Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Looking for physical changes
• Part 2 of 2: Looking for behavioral changes
• Tips
• Warnings

Experts believe that dogs have a higher pain threshold than humans, so it can be difficult to tell if a dog is in pain. While some dogs will clearly indicate that they are in pain, others can be very stoic and make it difficult to determine. Often times, dogs will hide their pain when possible, as a natural survival mechanism. Despite that, there are many ways to tell if your dog is in pain. The sooner you can determine this, the sooner you can seek help.This can help keep small problems from turning into big problems.

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Part 1 of 2: Looking for physical changes

1. Watch out for limping. One of the most obvious signs of pain is limping. Limping occurs when it hurts to put weight on one leg.
   • If one leg causes pain, it will be less likely to use it, and sometimes rely on the other three legs.
   • Dogs in pain are also usually less likely to move around.
2. Be aware of other mobility problems. Besides limping, you can see other mobility changes. For example, your dog may have trouble getting up or lying down. He may also move around more slowly than usual, or show a reluctance to do certain activities.
   • Reluctance to go up or down stairs, run or jump can be a sign of pain.
3. Watch for changes in attitude. Pay attention to the position in which your dog is holding its head or tail. Any change from normal posture, such as a hanging tail or a tail between the legs in a dog that normally has an active tail, can be evidence of pain.
   • If your dog is holding one paw differently than it normally does, this could be a sign of pain.
   • Pain can also cause your dog to stand with his back tucked up or be very stiff when standing or moving.
4. Watch your dog's breathing. If your dog is in pain, you may notice an increase in his breathing rate or heavy panting.
   • A dog who pantes persistently, especially in cool weather, may be in pain.
5. Check your dog's eyes. Your dog's eyes can tell you a lot about pain he may be experiencing. If there is pain in the eye area, you may notice that he has a squint, redness, cloudy eyes, or a discharge.
   • Your dog may also rub the area that hurts. If your dog is rubbing around his eyes a lot, it could be a sign of discomfort in this area.
   • The eyes can also give you a hint about pain in other places. Squinting can be a sign of eye pain, but some dogs will also squint when experiencing pain elsewhere.
   • Dilated pupils can also be a sign that your dog is in pain.

Part 2 of 2: Looking for behavioral changes

1. Be wary of biting. Pain can change a dog's behavior. Even a friendly dog ​​in a lot of pain is more likely to bite.
   • Even a dog that has never bitten before can bite when approached while experiencing a lot of pain.
   • A dog in pain can also bite if you touch or move a sore spot. The natural reaction when a painful area is touched is to turn to that area. The dog may instinctively try to bite.
   • You may first see warning signs, such as growling. A dog about to bite may stick its ears back or show its teeth. This is a natural protection mechanism that a dog can use to try and prevent more pain.
2. Watch your dog's eating habits. A dog in pain can reduce its food intake. If your dog suddenly has less appetite, this could be a sign of pain.
   • A dog with pain in the mouth may also drop food when eating.
3. Watch for signs of restlessness. A dog in pain may experience restlessness or an inability to get comfortable. Your dog can demonstrate this by walking around, repeatedly adjusting its posture, or by getting up and lying down often.
4. Watch for changes in sleep behavior. A dog in pain may experience changes in their normal sleep schedule. A dog in pain may either sleep more than usual or be unable to sleep.
5. Listen for changes in the dog's voice. Unusual noises such as complaining, moaning, whining, wheezing, and even growling can all be signs of pain.
   • These sounds can be associated with certain movements, such as when he first gets up. This can help give you clues about the nature of the pain.
   • A dog that normally makes a lot of noise can also become quiet.
6. Pay attention to avoidance behavior. Avoidance behaviors, such as hiding or hiding from contact with people or other animals, is normal when a dog is in pain. These behaviors are attempts to avoid potentially embarrassing situations.
   • If your dog pulls its head away when you try to pet it or makes other movements to avoid touching it, it could be a sign of pain. Watch for such behavior if your dog normally likes to be touched.
   • These behaviors can coincide with more withdrawn and less interactive behavior than normal.
   • You may also notice an attitude of depression or mental drowsiness if your dog is in pain.
   • Note that some dogs may seek more attention, rather than avoid it, when they are in pain. Watch for avoidance as well as an unusually high degree of attention-seeking behavior.
7. Pay attention to your dog's urination and pooping behavior. By being aware of your dog's normal toilet behavior, you can identify many different problems.
   • When a dog is in pain, you may find that he takes a different position when he needs to urinate or defecate. For example, a male who normally lifts his paw to urinate can now dispense with that.
   • You may also see a change in how often your dog needs to go to the bathroom. Or, your dog may have accidents if it is painful for him to go where he normally goes.
   • Pain can also change the consistency of a dog's bowel movements, due to the related stress. It can also lead to blockage.

Tips

• Be careful not to make the pain worse. Sometimes you will have to find the pain to know it is there. In a dog, sometimes the only way to do this is to touch or move an area that can cause pain. You may have seen your vet do this after examining your dog, but vets are trained to do this without causing further injury. Because you miss this training, you can hurt a dog when trying to diagnose it.
• Your goal should not necessarily be to locate the pain, but to determine if your dog is in pain. Once you have an answer, you can talk to your vet about possible solutions.
• Many of the signs that your dog is in pain are subtle. It's much easier to notice these subtle changes if you know what's normal. Being aware of your dog's normal activities and behaviors will help you spot any changes more easily.

Warnings

• While all the signs discussed above may suggest a painful situation for your dog, some of these signs may indicate other problems as well. If any of these signs persist or worsen over 24 to 48 hours, see your vet.
• Do not attempt to give your dog any medication at home without instructions from your vet. Medication for pain and inflammation in humans can be dangerous to dogs, especially in the wrong dosages.
• For the same reason, if you suspect your dog is in pain, but you're not sure, visit your vet.