How Do I Know If My Dog Is Suffering From Pain?

As dogs age, we often see changes in their behavior. The playful chasing balls and constant running around that we associate with puppies gives way to adult dogs napping in the sun and hanging out at night TV time.

For older dogs, we accept more slowdowns. It is important to remember that old age is not a disease. We need to distinguish between normal behavioral changes in aging dogs and abnormal behaviors that may be important pain signals.

"It's important to remember that old age is not a disease."

What behavioral changes does my dog have that might indicate he is distressed?

Some obvious behaviors are important signs that a dog may be in pain. These include:

• Avoid smooth floor surfaces

• Difficulty getting out of bed or slow standing from a lower position

• Difficulty sitting or lying down

• limping/limping

• lie down while eating or drinking

• Unwilling or unable to jump on furniture or cars

• Reluctance to go up and down stairs

• Reluctance to look up to eat

• Reluctance to sit down when asked

• Reluctance to turn head to one side or the other

• Sitting on one hip or the other, with the back leg turned to the side to "sit down"

• Standing to one side/shifting weight away from painful limb

• Head down or back arched when standing or walking

• moving/walking during bowel movements or urination

• Urinary or fecal accident

• Restless at night if he is not comfortable

Any of these behaviors should prompt a visit to the veterinarian so that the source of the pain can be identified and treatment initiated.

What other changes in my dog's behavior or attitude could be caused by pain?

fatigue. Loss of energy while walking or playing is often misinterpreted as a sign of aging. There may be several explanations for the decline in physical strength, including hypothyroidism or metabolic diseases such as heart disease. Your veterinarian will need to examine your dog to determine the cause. In this case, however, pain, especially chronic changes caused by diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), must be considered. Often, once a dog's pain is treated, owners will notice a return to previously abandoned activities and often higher energy levels. In other words, owners don't realize their pet is in pain until after the pain is gone.

Loss of energy while walking or playing is often misinterpreted as a sign of aging.

Unwilling to be groomed. An often overlooked sign of pain in dogs is a reluctance to be brushed, combed, or otherwise groomed. Pain of any type, especially chronic pain associated with OA, can become so common that dogs experience discomfort even in areas of the body that are far from arthritic joints. When this happens, various parts of the dog's body become more sensitive and can be sore even when groomed or brushed. These dogs often develop dandruff, while those with medium to long hair often develop mats on their coats and may have urine or fecal stains on their rear end. Like cats, dogs groom themselves to stay clean, but they stop if they feel distressed.

Don't want to be picked up. Puppies, especially dogs that are long and low to the ground, may show their pain by resisting the effort to pick them up. If they are experiencing back pain, the upward pressure of our hands around their body can trigger a pain attack. If your puppy starts to object to being picked up, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to investigate the matter. Reluctance to be touched in certain areas. Dogs with no pain problems should happily accept all body parts. You should be able to touch the entire back, including the sides and top of the back, the bottom-most area of the torso (where the ribcage ends and the lower back begins), and the 'waist' area' between the ribs and pelvis. You should also be able to touch the area around the base of the tail without disturbing your dog.

In addition to the body, you should be able to handle all four limbs, including the toes, feet, and joints of the front and rear legs, without your dog responding. If you want to test your dog's comfort by handling the feet and legs, you will have the most success if your dog is recumbent rather than standing.

What if I'm not sure my dog is in pain?

"If you suspect pain, always let your dog benefit from the doubt."

When in doubt, please check. Always benefit your dog if you suspect pain. Dogs are stoic animals by nature, and unless the pain is severe, they won't complain of discomfort, and probably won't. As their caregiver, it is important to be on the lookout so any changes in behavior can be observed and brought to the attention of your veterinarian. Your veterinary medical team is ready to help identify and treat pain and discomfort so your dog can return to a comfortable, pain-free life.