How to recognize signs of pain in your pet!

September is pain awareness month. I found some great information on the signs of pain in your pet. Many owners think their pet is just getting old by playing less or sleeping more. It may be that your pet is experiencing pain and does not want to move as much.

Dogs are great at hiding signs of pain. This is great as a survival tactic in the wild but not so good for the owners of domesticated dogs wanting to ensure their dog’s quality of life and wellbeing. Rest assured, with a good understanding of your dog’s personality and a keen eye for certain signs, you can be notice subtle indicators of pain and be able to act on them quickly.

Why do dogs conceal pain?

In wild species, learning to conceal signs of injury, disease and pain prevents them from being perceived as weaker and an easy target for predators.

Are there any signs I can look out for?

Yes. As a descendant of wild wolves, our domesticated dog breeds are practiced at hiding signs of pain and discomfort, but there are still some important clues you can look for.

What are the typical signs of pain in dogs?

General signs: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite. On touch or inspection: Licking lips, flinching, turning head, moving to avoid touch, crying or vocally reacting, panting, increase in respiratory or heart rate, warmth of area, redness of area, and swelling of an area.

Will these signs always be noticeable?

Not necessarily. It’s important to consider that often only a few of these signs are seen when an animal is in pain, and while they may be noticeable in an acutely painful condition, in more progressive or chronically painful conditions, these signs may be much more discrete.

What’s important to look for is anything that is out of the normal for your dog. You can monitor your pet to see: Do certain signs become common after exercise? Are signs more pronounced in the morning or evening? Are you more likely to see these signs after a longer walk over the weekend rather than a shorter walk during the week? This information will help you and your vet to build a picture of the problem, control it appropriately and monitor for changes.

How can pain management help?

Whether it’s related to an acute injury or a more chronic one, there are several approaches to pain management in dogs. Where possible, the direct cause of the pain will be addressed; however, if this is not an option, the pain management approach taken will depend on the following: The type of pain, How long it has been present (chronicity) and Any other health issues your dog may have.

Lots of simple changes can help ease discomfort in a long-standing painful condition. Limiting levels of activity or making minor changes to the home environment such as soft beds, ramps, and non-slip mats can make your pet more comfortable. Acupuncture and laser therapy can help make your pet less painful and improve their quality of life.

If you have questions about petcare please contact Dr. Norette L. Underwood of the Trumann Animal Clinic at catdoc56@gmail.com.