You love your dog and want nothing but the best for them. But dogs are really good at hiding the fact that they are not feeling well. They do that to avoid showing weakness. Thus, as a responsible pet owner, it’s important to recognize the subtle signs that could indicate your dog is in pain or distress. Because if left untreated, the pain can lead to serious health issues. Read on to discover some of the top signs indicating that your dog might not be feeling their best.
Warning signs that your dog is in pain
Here are some signs that you should watch out for to know that your dog is in pain:
- Excessive vocalisation
If your dog is being a lot more vocal than normal, then it might indicate that your dog is feeling well at all. Is your dog groaning, grunting, whining, yelping, or whimpering while trying to stand up, lie down or while walking? Then it is a clear sign that your dog is in pain.
- Behavioral changes
If your beloved pooch is in pain then he or she will behave differently than normal. For instance, If your dog is usually energetic and playful but lately seems withdrawn or irritable, it could be a sign they’re in pain. In addition to being withdrawn, you may notice that your dog is not asking to be petted, or does not want to cuddle with you. This also indicates that your dog is in pain.
Furthermore, if your normally friendly dog growls at you or tries to bite you, it means that he is extreme pain and you should take him to the vet immediately. But sometimes the opposite can also happen. For instance, you have a very independent pup who does not care that much for cuddles or asks to be petted a lot, and you suddenly notice that he/she is clinging to you a lot. It is probably because he or she is in pain and wants your attention.
- Physical signs
If your dog is shaking or trembling a lot, limping, breathing faster than normal, arching their backs or walking differently, it indicates that your dog is not feeling well, or is in pain and experiencing discomfort.
In addition, if your dog is constantly slowing down or stopping altogether while out on walks, it may be a cause for concern. However, it does not always indicate that your dog is in pain.
If you have a intact female dog having some of these symptoms like excessive panting, trembling, arching her back, hanging her head, and/or whining, it means that she is in heat and is experiencing period cramps.
So if you are the proud parent of an intact female dog, then you need to know how to relieve dog period cramps. You can try giving her a heating pad or a hot water bottle to soothe the cramps. You should also keep her indoors and keep her hydrated.
- Change in daily habits
Have you noticed any changes in your dog’s daily habit lately? If your dog isnt drinking or eating its food like normal, then it can be a sign that he is in pain or experiencing some discomfort. Similarly, if you notice a change in your dog’s sleeping habit that can also mean that your dog is not feeling their best. If your dog usually sleeps a lot throughout the day but suddenly they are appearing restless and are unable to lie down, it can indicate that they are in pain. But this is not true for all dogs. Some dogs tend to sleep a lot if they are in pain.
- Excessive grooming
A change in your dog’s grooming behavior can also mean that your dog is in pain. When a dog is hurt, they tend to lick that spot a lot in an attempt to clean and heal the wound. They will lick themselves even if there is no open wound and the pain is due to some internal issues. They do this because the licking action helps to soothe the pain. So if you see your dog licking a particular spot in his/her body a lot but there is no open wound, take them to the vet immediately because they might be suffering from an internal injury.
When To Call The Vet?
If your dog shows any signs of pain that last more than a couple of days, it’s time for a checkup. It’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dog’s health and comfort. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing pain and any underlying conditions. Your vet can examine your dog, run any necessary tests, and determine the best course of action to get them back to feeling like themselves again.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to beloved pooch, you should always trust your instincts – you know your dog better than anyone else. So even if you dont see any of the signs but you feel or think that your dog is in pain, call your vet right away. If it does turn out to be something serious, follow your vet’s instructions on how to take care of them. Along with all the pain medications, dont forget to show them some extra love and some belly rubs – that will go a long way towards making your dog feel better when they are in pain.
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