Dog Pain Relief: How to Help Your Pet in Amesbury, MA

There are many medical conditions in dogs that could unfortunately cause them to be in pain, especially as dogs get older in age. As a result, it is a good idea for every dog owner to know the signs of pain in dogs and what you should do if you suspect that your dog is in pain.

Of course, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible whenever you suspect that they are experiencing pain. Some of the most common signs of pain in dogs include lethargy, limping, trembling, and whining and whimpering. However, there are many other potential signs of pain in dogs as well.

In this article we will be describing all of the signs of pain in dogs. We will also be explaining what dog owners should do if they suspect that their dog is in pain. Let’s get right into it.

 

11 Signs Of Pain In Dogs

There are about eleven signs of pain that are common in dogs. These signs of pain in dogs include limping and walking strangely, having a strange gait, and being unable to jump or run. In addition to this, dogs that are in pain may be lethargic, have a reduced appetite, whimper, whine, or tremble. There are many other signs of pain in dogs in addition to this. Here are the eleven signs of pain in dogs.

Limping And Walking Strange

Limping and strange walking is a very common sign of pain in dogs that have a problem in one of their legs. Usually this is caused by injuries or a medical condition causing pain in a dog’s limbs such as arthritis.

Sitting Strangely And Having an Abnormal Gait

In addition to limping and walking in a strange way, many dogs that are experiencing pain may sit strangely or have an abnormal gait when walking. This is usually due to pain that gets worse with certain movements.

Unable To Jump Or Run

Some dogs that are experiencing pain may be unable to jump or run. In these cases you may also need to be careful when it comes to taking your dog for walks, and you will likely also need to get stairs for your pet for the couch or bed. This way your dog can get to their favorite spots without having to jump up.

Lethargy

When you are not feeling well you tend to be tired and want to just lay around. Well, the same is true for dogs, and lethargy is a very common sign of pain in dogs. This lethargy occurs in dogs that are in pain because it is often less painful for dogs to relax then move around.

Reduced Appetite

In addition to being lethargic, many dogs have a reduced appetite when they are in pain. Sometimes this is due to stomach pains or pain in the mouth. However, this doesn’t necessarily always need to be the case. In fact, some dogs may even have a reduced appetite when they have a pain somewhere that has nothing to do with eating such as their leg.

Avoiding Being Touched

It is also very common for dogs to avoid being touched when they are in pain. This is because petting and cuddling can often cause more pain in dogs with injuries and medical conditions even though our intentions are sincere.

Excessive Licking And Self Grooming

Many dogs will excessively lick or groom themselves when they are in pain. Sometimes this is done to the affected area, but this may not always be the case. Dogs will do this when they are in pain because it is a very self soothing action.

Whimpering And Whining

Of course, whining and whimpering is a fairly common sign that a dog is in pain, especially when these vocalizations appear seemingly out of nowhere.  This is possibly the first sign of pain in dogs that people think of.

Shaking And Trembling

Shaking and trembling is another sign of pain in dogs that most people commonly think of. Well, this is fairly warranted because shaking and trembling is fairly common in dogs that are experiencing pain. This symptom is due partially to pain and partially due to the anxiety that pain tends to cause in dogs.

Restless Behavior

Some dogs may exhibit restless behaviors as a result of being in pain. These behaviors are usually excessive and repetitive as a way to self sooth. Some restless behaviors that a dog may exhibit when they are in pain and include but may not be limited to:

• Pacing
• Circling
• Chewing
• Licking
• Excessive barking

Although these behaviors do not always mean that a dog is experiencing pain, it is a common sign. This is especially true when it comes to chronic medical conditions that cause pain, and it can also be a sign of pain when a dog starts doing these things seemingly out of the blue.

A Sudden Onset Of Aggressive Behavior

In addition to excessive restless behaviors, a sudden onset of aggressive behaviors can also be a sign of pain in dogs. Some examples of aggressive behavior in dogs include but are not limited to:

• Snarling
• Growling
• Stiff body language
• Barking
• Snapping
• Biting

If your dog is exhibiting sudden aggressive behavior as a result of being in pain then it is a good idea to take them to the vet. This aggressive behavior will usually stop once the pain gets better.

 

What Should You Do If Your Dog Is In Pain?

If you suspect that your dog is in pain then you should always take them to the vet as soon as possible. This is because pain is almost always a sign that a dog has an injury or medical condition that requires veterinary attention to get better. Plus, no one likes knowing that their pet is in pain, and getting them seen by a vet soon can ensure that they get better quickly.

 

If you have any questions regarding your dog’s health, you should always call (978) 388-3074 or book an appointment online to talk with your veterinarian at Merrimac Valley Animal Hospital to discuss it.