Each dog owner naturally would want to care for their dog and would want to know the moment their dog is feeling uncomfortable, pain or distress in order to help them get better.
Unfortunately, dogs are not able to tell us outright that they are feeling something painful, so it is up to dog owners to observe and decipher their body language. Generally, dogs who are in pain would exhibit the following conditions:
- Your dog’s heart rate and respiratory rate will increase. As a reaction to pain, your dog’s body will produce a several hormones that will dull out the pain. These hormones can cause your dog to breath excessively and have a heart rate that is above normal. Normal respiratory rate of dogs are between 15-20 breaths per minute while normal heart rate is between 80-120 beats per minute.
- Whenever your dog would feel the onset of pain, he may moan and whimper. Excessive pain will cause him to yelp if he cannot stand it.
- Your dog will assume a guarded position where he would crouch down and try to support the painful body part. If a leg is painful, he would protect it by keeping it elevated.
- Your dog will also have the reduced desire to move or be active. He is likely to just lie down on his bed and wait for the pain to go away. If you observe him closely you will notice that he would occasionally look at the area from time to time and lick it in an attempt to soothe himself.
- He would also have that glassy eyed appearance as his concentration is centered on the pain and not on his surroundings.
- Behavioral changes can also happen. Your dog may either become excessively affectionate for wanting comfort. Or, he may be belligerent and snarl, growl, and bark at anyone that comes near for fear that the pain will be intensified due to contact.
- You will also observe that your dog will lack the desire to eat or drink.
- If the pain is intense, your dog will tremble and can stumble while walking.
- He may also sleep less as the pain keeps your dog awake.
There are some dogs that have such a low pain threshold that they will immediately make you aware that they are feeling something by constant whining and moaning.
Other dog breeds, on the other hand, have a higher tolerance to pain and will tolerate it as much as they can. The only way for you to know that they are feeling something is by observing for any change in usual behavior. Take note on when you noticed the change in behavior for your vet will need this to make a conclusive diagnosis of your dog’s condition.
