Warning Signs a Dog May Be in Pain: Trainer Highlights Often Overlooked Symptoms
Dogs are often known for their playful and energetic nature, but it can be challenging to determine if they're in pain. Even when a dog continues to play with their favourite toys, subtle signs of discomfort might be present.
Professional trainers Ella Camps-Linney and Alistair Mackenzie of Kirby Dog Training highlight that changes in a dog's behaviour, such as restlessness, whimpering, and reluctance to move or be touched, can indicate pain. Physical signs like limping, changes in posture, or facial expressions indicative of discomfort should also be observed.
These trainers emphasise the importance of observing subtle cues because dogs often mask pain. Noticing consistent deviations from normal activity or mood is crucial for identifying pain.
A case in point is Byron, the dog owned by Ella Camps-Linney and Alistair Mackenzie. Despite showing all the signs of pain, Byron still wanted to go for walks, play, and do everything he loved. However, he displayed unusual behaviours like nibbling his feet and turning his head around to nibble his rear end. His fur pattern around his hips also changed, which was unusual for him. His skin even flickered and shuddered when touched gently.
Byron's increased reactivity to other dogs might have been due to associating interacting with dogs with feeling pain. After a six-week pain trial, Byron was diagnosed with arthritis, indicating joint pain in dogs can be common.
Recognising these signs can help a dog when they are not feeling well. In Byron's case, providing him with an Orthopedic Dog Bed could have alleviated some of his discomfort. The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed, available in various sizes and colours, offers unparalleled support through high-density egg-crate foam. This foam helps distribute a dog's weight and relieve pressure on joints, providing comfort and support to dogs in pain.
In conclusion, it's essential to be aware of the signs that a dog is experiencing pain and to seek professional advice from a vet if necessary. By doing so, we can help our beloved pets live more comfortable lives.
- Even when a dog like Byron continues to play with their favorite toys, subtle signs of discomfort, such as nibbling feet or unusual changes in behavior, might be present.
- Noticing consistent deviations from normal activity or mood is crucial for identifying possible pain in pets, like Byron, who might mask it.
- Professional trainers, like Ella Camps-Linney and Alistair Mackenzie, stress the importance of observing subtle cues to detect pain in dogs.
- Changes in a pet's behavior, like restlessness, whimpering, and reluctance to move or be touched, can be indicators of underlying health issues, such as pain.
- Providing a pet with a supportive environment, like an Orthopedic Dog Bed, can help alleviate pain and discomfort, as demonstrated with Byron's diagnosis of arthritis.
- To ensure the health and wellness of our pets, it is essential to be knowledgeable about the signs of pain and seek professional guidance from veterinarians when necessary, allowing our pets to live more comfortable and fulfilling lives.
