Dogs feel pain for many of the same reasons as humans: infections, dental problems, arthritis, bone disease and cancer. They also feel discomfort following surgical procedures. Unfortunately, unlike humans, they are unable to speak to us about when and where they hurt. You are in the best position to look for the subtle changes in behavior that may indicate your pet is suffering. It’s important to stay alert to these signs, because the sooner your dog’s pain is diagnosed and treated, the sooner he or she can heal and resume a normal, happy life.
If your dog shows one or more of these behaviors and you suspect it may be due to pain, notify your veterinarian immediately.
VOCALIZING:
• Whining
• Howling
• Whimpering
• Yelping
• Groaning
• Grunting
DAILY HABITS:
• Decreased appetite
• Withdraws from social interaction
• Changes in sleeping or drinking
• Lapses in house-training
• Sleeps more
SELF-MUTILATION:
• Licking
• Biting
• Scratching a particular part of its body
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
• Restless
• Reluctant to move
• Difficulty getting up from a laying position
• Repetitively gets up and lies down
• Trembling, circling or lying very still
• Seeks more affection than usual
FACIAL EXPRESSION:
• Grimaces, vacant stare
• Glazed, wide-eyed or looks sleepy
• Enlarged pupils
• Flattened ears
• Pants excessively when at rest
GROOMING:
• Coat lacks normal shine
• Hair stands up in places
SELF-PROTECTION:
• Protects a body part
• Doesn’t put weight on a limb
• Limps
• Doesn’t want to be held or picked up
• Hides
AGGRESSIVE:
especially a previously friendly dog
• Acts out of character
• Growls, hisses, bites
• Pins ears back
• A normally aggressive dog may
act quiet, docile
POSTURE:
• Hunched, with hindquarters raised and front end down on the ground
• Lays on its side
Thanks to AAHA for this fantastic handout about what pain can look like in your pet. This is a great tool not just for those suffering from SM / CM but for all dog and cat owners to keep around. To print out the full version for placement in your home please visit:
http://secure.aahanet.org/