No pet parent wants to see their furry friend experience any type of discomfort. Here, our vets in Southern Wisconsin discuss pain in dogs, the common reasons a dog may experience pain, and what can be done to treat them and help them feel better quickly.
How to Tell If Your Dog is in Pain
Before dogs were domesticated pets, they had to hide their pain as a survival tactic. As a result, it may not always be apparent to owners when their pup is physically uncomfortable in some way. Not all puppy pain is shown by a limping leg or audible whines or whimpers.
If you understand a dog's temperament and personality well, you should be able to notice any signs that a dog is in pain by looking for abnormal behavior. It is important to be able to pick out this behavior so your dog can receive prompt care.
How will a dog express pain?
Dogs often hide their pain for as long as possible until symptoms emerge and their owners notice. In wild species, being skilled at concealing signs of disease, injury, and pain can keep animals from being perceived as weak by predators, making them an easy target.
Any sign of pain or discomfort in your dog should be addressed and treated by a veterinarian. Early detection of disease or illness leads to better health outcomes, fewer long-term complications, and less risk during treatment.
What are the different types of pain in dogs?
Like people, dogs can suffer from a variety of health conditions that cause acute or chronic pain, such as dental health issues or disorders of the organs.
Tumors and different types of cancer can also lead to pain. Acute pain can be caused by a foreign object getting stuck in its paw, an injury while exercising, a fall, an accident, or other mishaps.
A dog of any age may contract parasites and suffer subsequent disease or infection. Senior dogs may experience pain from joint or bone disorders, diabetes or other health issues.
Signs & Symptoms of Pain in Dogs
Many dog parents come to us wondering how to know if their dog is in pain. Some of the signs that your dog is in pain include:
- Significant decrease in appetite
- Tail tucked in or lowered
- Spending more time sleeping
- Yelping or whining
- Irritability
- Limping
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
- Reduced play or enjoyment of exercise
If your dog is typically physically active, outgoing, and friendly but now cowers away from being pet, refuses to play, or loses its appetite, they may suffer pain or discomfort. Changes in behavior may indicate pain and should be reported to your veterinarian, who will examine your dog and diagnose the underlying health issue or condition. Many dogs tire more easily because pain can exhaust them. If your dog's pain has recently worsened or is chronic (long-term), you may notice them sleeping more.
How to Treat Pain in Dogs
Depending on the cause of your pet's pain and their diagnosis, we may recommend treatment options such as pain medication, wound care, various therapies, or surgery.
Some definite signs of pain in dogs that may require urgent care include excessive whining or vocalization, limping or favoring a particular limb, and aggressive behavior when touched in a specific area. It is essential to seek veterinary attention promptly if you notice any of these signs to ensure your dog receives appropriate treatment and relief from their discomfort.
Veterinary Chiropractor Therapies in Southern Wisconsin
Conventional veterinary medicine, including vaccinations, medications, and surgeries, is effective in treating illness and injury in cats and dogs. However, we can supplement these treatments with integrative therapies.
Veterinary spinal manipulation therapy, better known as chiropractic care, works to support an animal's natural healing processes. It encourages healing, addresses chronic health issues and supports the recovery of your pet's health in both its soft and hard tissues.
At our Badger Veterinary Hospital - Janesville location, our veterinarians are like veterinary chiropractors, providing chiropractic care for pets as a supplementary treatment to standard veterinary care.
When you bring your dog (or cat) to a 'pet or animal chiropractor' in Southern Wisconsin, they can help ease your pet's pain and loosen stiff joints and muscles that may be causing discomfort. Depending on your pet's condition, this can be combined with additional integrative therapies.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.