Can You Tell if Your Dog is in Pain?

Many dogs will experience some degree of pain in their lifetime. While some dogs tend to be more stoic about it, other dogs are more expressive when any kind of discomfort is present. Are you able to tell if your dog is in pain?....and if so, what do you do about it?

Signs that a dog is in pain include:

• Licking itself in the same area continuously: When a dog is wounded they instinctually lick the wound. When pain is present but there is not an obvious wound associated it, the dog will lick that area in an attempt to fix the problem. Many dogs will also lick their paws (regardless of where the pain is located) in an attempt to comfort themselves.
• Excessive vocalizations: Dogs who are experiencing pain will often whine, whimper, yelp or growl. Often times these vocalizations will be associated with a specific movement or experience (being petting or picked up) that is causing them pain.
• Changes in eating, drinking and sleeping: Many dogs will sleep more when they are in pain and can also experience loss of appetite and increased or decreased thirst.
• Altered breathing: Dogs who are in pain will often pant (even when inside in the AC).
• Squinting eyes: Pain can cause changes in the dog's pupils which may lead to to squinting of the eyes.
• Difficulty resting: If the dog is experiencing pain when lying a particular way, you will notice that they have difficulty getting comfortable and will be constantly trying to reposition themselves.
• Changes in behavior: Some dogs will want to be alone when they are experiencing pain while other dogs will seek more attention. Dogs who are not normally aggressive may become aggressive in an attempt to protect themselves from further injury.

If your dog is showing any signs of pain, it is very important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian.

If your vet determines that  your dog is experiencing musculoskeletal pain, there are a few things you can do give them some comfort. 

Massage Therapy

Similar to humans, dogs can also benefit from massage therapy.  Massage will aid in healing by bringing nutrient rich blood to the area and helping move out metabolic waste and stagnant fluid. While petting can have benefits, massage therapy is more specific and is compromised of specific strokes.  It is recommended that you either find a qualified dog massage therapist to work on your dog, or take a course that will teach you how to massage your dog.

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Body Alignment

Chiropractic and other body alignment techniques can aid in reducing your dog's musculoskeletal pain by aligning their spines and improving neurological communication.  Be sure to do your research when choosing a practitioner for your dog and find someone who is fully qualified.  When done correctly adjustments can aid in reducing symptoms due to intervertebral disc disease, arthritis, muscle spasms, neck and back pain, leg weakness and more. 

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Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape is a sticky athletic tape that can be used on dogs to reduce pain, support muscles and joints, reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of injury (or further injury).  There are specific protocols for certain conditions, therefore it is recommended to utilize a trained professional or take a course to learn how to tape your dog yourself.  Kinesiology tape is waterproof so it can be worn while your dog is swimming.  Depending on the the location of the tape application, the tape can stay on for 1 - 5 days.

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Remember to always have your dog seen by your veterinarian before trying any of these techniques and ask your vet if your dog is a candidate for soft tissue work.