Signs Your Dog is in Pain

Met description: Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell when your dog is in pain. Here are some of the common signs that indicate your furry friend is in pain.

Often your furry friend can suffer in silence. Since dogs don’t talk, it can be challenging to tell whether they are in pain. You might not spot the injury or tell if the dog is in pain. Nonetheless, here are signs that can help you identify pain and discomfort in your furry friend.

1. Change in drinking and eating habits

Canines that experience pain or discomfort might not be active. They may exhibit difficulty eating when ingesting firm chews or dry food. You will also notice general loss of appetite, which might indicate dental discomfort. 

2. Aggressive or antisocial behavior

Your furry friend might avoid contact and may become aggressive. When you notice your dog is unusually antisocial and appears to keep a distance, then this is a sign that it is pain. Any change in your dog’s behavior requires concern.

3. Excessive grooming

When your dog licks its paws constantly, they might be trying to comfort themselves. When your dog is hurt, it will clean the wound often during the day by licking it. 

4. Excessive growling 

Dogs in pain are often more vocal than usual. Excessive growling, yelping, howling, and snarling can indicate that your dog is experiencing some form of discomfort or pain.

5. Altered breathing or heavy panting

If you notice your dog has an altered breathing and pants heavily even when in a dormant state, this is a sign that your dog is in pain. Also, shallow breathing might mean that your dog is feeling pain when breathing.

6. Mobility issues

Limping and stiffness are common signs that your dog is in pain either due to injury or arthritis. Your furry friend might have problems when climbing the stairs and may be slow when moving about. Refusal to exercise and not being active around the home is also a sign of pain.

7. Restlessness

Your dog might also exhibit restlessness when in pain. When it paces repeatedly, has difficulty sleeping, or shows signs of being uncomfortable, then there might be an underlying cause of concern.

8. Trembling or shaking

Shaking or excessive trembling is not just a sign that your furry friend is feeling cold. It might be a symptom of pain – that can indicate a serious condition like poisoning or pancreatitis, and even kidney disease.

Conclusion

When you notice any of the aforementioned signs in your dog, it is advisable to consult a vet as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause of the pain.

References: Modern Dog Magazine, Vets Now, Cesars Way