Vets’ urgent warning to dog owners over little-known signs your pet is in serious pain… and when to get treatment
VETS have issued an urgent warning to dog owners over signs their pet is in serious pain and when to get treatment.
Because our furry friends can’t speak, it can sometimes be difficult to spot when they’re pain.
But experts say there are a number of signs, some more obvious than others, which can indicate that our beloved dogs are suffering from pain.
Antisocial or aggressive behaviour could mean that your pet is in pain, according to emergency vet service Vets Now.
If your dog is hiding away or appears to be unusually antisocial, it could be an indication that they’re in pain.
Dogs might stop running to greet you at the door, try to avoid contact, or even become aggressive.
Another way your furry friend might show they are in pain is by changes to their normal daily habits.
Experts say that dogs that are in pain often sleep more as they may be trying to heal, or it might even be difficult for them to move around and be active.
A loss of appetite and noticeable differences in the amount of water they’re drinking are often common symptoms.
While pups that are experiencing pain also tend to be more vocal with excessive howling or yelping, say top vets.
The top vets also add that restlessness is an indicator of pain in dogs.
If your dog is pacing back and forth repeatedly, difficulty getting comfortable, or is sleeping a lot less, there could be an underlying issue.
Most owners know exactly how their dog sits and their favourite position on the couch.
So a change in body posture could indicate that your pup is not feeling so great.
When in pain, some dogs have a very rigid and hunched stance while others assume a posture with their front legs on the ground and their bottom in the air.
Just like their sitting habits, you will probably know how much your beloved pet decides to groom themselves.
If your pet is licking their paws constantly, it’s likely they’re trying to soothe themselves.
When a dog is hurt, its first instinct is often to clean and care for the wound by licking it.
Cuts are more obvious but sometimes the pain can be internal.
Likewise if your pup is trembling or shaking it may not just mean they are feeling cold.
Both can be a sign of pain – or a symptom of something more serious such as poisoning, pancreatitis, or kidney disease.
Lastly, stiffness and limping are two of the more obvious signs of pain in dogs and are likely a result of injury, sore paws, or even arthritis.
If your dog is not as active as usual then this could be a sure-fire sign everything is not okay.
Any dog panting more or less heavily than usual despite the same level of exercise could mean that something is wrong with their breathing.