Do you know how to tell if your dog is in pain?
Many pet owners don’t, and that can lead to serious health problems for their dogs. Dogs can’t speak, so it’s often difficult to know when they’re hurting. However, there are a number of signs that you can look out for. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the most common ways to tell if your dog is in pain. If you notice any of these signs, please take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible!
1.Change in behavior- One of the most common signs that something is wrong with your dog is a change in behavior. If your dog suddenly becomes withdrawn or starts acting out, it could be a sign that they are in pain. If your dog is normally very active and playful but suddenly becomes lethargic and doesn’t want to move, it could be a sign that they are in pain. If you notice this change in behavior, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
2.Change in appetite- Another common sign of illness or pain in dogs is a change in appetite. Dogs LOVE food, and especially treats. So if your dog stops eating or starts eating less than usual, it could be a sign that something is wrong. So a loss of appetite is a pretty clear sign that there may be some pain. And if you notice a change in your dog’s eating habits, take them to the vet right away.
3.Vomiting or diarrhea- Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of illness in dogs, and can often be indicative of pain. If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, it’s important to take them to the vet right away to make sure that there isn’t a more serious problem. In most cases it could be something simple. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
4.Difficulty walking or moving- If your dog is having difficulty walking or moving, it could be a sign that they are in pain. Pain often makes it difficult for dogs to move around, so if you notice this change in your dog, take them to the vet right away.
5.Excessive panting- Most people think panting means dogs are trying to cool themselves off, which is true. But when a dog pants too much, it could actually be a sign that they’re in pain. If your dog is panting more than usual, you may need to take them to the vet to make sure that there isn’t a more serious problem.
6.BONUS: Being More Vocal- Dogs that are experiencing some kind of pain tend to be a lot more vocal. Excessive yelping, growling, snarling, whining, and even howling could be your dog telling you that something isn’t right. So if your normally sweet dog starts growling when you try to touch them or pick them up, it’s not that they don’t like you all of a sudden. Nor is it them being “mean” or “rude”. They’re most likely in a lot of pain! So If you notice that your dog is being more vocal than normal, or their personality seems to have changed overnight, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
The bottom line is this. If you notice any of these signs, or anything out of the ordinary, PLEASE take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible! Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for making sure your dog is safe & healthy. And just to be on the safe side, Click Here to contact our Vet Clinic ASAP!
Thanks for reading!