What Are Signs of Pain In The Dog?
The protocol we have chosen for your dog is based on the type of procedure we have done and our experience with your dog and their reactions to certain stimuli. Fortunately, you have the upper hand in knowing what your own dog’s attitude and mannerisms normally are. A few things that you can observe to determine whether or not your pet is in pain are posture, movement, vocalization, and behavior. Don’t take any one of these signs by itself that your pet is in pain. A lot of these signs can also indicate anxiety, nervousness, or poor health. It’s when you start seeing a few things that are all pointing in the same direction that can help you in determining the status of your dog. For example, whining is more often a sign of anxiety in dogs. But if your dog is whining and not willing to move around then this might mean your dog is in pain. Please call us at any time if you are not sure about the status of your dog.
- Posture
Hunched back
Guarding (protecting) the painful area
“Praying” position (front legs and head on floor, hindquarters in the air)
Sitting or laying abnormally
Attempting to rest in an abnormal position
Head hanging down
Movement
Stiff
Bearing no or partial weight on affected limb
Any degree of limp
Thrashing Restless
Trembling or shaking
Weak tail wag or low carriage of tail
Limited or no movement when awake
Slow to rise
Vocalization
Screaming
Whining
Crying
Barking or growling
Lack of vocalization (no greeting bark or noise)
Behavior
Agitated
Poor or no grooming
Decreased or absent appetite
Dull
Inappropriate urination or defecation, or not moving away from it
Acts out of character (gentle dogs may bite or become aggressive)
Licking wound or surgical site
Mathews KA. Pain Assessment and General Approach to Management. In: Vet. Clin. Of N. Amer. Sm. Anim. Pract. Ed: Mathews KA. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, July 2000. Dobromylskyj P et al. Pain assessment. In: Pain Management in Animals. Eds: Flecknell P and Waterman-Pearson A, WB Saunders, London, 2000.
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