Dogs are exceptional at hiding symptoms of pain. While this served them well as a survival tactic before they were domesticated as pets, it's not great for owners of domesticated dogs who want to make sure their pup's quality of life and well-being is the best it can be. So what are the signs a dog is in pain? How can you know if a dog is in pain?
You'll be better prepared to detect subtle signs of pain in your dog if you have a good understanding of his temperament and personality, as well as a keen eye for abnormal behaviors that may indicate pain or discomfort. You must then respond appropriately and in a timely manner.
How Dogs Handle PainDogs will hide their pain for as long as possible until symptoms appear and their humans notice. Being skilled at concealing signs of disease, injury, and pain in wild species can keep animals from being perceived as weak by predators - and thus an easy target.
It's important that any sign of pain or discomfort in your dog be addressed and treated by a veterinarian if necessary, as early detection of disease or illness is key to better outcomes for your dog's health, fewer long-term complications, and less risk during treatment.
When you see signs of injury it is important that your pup is checked over by a vet and that pain relief/anti imflammatories are given as prescribed as your pup can be hiding the true extent of their pain and a vet will be trained to detect the real level of discomfort. What you may see as a slight limp may be masking a much more extensive injury that your dog is hiding.
Don't judge a dog by your own response to pain............it's not the same.
You'll be better prepared to detect subtle signs of pain in your dog if you have a good understanding of his temperament and personality, as well as a keen eye for abnormal behaviors that may indicate pain or discomfort. You must then respond appropriately and in a timely manner.
How Dogs Handle PainDogs will hide their pain for as long as possible until symptoms appear and their humans notice. Being skilled at concealing signs of disease, injury, and pain in wild species can keep animals from being perceived as weak by predators - and thus an easy target.
It's important that any sign of pain or discomfort in your dog be addressed and treated by a veterinarian if necessary, as early detection of disease or illness is key to better outcomes for your dog's health, fewer long-term complications, and less risk during treatment.
When you see signs of injury it is important that your pup is checked over by a vet and that pain relief/anti imflammatories are given as prescribed as your pup can be hiding the true extent of their pain and a vet will be trained to detect the real level of discomfort. What you may see as a slight limp may be masking a much more extensive injury that your dog is hiding.
Don't judge a dog by your own response to pain............it's not the same.