How Do You Tell If Your Dog Is In Pain?

Question

How Do You Tell If Your Dog Is In Pain?

2 Answers

Answer Question

Answer 1

Pain can be due to muscular and skeletal problems, disc injury, traumatic injury, damage and inflammation of the
tissues, frostbite, necrosis, ischemia spasm in the tissues and organs and some diseases.

Pain in dogs is easy to observe. Symptoms of pain are shivering, shaking, pacing, restlessness, moaning, groaning, growling, howling, yipping, hiding, depression, dullness, altered movements, lack of mobility, lameness, increased heart and respiratory rate and loss of appetite.

Diagnosis of the cause of pain is done by many laboratory and radiological investigations. Treatment can be with pain killers and underlying cause.

Answer 2

Your dog can really convey to you about its pain but all you have to do is notice their restrained body language. It is very easy to detect a painful cry when the dog is hit. But if the pain is chronic, then it takes some more cautious surveillance. Not only dogs, but even cats display change in behaviour by showing their displeasure. A dog which loves to be petted may become irritated and refuse to be pampered. A jovial pet may just become a recluse and sit in one corner, refusing to move or be held.

If it is not cold and the dog is shivering, then it is most certainly a pain. If its ears are thrown back and eyelids are downcast, then be sure that your dog is suffering from some pain. Touch the part of the body where you suspect pain, and the dog will elicit a characteristic yelp or cry. A dog in pain may lick, paw, scratch or bite a part of its body just to make itself feel better but just end up self-inflicting itself. This is usually seen in dogs that develop ear infections. It is important to refer your dog to the veterinarian. You should give prescription drugs for human beings only after the vet recommends it.