How to check for pain in dogs
Arne Shanahan
2025-08-10 02:40:24
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As a descendant of wild wolves, our domesticated dog breeds are practised 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, reluctance 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.
Lonnie Reinger
2025-08-10 01:45:17
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You can spot signs of pain in your dog by carefully monitoring their behaviour and physical health. There are two ways you can spot signs of pain in your dog: Changes in behaviour and physical signs of pain. 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. 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.
Eve Brekke
2025-08-10 01:23:08
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A qualified health professional will be able to help guide you, following assessment of your animal, to the best course of action if they are in pain. Signs that my dog might be in pain include Slowing down / not walking as far, Reluctance to take part in usual activities, Reluctance to jump, Slow to get going after rest, Changes in eating, drinking and toileting, Holding a limb up or limping, Change in behaviour, for example anxiety or even aggression, Change in posture, Licking. There are also owner-led pain tools which can be used at home to help inform yourself and your veterinary professional. Speak to your local veterinary professional if you are interested in learning more. Dogs are evolutionarily likely to mask pain which sometimes makes it more difficult to identify.
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