No pet parent wants their dog to go through pain. However, since pets try to hide their reality and cannot tell you when they’re hurting, it’s up to you to recognize the subtle signs.
Many physical and behavioral changes can indicate the state your dog is going through. This article will help you recognize those signs, the causes of pain, and what you can do to help your pet.
Signs of Pain
Dogs feel pain like human beings, but they can not express it like us. You can visualize that your furry friend is in pain via behavioral changes, physical symptoms, or mobility issues. At times, these signs are subtle, so you have to be vigilant and consult your veterinarian from time to time to understand these.
Changing Behavior
The behavior of a dog changes when it is in pain. They tend to be cranky, and you can visualize the same from the following symptoms:
- Aggression
- Excessive licking
- Not liking anybody’s touch
- Restlessness
- Excessive vocalisation
Physical Changes
When your pet is in pain, you may notice physical changes in terms of how they carry themselves. The following physical signs can help you identify the same:
- Shaking or Trembling
- Panting
- Holding their head below the shoulders
- Arched back
- Twitching or tight muscles
Mobility Issues
If a dog has arthritis or is suffering an injury, you will notice mobility changes. The following common signs are what effects their mobility:
- Refusing to walk
- Walking slowly
- Limping
- Reluctance to jump
- Refusing to use stairs
- Inability or reluctance to get up or lie down
Some changes can happen with specific behavioral and other serious medical problems. Therefore, you should consult your veterinarian immediately if you see anything unusual.
How to Help Them?
The first step towards helping your pet in pain is not to panic. There are various options and things that you can do to help them start feeling better. You can check these SOS options that can come in handy during the time of need.
An Appointment With the Vet
You can schedule an appointment with your vet to understand the cause of the problem. Your veterinarian may suggest Previcox for dogs, a beneficial drug for pets with such conditions. You can also buy the drug from a pet pharmacy, but you are going to need a prescription. The vet might even suggest a few diagnostic tests to pinpoint the problem.
Ceasing or Modify Activities With Pets
You can stop all the activities when your pet shows signs of pain till you talk to a veterinarian. They can suggest how to help your pet the best. It can include modifying the ongoing activities or establishing a new one altogether.
Simple activities that can help reduce pain include
- Using a ramp or steps,
- Taking shorter walks,
- Raising dishes to a comfortable height, or
- Rolling the ball to a short distance.
Keep Record of Visible Signs
You can see symptoms at home, but everything looks fine during a visit to the vet. While your pet is in a discomfort state, you can take pictures and videos, which can help explain the condition to the vet later.
Exploring All Treatment Options
Various treatment options can help reduce or eliminate both chronic and acute pain. You can discuss these options with your veterinarian:
- Physical rehabilitation
- Medication
- Acupuncture
- Surgery
- Laser therapy
- Massage
- Regenerative medicine
- Ice or heat packs
- Herbal and supplemental therapies
- Chiropractic
Being Inquisitive
You can ask a few questions to your vet like
- Is there any SOS medication that can help relieve any pain?
- How can your pet cope with the pain after surgery?
- Can any supplemental medication help reduce pain?
- Are there any modifications needed at home to help them?
- What else can we do to ease their pain?
Apart from these, you can always contact an integrative vet, general practitioner vet, or a specialist like a surgeon, neurologist, or oncologist for any additional treatment advice.
Being Their Advocate
Your dog depends on you to a great extent to be their voice. Therefore if you see your dog showing any signs of pain, including changes in their behavior, preferences, or routine, you should schedule a meeting with your veterinarian.
The above steps can come in handy during the time of need. However, if you see that your pet is showing multiple symptoms of severe pain, do not delay rushing to your nearest emergency vet clinic.
Another crucial aspect worth mentioning here is that you can see signs of pain resolving quickly; you should make sure to get a checkup done later.