While you can take all the possible precautions to protect your dog, accidents can still happen. Knowing the symptoms that accompany illness or injury, such as pain, can help get them feeling better quickly. Here, our Columbia vets talk about the signs that a dog is in pain, what can cause pain in dogs, and when it might be serious.
The Effect of Pain on Dogs
All pet parents want to help their dogs live the happiest and healthiest life possible. This can be extremely difficult if we do not know what is happening with them internally.
While dogs can be good at hiding their pain you also spend plenty of time with your pup and should be able to notice even the smallest of changes in their behavior. This will allow you to have them examined and treated as quickly as possible.
How to Know if a Dog is in Pain
It will not be easy to see the signs that your dog is in pain. Your dog will try their best to hide every symptom of pain until it becomes too much the handle, and this is typically the point at which most people notice that there is something wrong.
In wild species, being adept at concealing signs of disease, injury and pain can prevent animals from being perceived as weak by predators - and therefore an easy target.
If your dog is showing signs of pain you should contact your vet. The arly detection of disease or illness is key to better outcomes for your dog's health, fewer long-term complications and less risk during treatment.
What might cause pain in dogs?
Several different issues can cause both acute or chronic pain in dogs, such as dental health issues or internal conditions from heart-related and immune system disorders to gastrointestinal issues. Tumors and different types of cancer can also lead to pain. Acute pain can be caused by a foreign object getting stuck in their paw, an injury while exercising, a fall, an accident or other mishaps.
A dog of any age may contract parasites and suffer subsequent disease or infection. Senior dogs may experience pain from joint or bone disorders. diabetes or other health issues.
Signs of Pain in Dogs
If you are wondering how to tell if your dog is in pain, there are certain signs and symptoms that you can watch for. Some of these signs can include:
- Significant decrease in appetite
- Tail tucked in or lowered
- Spending more time sleeping
- Yelping or whining
- Irritability
- Limping
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
- Reduced play or enjoyment of exercise
If you have a pup that has always displayed a happy, playful and outgoing personality and they are suddenly avoiding you and refusing to eat then they may be suffering from pain.
Changes in behavior can indicate suffering and should be tended to by your veterinarian, who can examine your dog and diagnose the underlying health issue or condition.
You will also likely notice a difference in your dog's activity level if they are feeling any pain. This can be accompanied by other behaviors like sleeping excessively.
What are the treatment options for pain in dogs?
Depending on the cause of your pet's pain and their diagnosis, we may recommend treatment options such as pain medication, wound care, various therapies or surgery.
When should I seek urgent veterinary care for my dog's pain?
If you notice your dog suffering from pain and showing symptoms, contact your vet so the underlying issue can be diagnosed. If your pup has been injured and the pain is accompanied by bleeding, loss of consciousness, vomiting or diarrhea, this is considered a veterinary emergency that should be treated right away. Our vets in Columbia can also detect, diagnose and treat health conditions that cause chronic pain.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.