What's the first thing you do when you start experiencing pain? Perhaps, your natural instinct is to pop a painkiller and hope that it gets better. If the pain persists, you'll try to find its underlying cause and then consult a doctor to get it treated. The good thing is that you can explain your symptoms and be vocal about the distress the pain is causing you.

Now imagine a situation in which your dog is in pain. They feel pain the same way we do. But their natural tendency to hide the signs of pain and let their body heal on its own. Also, unlike us humans, they can't express the intensity of the pain or point out its exact cause. Plus, giving them pain medication that's meant for human use can cause more harm than good.

That's why, as a dog parent, you should always watch out for subtle changes in posture, behavior, or movement in your dog. While they can't vocally express their distress, they exhibit certain behavioral and physical symptoms. It's up to you to keep an eye on these signs and consult your veterinarian when necessary.

What Causes Pain in Dogs?

Typically, dogs suffer from two kinds of pain:

  • Acute or adaptive pain

  • Chronic or maladaptive pain

Acute Pain

Acute pain is mostly temporary and is caused by soft tissue injury, ailment, or surgery. It helps the body understand that a particular body part or organ needs to be healed. It could also be the result of an underlying abdominal/urinary tract infection and dental disease. Likewise, sprains and broken bones can cause acute pain to your dog.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain, on the other hand, is permanent and doesn't completely vanish with time. It's caused due to chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and bone cancer. While it's possible to relieve and manage chronic pain in a dog, it can't be cured.

How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain?

As a dog parent, it's your responsibility to always care for your four-legged family member. Even if your dog isn't showing any obvious symptoms of pain or distress, you should watch out for subtle hints. Here are a few warning signs that could indicate your dog is in pain:

Physical Signs

Most often, pain in a dog manifests itself in the form of slight changes in posture. If your dog has suddenly developed a hunched back, it's often an indication of pain. Likewise, if they tend to assume the "prayer position" often by stretching out the front legs, it could indicate abdominal pain.

Other physical symptoms of pain in your dog include twitching of muscles, stiffness in certain body parts, and excessive trembling. Also, if your dog starts panting without engaging in any rigorous physical activity, it's a sign of pain.

Behavioral Sign

If your dog is in pain, it's going to reflect in their attitude towards everything. Important signs to watch out for include excessive sleeping, loss of appetite, as well as aggression and anti-social behavior. Your dog might become restless and express a reluctance to be touched.

Also, if your dog starts licking a particular body part too often, it can indicate localized pain. Likewise, excessive barking, yelping, or growling could be a sign of pain. You should be particularly alarmed if your dog is calm and well-behaved in general but has suddenly started becoming aggressive and vocal.

Mobility Issues

Any type of pain in your dog will make it difficult for them to move around freely. They might start limping, walking slowly, or refuse to walk altogether. Also, they can be reluctant or unable to climb staircases. You should be concerned if your dog is generally active and has become sluggish all of a sudden.

What to Do If Your Dog is in Pain?

First things first - don't try to self-medicate your dog. Even if you have access to specific medicines, it's always a good idea to consult your vet before starting any treatment. The actual course of treatment will depend on the underlying issue that's causing the pain.

For instance, if your dog has suffered an injury, treating the wound with ointments will provide some relief. However, if the pain is being caused by a chronic disease such as arthritis or IVDD, your vet will likely prescribe specialized medication. For instance, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Previcox treats pain and inflammation in dogs.

Also, you can talk to your vet to understand whether a particular physical activity is causing pain. If this is the case, stopping or modifying the activity will provide relief to your dog. Also, adding nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids in their diet can reduce inflammation. If your dog is suffering from chronic pain or has had an accident, the vet can prescribe physical therapy as well.

Do you have any other useful pain management tips for dog parents? Share your tips in the comments section below.