Understanding Your Dogs Pain and Behaviours

As a loving dog owner, we identify changes in our animals’ behaviours almost instantly, most are “in the moment” related but others can be early tell-tell signs of pain.

Below we break down some of the most identified pain and behavioural triggers that lead to being linked to a pain trigger.

1. Dogs will continue to participate in activities, such as walks, playing ball etc. with their owners regardless of the pain they are in. (in general)
2. The changes or affect maybe subtle (pain)
3. It is important to be aware that some of indications of pain in dogs (the behaviours) displayed may not be problematic for the owners so may go unchecked.
4. Dogs with existing behavioural conditions such as anxiety, frustration fear can have an increased perception of pain.
5. Dealing with pain affects learning, making it more difficult to concentrate and retain information.

You can recognise the symptoms of pain by looking for *changes in your dog’s body language: including, but not limited to:

1. Slower movement.
2. Stiffness.
3. Excessive panting (when not hot).
4. Tail tucking.
5. Restless.
6. Sudden head turning when being touched.
7. Flinching / response when being touched.
8. Avoidance or become unsociable.
9. Lip licking.
10. Growling.
11. Snarling when being approached by other pets.
12. People
13. When being asked to move from comfortable positions?
    1. a. *Are there obvious patterns?
    2. b. More obvious after exercise?
    3. c. Morning or evening?
    4. d. Difficulty getting up?
    5. e. Laying down?
    6. f. Less active?
    7. g. Withdrawn?
    8. h. Clingy?
14. Avoidance of stairs.
15. Dog walks.
16. Activities.
17. Unable to get on / off the furniture.
18. Sudden sensitivity to sound and loss of confidence.

Pain affects sleep:

1. Your dog may sleep more as its body is trying to heal or your dog may sleep less as they find it difficult to settle and get comfortable.
2. When experiencing pain some dogs may experience loss of appetite.
3. Excessive licking, scratching, or chewing of an area (paws, ears etc.) is a good indication of discomfort of pain.

Here is our chart demonstrating the steps of FEAR your dog could be experiencing.

Now you know what the key signs are that your dog may demonstrate, these are all potential indicators that your pet is suffering from Pain due to their Behavioural traits.

If your dog is showing any of the above signs, then contact GreenDog Dog Training today to discuss our options that aid in your dog’s swift recovery.

Pain and discomfort can lead to long term problems, don’t delay, call Lisa today and let’s help your loved family member get back to being themselves and in comfort.