|
Pain isn't understood perfectly in humans or dogs. Pain is especially difficult to diagnose in dogs because of the simple fact that they can't speak our language, and that they may instinctually try to hide it.
Though acute pain has an obvious protective effect in recognition of injury, chronic pain often serves no useful purpose. If you feel your dog may be experiencing either acute or chronic pain, it's important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Recognizing weather or not your dog is in pain is not always easy to do. It's important to understand that some dogs will actually try to act normally when in pain, in what may be a survival based instinctual attempt to not appear weak. This means you have to particularly in tune with your dog's normal attitude and movements in order to recognize anything out of the ordinary.
A few signs that your pet may be in pain:
-
If they always hop up and say hello when you're home, a failure to do so may be due to some kind of pain.
-
If they usually like getting brushed and groomed, but have a sudden shift of attitude towards it, it could be pain.
-
If they're liming, or slow to get up and go out, it might be pain.
-
Squinting eyes or pawing at the eyes could be a sign of irritation.
-
A change in general personality or attitude, either from non-aggressive to aggressive in nature, or vice versa.
-
If they are making unusual noises, like whining or whimpering (perhaps quite subtle) - in particular if it occurs when they're being touched.
-
If your dogs hair seems to be standing on end, it could be due to a reflex that called piloerection, often indicative of pain.
-
A dog in pain will usually eat less - always pay close attention to your dog's appetite.
-
If your dog appears to be straining or uncomfortable during bowel movements or urination, it could be a sign of pain.
Management of pain in dogs is essential if pain is affecting your pets normal activity or appetite. It should always be something that is done in combination with your veterinarian.
Being a complex topic, there is no one cure-all pill for pain. The specific nature of your pets pain will determine the way it is dealt with. Your vet will look at things like your dog's age, breed, general health, habits and personality along with the type, cause, and severity of the pain itself, when determining a proper course of pain management.
|
 |
| Basic Dog Health |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Adult Dog Care |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
