How to recognize pain in your dog

Author: Lewis Jackson
Date Of Creation: 8 May 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
Anonim
9 Signs Your Dog Is In Pain. Don’t Let Him Suffer!
Video: 9 Signs Your Dog Is In Pain. Don’t Let Him Suffer!

Content

Experts believe that dogs are more tolerant of pain than humans, so it is very difficult to recognize signs of pain. Some dogs show obvious pain, while others are highly tolerant, making it difficult to notice. However, there are many ways to recognize pain in your dog. The earlier it is found out, the higher the chance of a dog's pain relief. Pain may seem simple, but it can be worse if you leave it on.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Look for body changes

  1. Watch for limping signs. One of the most obvious signs of pain is limping. Your dog will limp from the pain of putting weight on one leg.
    • If your dog has pain in one leg, he will limit its use and sometimes rely entirely on the other three legs.
    • A dog that is in pain also tends to rotate less often.

  2. Note other move related issues. In addition to limping, you can see other changes in the dog's ability to move. For example, the dog may have difficulty walking up or down. Your dog may also rotate more slowly than usual or be reluctant to a certain activity.
    • Delaying up or down stairs, running or jumping are also signs of pain.

  3. Watch for changes in posture. You should pay attention to how the dog holds its tail and head. Unusual changes in position, such as hanging the tail, bending the tail, or losing its flexibility, can indicate pain.
    • Your dog may be in pain if his hold is different from normal.
    • Pain can cause the dog to bend over and make it difficult to stand or move.

  4. Notice how your dog breathes. If the dog is in pain, the dog may breathe quickly or breath heavily.
    • Your dog may be in pain if he breathes quickly in cool weather.
  5. Check your dog's eyes. Your dog's eyes can tell you any signs of pain. If your dog has eye pain, he or she may squint, be red, cloudy, or turn cloudy.
    • The dog can rub the sore area. If you rub your eyes repeatedly, your dog may have eye discomfort.
    • The eyes can also reveal pain in other locations. A squinting dog may be having pain in the eye or in another area of ​​the body.
    • Dilated pupils can also be a sign of pain.
    advertisement

Part 2 of 2: Look for changes in behavior

  1. Watchdog. Pain can cause your dog to change his behavior. A sore dog can also bite.
    • Even a dog that has never bitten a person can bite in severe pain.
    • Your dog may bite if you touch or move the sore area. Your natural reaction to the pain is to turn toward it. Dogs can instinctively try to bite.
    • You may first look for warning signs like growling. A dog that is about to bite may jerk its ear back and show its teeth. This is your dog's natural defense mechanism to prevent pain from worsening.
  2. Monitor for changes in your diet. Painful dogs may eat less. If your dog suddenly loses his appetite, the dog is most likely in pain.
    • Dogs with a sore mouth can also spit out their food.
  3. Watch for signs of restlessness. The sore dog is often restless or difficult to relax. You can recognize signs of restlessness by observing your dog pacing, changing position constantly, or going up / down frequently.
  4. Notice changes in sleep. Painful dogs have changed their sleeping habits. Painful dogs may sleep more than usual or have trouble sleeping.
  5. Listen for sound related changes. Dogs can make unusual sounds such as groaning, whimpering, and even growling when in pain.
    • These sounds are usually related to certain movements, such as waking up. Be mindful of this to recognize your dog's pain.
    • A normal barking dog may suddenly be quiet when in pain.
  6. Pay attention to avoidance. Dogs may display avoidant behaviors such as hiding or being afraid to come into contact with other people or animals when in pain. This is like trying to keep your dog from getting worse.
    • If your dog turns his head away or avoids contact while you petting, he may be in pain. Be mindful of these behaviors with dogs that are more likely to be in contact with you.
    • These behaviors can be accompanied by a dog that is less likely to communicate or not to communicate.
    • You may also find that your dog becomes depressed or lethargic if it hurts.
    • You should be aware because some dogs need care rather than avoiding pain. You should pay attention when your dog dodges or wants more attention.
  7. Pay attention to how your dog is going to the toilet. Observing your dog's normal hygiene habits can help you spot a variety of problems.
    • If the dog is in pain, the dog may show a different urge to urinate or defecate. For example, a male dog normally lifts one leg when peeing, but will not lift it when in pain.
    • You may also notice a change in the frequency of defecation. Or the dog may have an accident when trying to get to a normal place or going to the toilet in pain.
    • Dog feces can also change adhesion because the dog is too stressed when defecating in a painful state. This can lead to constipation.
    advertisement

Advice

  • Be careful not to aggravate the pain of the dog. Sometimes you need to locate your dog's pain properly. The only way to know this is to touch or move in a position that you think might hurt your dog. You can be examined and determined by a veterinarian, as only a veterinarian is professional enough and will not cause further harm to your dog. You can injure your dog unprofessionally during a self-diagnosis.
  • You don't have to locate your dog's pain. Instead, make sure your dog is in pain. After you have determined that your dog is in pain, consult your veterinarian to find ways to relieve your dog pain.
  • A dog's pain symptoms are often difficult to spot. Watching for even the tiniest of abnormal changes will make it easier to diagnose a sore dog. If you keep an eye on your dog's usual actions and behaviors, you'll likely notice any changes.

Warning

  • Do not attempt to self-medicate without your vet's instructions. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs for humans can be dangerous for dogs, especially when given the wrong dose.
  • The above signs not only prove that the dog is in pain, but also indicate many other problems. If the symptoms persist and worsen after 24-48 hours, you should see your vet immediately.
  • On the other hand, if you're not sure your dog is in pain, it's best to see your vet.