain.
- A dog that normally barks can suddenly become silent.
Step 6. Notice if she engages in evasive behavior
These kinds of behaviors, such as hiding or being reluctant to contact with people or other animals, are common in dogs that feel pain. These are attitudes adopted to avoid situations that could cause greater physical suffering.
- If he moves his head when you try to stroke him or makes other movements to avoid contact, this could be a sign of pain. Pay attention to such behaviors if he normally likes to be touched.
- These behaviors can persist if the dog is more reserved and less interactive than normal.
- Also, if you suffer, you may notice depressive or apathetic attitudes.
- Be aware that some dogs, when they feel pain, show a desire for more attention rather than avoiding it. Therefore, see if your partner engages in evasive behaviors or wants more attention than usual.
Step 7. Pay attention to the dog's bowel activity and urinary habits
They are an important element in recognizing different types of problems.
- If you are in pain, there is a possibility that you may assume a different posture when urinating or defecating. For example, if he is male, he may avoid lifting his paw as usual to urinate.
- You may also notice a change in the frequency with which she fulfills her needs. In addition, he may not be able to hold back to the area he usually goes to to urinate or defecate.
- Pain can also change the consistency of the stool, due to the stress it entails. It can even cause constipation.
Advice
- Be careful not to aggravate the pain. Sometimes it is necessary to locate the point from which it radiates. With dogs, the only way to do this is to feel or move the painful area. You've probably seen the vet do these maneuvers when examining your dog, but vets are able to do it without causing further harm. If you haven't been trained as a veterinarian, you run the risk of making the situation worse by trying to diagnose your dog's discomfort on your own.
- Your goal is not to locate pain at all costs, but to understand if your dog is in pain. Once you have an answer, consult your vet to resolve the problem.
- Many of the signs that indicate distress in dogs are difficult to spot. It is much easier to spot the slightest changes if you are familiar with your puppy's habits. If you are fully aware of his normal activities and usual behaviors, it will be easier to recognize any kind of variation.
Warnings
- Do not try to give your dog medicine without receiving instructions from the veterinarian. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories for people can be dangerous for dogs, especially in the wrong doses.
- Also, if you suspect your dog is in pain but aren't sure, take him to the vet.
- While all of the signs described above may suggest that your dog is in pain, some may also indicate other problems. If even one of them persists and gets worse within 24 to 48 hours, see your vet.
