Knowing these warning signs can make all the difference for your pet’s health!
Whether you are an experienced or first-time dog owner, it can be difficult to tell whether a pet is in trouble or not sometimes. In the wild, every animal’s main goal is to survive, which generally includes hiding its physical pain from potential predators looking for a compromised food source. In the modern day home, however, owners wish to notice when something is wrong for their best interest. Below are some key signs to tell whether your dog is in pain or not.
Hiding & Hiding Pain
Your dog might hide when it is in pain. Literally hiding itself in an undisclosed corner of the house is one of the ways its wild nature manifests. Your pet doesn’t want to show that it is weakened, so it will go undercover until it feels better. You might even begin to notice that your dog hides in the same spot every time it feels unwell. Otherwise, it might try to conceal that anything is wrong through its behavior, but in general, one can sense something amiss through the other following signs.
Behavior
Dogs will not act differently from what is ordinary on purpose. A change in behavior often means a change in its condition. General behavioral changes that can tell you a dog is in pain include:
- Limping
- Shaking
- Aggression
- Grumpiness
- Panting
- Crying
- Flattened ears
- Stiffness after resting
- Loss of appetite
- Shortened exercise
- Reluctance to play
All in all, signs a dog is in pain could manifest in its physical features, emotions, and activities or lack thereof.
Reaction to Touch
If your dog’s behavior seems to have no recent changes that you can recollect, you could also try a physical examination. One could do it oneself, but it is best to have a veterinarian do it, as the vet understands a dog’s anatomy best. A physical examination could show where the point of pain is. On the other hand, you won’t need to perform an exam if your dog is flinching and dodging from you when you try to touch it at all.
Behavior in Light of Circumstances
Some signs are subtle, but when they appear, you can deduce what is going on. Does the change in behavior happen after a long walk, at a certain time of day, or after exercise in general? Pinpointing the timing can help solve the mystery.
Where to Go from Here
If you suspect that your dog is in pain, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. Everhart Veterinary Medicine is here for you and your pet in Pasadena and Baltimore, Maryland!
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!