Is Your Pup in Pain?

No one likes to be in pain. It can often keep us from doing what we love most, makes us antisocial or irritable with others, and it can even cause long term damage. Our dogs are no different. Except your dog can’t go to the nearest drugstore for a bottle of Ibuprofen. That’s why, herNoe at Deceased Pet Care we want to shine a spotlight on our dog’s potential pain. September is National Pet Pain awareness month afterall. Here’s a quick list we put together of identifying and caring for any potential pain your pet is experiencing. Look for our part two “cats” soon.

What is Pain?
Webster’s Dictionary defines pain as “physical discomfort or suffering caused by illness or injury.” While that definition is true of humans, in your pet, I think we can expand it to cover any feeling, injury, or illness that keeps your pet from operating at it’s full potential.

What are the Signs of Pain in my Dog?
While signs and symptoms of pain vary across breeds, our dog’s are pretty good at letting us know if they are in pain if we look or listen close.

Not Eating - If your dog isn’t eating, this is a key sign something is wrong. It could be internal pain or illness, or something as simple as an irritated mouth. If your dog refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, it’s important to seek at attention of a veterinarian professional.

Excessive Licking/Chewing - While it’s completely normal for your dog to scratch and itch every now and then, constantly licking or gnawing at a paw or other body part usually indicates some form of pain. What’s worse, is your pooch can actually exacerbate the injury by trying to relieve some of the pain.

Mood Changes - We get it, everyday is not a good day. But if your pet is usually the sweetest thing you know, and without warning he’s aggressive or grumpy, it’s probably more than just his day at the office. Growling or snapping when approached is not always aggressive. It could be a sign that your pet is in pain and want to protect herself from more.

Conversely, if your pet starts to shrink away or retreat, he could also be in pain. It’s a good idea to take note of any general but noticeable behavior and mood changes. If the issue persists, reach out to your vet as soon as possible.

Excessive Panting/Heavy Breathing - This one requires some awareness. If it’s hot outside, or you just got done exercising, panting is very normal. Your pet could also be naturally mouthy, like a pug or bulldog. However, if for seemingly no reason your pet starts panting without stopping, she could be stressed. Take note of your environment, if you don’t see any extenuating circumstance, the stress could be internal -- often from pain. If this becomes a regular occurrence, it’s best to seek medical assistance.

Other Signs Include - stiffness, lagging, limping, whimpering, yelping, reluctance to play, retreating, or holding its ears flat.

What can I do to help?
Other than seeking advice and treatment from a medical professional, there are several pain mitigation options.

Keep Your Dog in Shape - This one isn’t as much treatment, as it is preventative. An active dog with a healthy weight is much less likely to fall prey to illness and injury throughout their lives.

A Quick Massage - If your dog is in pain, a gentle and calm massage might alleviate some of the tension. During the massage take note of any bumps, bruises, lacerations, or lumps.

Medication - If your dog is experiencing chronic pain, then you might want to seek medication or supplements as a treatment option. However, DO NOT medicate your dog with your medicine. Some human pain medications can be toxic in dogs, and dosage is of top priority. Seek the advice and prescription of your veterinarian if you choose this route.

Above all, show your pet a little extra love, but be cognisant of their need for space. Awareness is one of the first steps to treatment and more importantly prevention. At Deceased Pet Care, one less moment of pain for our favorite pets is perfect for us. This National Pet Pain Awareness Month, spend and extra moment or two noticing what your Dog is really saying. And then, it will be a happy month indeed.