How you might be able to tell that your dog isn't well

Since dogs can’t tell us that they are hurting it can be difficult to know when they’re in pain especially if it’s an underlying issue. There are a number of signs, some more obvious than others, which can indicate pain in dogs.

There are both physical and behavioral changes that might occur if your dog is in pain and always take your dog to your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these:

Dogs in pain will bite more

Dogs in pain are more likely to bite. This is true even with their owners and other people they know. This is particularly true when anyone touches or moves the painful area. Your dog might even bite other dogs more often because he or she is frightened by pain.

Breathing changes

Dogs experiencing pain may have a faster and more frantic breathing pattern. You may even notice a change in the movement of the abdominal muscles and/or those of the chest. Both sets of muscles are involved in the breathing process and may react.

Panting

Excessive panting, especially when accompanied by trembling, can be a signal that your dog is in pain. While panting is fairly normal for dogs, especially in the summer, if they are panting at odd times or for no reason, it could be pain. If you notice your dog panting in the middle of the night check for other indications of pain. Pain can cause changes in breathing including an irregular respiratory rate or excessive drooling.

Pulse and/or heart rate changes

Dogs in pain will often have an unusually increased heart/pulse rate. The rate often noticeably speeds up when the painful area is touched or moved. If you touch your dog’s chest and it feels like the beat is faster talk to your veterinarian right away. Always better to be on the safe side - particularly in bigger dogs.

Changes in your dog’s posture

Dogs who are in pain may appear to have a rigid stance while others may look like they are praying with front legs stretched out, bottom in the air, and a lengthened belly. The changes depend on the location and severity of the pain in your pup. The changes in your dogs’ stance can be even more subtle, with a sunken back, or even a dropped or tucked tail, who is otherwise perky with wagging tail.

Eyes looking different or changed

The eyes can be great indicators of pain in dogs. If your dog’s eye changes, it can stem from pain in their eyes or of course somewhere else. Occasionally pain can enhibit in larger (dilated) pupils, while eye pain is demonstrated by a change in pupils, either larger or smaller. Pained dogs will also frequently squint. If their eyes are in pain the affected eye(s) may also appear bloodshot or there will be frequent blinking.

Lack of appetite

Dogs in pain often eat and drink less than normal. When they do eat and drink, if the cause of their pain is in the teeth or some other part of the mouth, they may drop food and/or water from their mouths. Any change in appetite is always indicative of some sort of discomfort or outright illness.

Energy and mobility changes

Most dogs in pain will have a general decrease in activity level. This often exhibits as a dog who sleeps more but may also manifest as a dog who simply runs and/or jumps less than usual.

Dogs in pain often move around less. However, depending on what hurts, they may m the same move about as much as usual but do so differently (i.e. with a limp, or more slowly when going up or down the stairs, etc.) or with a much slower gait.

Difficulty going to the bathroom and constipation

Dogs who have back pain may have difficulty with the posture needed to defecate so they may struggle with 'the go'.

Generally speaking you should be able to recognize an 'off' pattern if your dog's in pain just be careful not to dismiss that behavior too quickly or overreact to readily. Just get to know your dog's patterns and it will become evident when something isn't right. Always have you Vet's number handy and deal with issues quickly.