How do I figure out what is hurting my dog?
Tia Hickle
2025-08-29 07:20:55
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As a pet owner you are the best person to notice when your dog is in pain. The signs may be subtle and it can often be tricky to identify where they are painful and the cause. If they cry when a certain area of their body is touched then it is most likely to be the sore spot. Changes in posture can be even more subtle, such as an arched or sunken back, or a dropped/tucked tail in a dog who normally has a perky/upwards tail. Limping is an obvious sign that a dog is in pain. It is important to promptly seek advice from your vet so they can determine the cause and appropriately treat it. Other changes in behaviour include not wanting to go upstairs, exercise for as long or jump onto furniture. A dog’s toilet habits can also be affected by pain.
Kali Wisoky
2025-08-25 10:44:34
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No one is in a better position to identify the subtle changes in behavior that may signal pain than human family members. When a dog is experiencing pain, the following are changes that you may notice. You may notice your dog groaning or grunting when he stands up or lays down. You may hear him whining or whimpering as he tries to get comfortable. You may notice pacing or restlessness because your dog cannot find a comfortable place to lie down. Likewise, he may repeatedly get up and lie down in an attempt to find a comfortable position. You may notice he has less energy, or decreased endurance for previously enjoyable activities like walks and play, chasing a ball, or swimming. You may notice trembling in his legs, he may become reluctant to go up or down stairs, and he may develop difficulty walking on slick floor surfaces. A dog who is painful may withdraw from his usual family interactions, he may become less engaged in his surroundings, and you may notice decreased eating and/or drinking. Any or all of these changes may indicate pain and should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian.
Willy Crona
2025-08-19 11:49:08
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Our doggos may not be able to tell us with words so we’ve put together a handy checklist of physical symptoms that can alert us to when they may be experiencing pain. To help you know what to look for, we have put together a list of the most common signs a dog is in pain: Vocalisation When our furry friends are in pain they tend to be more vocal. A hurt dog may express their pain either through whining, whimpering, yelping, growling, and even howling. Decreased social interaction or seeking attention Behavioural changes can be a strong indicator of pain, and a decrease in social interaction is one of the most common. Has your usually friendly dog started showing signs of aggression? Do they avoid contact or no longer greet you at the door? Has your dog’s posture changed, such as seeming to hunch or be rigid? Has the way they walk changed? Maybe their general movements have changed, like seeming to have difficulty or being slow when standing up after laying down. Changes in sleeping habits and restlessness Is your dog no longer sleeping like they usually do? Dogs who are in pain tend to sleep more. Physical changes There are also less obvious physical signs your dog may be in pain. These can include heavy breathing or shallow panting, increased heart rate and bloodshot eyes. Swelling of their paws, legs and face are also an indication they may be in pain. If you suspect your dog is in pain, contact your local vet immediately or your closest Animal Emergency Service hospital.
Dejah Aufderhar
2025-08-07 16:54:19
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To figure out what is hurting your dog, you can spot signs of pain by carefully monitoring your dog's behaviour and physical health. You'll know your dog's normal behaviour best and whether they're acting out of character. If you spot any unusual behaviour, it could be a sign that they're in pain. Common behavioural signs of pain include a lack of interest in playing, walking or going outside, a lack of energy or depression, a reluctance to be touched or handled, toileting indoors, excessive licking where they feel pain, irritability or growling, whimpering or howling. Physical signs of pain may be easier to spot, especially if your dog is normally active, and these include limping, a slower walk than normal or refusal to walk, a reluctance to lie down or difficulty getting up, difficulty jumping on furniture or using the stairs, difficulty eating. If your dog is showing signs of being in pain, it's essential to contact the vet as soon as you can. Your vet will ask you about the signs you have noticed, and may do a number of assessments to determine the cause of pain and suitable treatment. In some cases, your vet may need to do further tests such as an X-ray.
Sydney Pacocha
2025-08-07 16:50:19
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Dogs who are in pain may limp or show signs of stiffness. Because dogs can’t speak, it can sometimes be difficult to spot when they’re in pain, whether it be from injury or an underlying issue. However, there are a number of behavioural signs, some more obvious than others, that can indicate pain in dogs. Just like humans, dogs suffering pain may go off their food. If your dog’s appetite suddenly changes or you notice any form of inappetence, you should seek veterinary advice, as this could be a symptom of a dangerous ailment. Often, our dogs suffer in silence.
Presley Larson
2025-08-07 16:13:18
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As a descendant of wild wolves, our domesticated dog breeds are practiced at hiding signs of pain and discomfort, but there are still some important clues you can look for. What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite. On touch or inspection: Licking lips, flinching, turning head, moving to avoid touch, crying or vocally reacting, panting, increase in respiratory or heart rate, warmth of area, redness of area, swelling of area. You can monitor your pet to see: Do certain behaviours become common after exercise? Are behaviours more pronounced in the morning or evening? Are you more likely to see these behaviours after a longer walk at the weekend rather than a shorter one during the week? This information will help you and your vet to build a picture of the problem, control it appropriately and monitor for changes. What’s important to look for is any pattern to changes in your dog’s behaviour.
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