No dog owner ever wants to see their best friend in pain and unfortunately it can sometimes be hard for us to detect whenever they are hurting.
If only our canines could communicate to us when they were in pain so we could know what was wrong and how to fix it!
What is we told you that you could tell when your pup wasn't feeling good or in a lot of pain?
You would want to help them if you knew what was wrong wouldn't you?
Although our dog's can't communicate with us verbally, thankfully their actions and behaviors can help us determine whether they are happy and healthy or if they're not feeling their best.
Below we have put together a few signs and behaviors to look for in your dog that could indicate that they could be in pain:
Biting
Dogs that are in pain are more likely to bite or nip at you, especially if you touch the area that is hurting.
Breathing Changes
Your dog might have a more shallow breathing pattern if they are in pain and they could also pant more than usual.
Heart Rate
If your dog's heart rate seems to increase dramatically when you touch the painful area.
Posture Change
If your dog is in pain you might see them have a slight or very noticeable posture change. Your dog might take the shape of an arched or sunken back or even a tucked tail opposed to their normal perky tail and posture.
Food and Water
If your pup starts to eat or drink less then this could be a sign that something is wrong.
Less Activity
You might see your dog's energy has decreased and that they are no longer their energized self- this could definitely be a sign that your dog is in pain.
Body Changes
If you notice swelling or changes to your pup's body this could be an indication of a painful condition such as infection, inflammation or cancer.
Bathroom Changes
Dogs that generally have back pain may have difficulty defecating. If you notice that your pup isn't going number 2 as often as usual, this could lead to constipation, and you should consult your vet.
These are just a few of the many signs that your pup might show when they are in pain or have an underlying condition. If you notice that your canine is observing one or more than one of these changed behaviors be sure to consult with your veterinarian!
