Every dog is different , but our veterinary expert says these are some of the most common pain symptoms .
We just ca n’t bear to see our loving doggos hurt in any way , especially when they ’re hurting and we do n’t know why . However , the signs a dog is in botheration vary greatly , and they might not always directly relate to the underlying issue .
We asked RuthAnn Lobos , DVM , CCRT , CVAT , a senior vet atPurina , for some of the most common indications your pet has painfulness and what you could do to help .
Photo: Lucia Romero Herranz / EyeEm / Getty
How to Tell If a Dog Is in Pain
" Dogs can exhibit infliction in a masses of elbow room and sometimes it ’s not as obvious as harbour up their branch or manus , although lameness is one of the most common signboard of painfulness , especially if the injury is severe , " Lobos say . " However , in more continuing spot , likearthritisor other conditions that involve abdominal / intragroup organ pain , the sign may be more subtle . "
She adds that another reason why it might be hard to descry pain symptoms in dogs is because they often want to hide or isolate from the kin if they ’re hurting .
Lobos outlines some indications your puppy is suffering that require a closer look .
Physical Signs of Pain
In an acute combat injury or place , you may notice :
" The trouncing may at first be helpful in soothing the pain receptor in the skin , but over time that licking can in reality cause more hurt as it irritate the cutis and can direct to infection , " Lobos says . " Chewing or biting at the area has the same purpose as thrash but can certainly stimulate subaltern negative effects more quickly . "
Changes in mobility are other pain clues . For representative , dogs experiencing penetrative abdominal discomfort due to an intestinal blockage , pancreatitis , or gastrointestinal hurt may be reluctant to move and/or have a tense belly . They could alsodrool , demonstratelethargy , and/or have a decreased appetite .
When a pooch suffers from chronic pain , they might expose other mobility outcome , such as :
If a experimental condition is less severe , like with a limb hurt , Lobos says your dog might " off - load " or shift their weight to one of their other legs . While not obvious at first , this will cause the muscles of the affected limb to atrophy or shrivel up from neglect over clip , and guide to compensatory issues and pain in other parts of their bodies . " For good example , if they hurt their human knee , they may start to hold up the whole ramification out to the side just a little , " she says . " This can direct to hip pain in the ass and back pain . "
She supply that another source of pain in our pets that can be confusing is dental pain in the neck — especially in previous favorite . " Owners often see drooling , lessen appetency , or devolve their kibble when eating . "
Behavioral Signs of Pain
Your dog ’s behavior might reflect the aching they find in the following fashion :
Should You Give Your Dog Pain Medicine?
" Before the veterinary assignment , you may be allure to give aspirin or other pain medicinal drug designed for people , but those can be very life-threatening for dogs and cause more health issues for them , " Lobos tell . This carefulness includesTylenolandibuprofen .
Instead , arrange for a thoroughgoing veterinary surgeon exam . Then , have a give-and-take with your vet about whatpain management treatmentmight be best for your pet ’s shape .
Diagnosing Signs of Pain in Your Dog
Because the symptom above could signal any number of complaint , one way to help your vet determine what ’s wrong with your whelp is to take video or movie of what you ’re seeing .
Lobos say after a elaborated physical examination , your vet may want to perform a figure of tests , like radiographs ( or x - rays ) and blood piece of work . " These test help your veterinarian better distinguish the rootage of the pain , and then educate a design for handle the pain , " she says . " Your general practitioner may prescribemedications , commend a change in diet , or includesupplementsto help with the pain . "
She adds that some veterinary surgeon tender services like physical reclamation oracupuncturethat may also be appropriate for your andiron . look on the diagnosis , your veterinarian might also bring up you to a medical specialist , like an orthopedic surgeon , a reclamation specialist , or an internist .
" Open communication and trust are the most important element to the human relationship you have with your veterinarian to offer the best maintenance for your four - legged friend , " Lobos say .
