How our critters behave and interact with us is their way of communicating and it’s our responsibility to learn their language. While we treat our critters as family, it’s important to assess their needs from an animal’s point of view while assessing whether our needs, as humans, have adversely affected them.
Is Your Dog In pain?
1. Stiffness:
Watch for whining, whimpering, or yelping when your dog stretches. If you notice your dog stops stretching as per usual, he may be too sore to do so and may require medical attention.
2. Resting One Or More Legs:
If your dog is resting one or more of her legs while standing, she may be experiencing stiffness and pain. It’s important not to assume the pain originates from the leg, as it could be caused by more serious internal issues or pain elsewhere, such as in the hip.
3. Problems Going Up and Down Stairs:
If your dog normally handles stairs without issue but recently appears to be experiencing difficulties, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. Do not force your dog to go up and down steps if he suddenly doesn’t want to. This change in behaviour is not your dog being stubborn or misbehaving.
4. Difficulty Standing Up:
Dogs who develop pain in the hindquarters or have internal injuries or diseases that affect their balance, often try to stand using their front legs first. It’s important to learn and carefully assess your dog’s regular routines so you can note what changes before the situation worsens or becomes untreatable.
5. Difficulty Lying Down:
Dogs in pain often have problems laying down and often, “flop,” or kneel before they finally do. Other times, dogs may perch against a sofa or other solid surface to rest or support themselves as they slide into a lying position.
6. Your Dog is Less Active:
The most common way for owners to know their dog is in pain is by noticing a change in their daily activities, such as decreased interest in playing, walking, or participating in their usual snuggle time.
This is not a sign specific to physical pain, but may be a sign of emotional pain such as grief, anxiety, or trauma. For example, when my miniature poodle and I were attacked by two large dogs (I blame the owners), Precious was less active until she was reassured she was safe. Always regard every situation from the animal’s perspective.
7. New and Unprovoked Aggression:
Like humans, dogs don’t want to be bothered when they’re sick or injured. Watch for any type of new or unprovoked aggression toward other animals or people they usually act politely towards. Like much of the information presented here, this is applicable for many animals. For example, our cat, Jake, became very aggressive toward Precious and Jody because he was in pain. It was heartbreaking, because I have dozens of photos of them snuggling together, taking over the sofas and beds, and out of the blue, he became a totally different cat.
8. Decrease in Appetite and Treats:
A sure way to know whether my critters aren’t feeling well is to do the treat test. If they don’t come running, I know something isn’t right. It may be fatigue, but oftentimes, it’s pain. If your dog stops eating or has a decrease in appetite, consult your vet immediately. From the moment you notice this, monitor their fluid intake. If they don’t continue to drink properly, things can get worse quickly.
9. Change in Normal Comforts:
If your dog is known for jumping on the sofa, bed, or onto your lap to cover you with kisses, this is considered normal comfort behaviour for your dog. When your dog unexplainably stops acting this way, there’s a good chance he’s in pain or something else is wrong.
10. Changes in Relieving:
If your dog is in pain, he may relieve himself in the house, perhaps close to where he is resting, which is a sign something isn’t right. Dogs are typically clean and don’t like to soil their immediate living spaces.
11. Doesn’t Want to Be Groomed:
You should be concerned if your dog suddenly doesn’t want to be petted or groomed if she typically enjoys it. This may not only signify physical pain, possibly from inflammation, strain, or sprains but may also indicate nerve damage or sensitivities.
If you’ve ever banged your thumb, elbow, or knee against a counter or table and then tried to touch it, you’ll understand why a dog wouldn’t want to be touched if she is experiencing nerve sensitivities.
Summary
You know your critter best and these are guidelines and not to replace medical care or advice. Trust your instincts and if you believe there’s a change in your dog’s behaviour, take action and ask for a second opinion if necessary. Keep in mind that critters react differently to stress and exercise, therefore, some of these symptoms may manifest due to being tired, sore, or anxious. Regardless, you may need to assess whether you are overexercising or if there’s something going on in your home that is causing your dog to be uncomfortable.