It is common for dogs to suffer in silence as they cannot speak. Since they can not express themselves verbally, it can become difficult to understand when they are in pain. However, there are a couple of signs that can help you understand their painful state.
It is advisable not to treat your pet yourself or administer any medication prescribed for humans or other pets. Even if you buy pet medicines at a discount pet pharmacy, it is always necessary to get a prescription from a vet first.
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Aggressive Behavior or Antisocial Tendencies
Your dog may stop running to greet you at the door, trying to avoid contact, or become aggressive. If your dog appears to be unusually antisocial or hides away, it can be an indication of underlying pain. Any such visible change in behavior can be a reason to worry.
Changes in Daily Routine
A dog in pain can sleep more in an attempt to heal or when facing difficulty in being active. Visible differences in the amount of water they drink, loss of appetite, or reluctance to do anything are common symptoms. If they face any difficulty chewing food, particularly dry kibbles, it can indicate their dental pain.
Being Vocal
Your pet who is experiencing pain can become more vocal. When your dog starts to growl, yelp, snarl, or even howl at you, it can mean they are trying to say something is not right,
Increased Leaking
If your pet licks their paws more often, it can be an attempt to soothe themselves. Their basic instinct when they are hurt is to take care of the wound by licking it. While cuts are visible from the outside, there can be internal pain at times. You can follow the altered leaking habit to spot a change.
Altered Breathing
Painting is normal but heavy panting when not exercising is a danger sign. Another aspect that you can note is your pet’s shallow breathing, which indicates they are enduring pain to breathe.
Issues in Mobility
Limping and stiffness are common signs of pain. These can happen due to sore paws, injury, or arthritis. You may notice your dog being slow while getting up or exhibiting reluctance to climb stairs. It can mean they do not have any interest in being active.
Agitation
One of the major indicators of pain in dogs is restlessness. If your dog paces back and forth repeatedly, sleeps for a lesser duration, or finds it difficult to be comfortable, these can refer to their underlying painful state.
Changes in Posture and Body
If you notice any swelling in their legs, paws, or body, it can be a sign of pain that your pet is going through. The cause of such swelling can be an infection, inflammation, or even cancer. Dogs generally take up a rigid stance when they are in pain. They often take the prayer posture in which their front legs are on the ground and the bottom in the air.
Such a prayer posture can refer to the abdominal pain that your pet is suffering from. This stance allows them to stretch their abdomen and get rid of the pain.
Trembling or shaking
You can not assume shaking or trembling is a sign of your dog feeling cold or getting old. These can be a symptom of something serious like pancreatitis, poisoning, or kidney issues. Muscle tremors are common in dogs when they swallow large amounts of chocolate or other moldy compounds.
The Treatment
You can use various medications that can help relieve your dog’s pain. Consulting your veterinarian before the administration of any medicine is advisable. Your vet may recommend Previcox for dogs 57 mg, which is a preferred choice among most veterinarians for treating such pain.
However, if there are any other underlying conditions related to a fractured bone or other ailments, your dog may require surgery.
Do They Eat During Pain?
Similar to human beings, dogs can refuse to eat while going through pain. If you notice a sudden change in your pet’s appetite, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Lack of appetite, at times, can be a concern and a symptom of any other dangerous ailment.
Therefore, as you can see, keeping track of the above signs can help you identify your dog’s state of pain. You can help your dog get relief by limiting their physical activity or movement. Ensuring a quiet and comfortable environment with padded and soft bedding can also help in speedy recovery.
It is worth mentioning that you should adhere to the prescribed medication as recommended by your vet. The dosage level of pain medication is crucial to maintain.
