Mary Allen
How do I know if my dog is in pain? And then what should I do?
Dog Pain: What Actually Is Pain?
Pain is a sensory perception that is picked up by receptors (sensors so to speak) and the connected nerves and sent to the brain. There they are classified and the behavior is adjusted accordingly.
Some also work in a shorter way, via so-called reflex arcs. Example: Reaching for the hot stovetop ensures that the hand is withdrawn immediately. This information is only processed in the spinal cord and the reaction triggered; transmission to the brain would take too long.
Pain can be based on external stimuli, but also indicate physical processes: pain in the joints indicates that they are not functioning smoothly – in the truest sense of the word. A lack of oxygen can lead to heart pain. Pain can also be caused by psychological stress; back problems are particularly well-known among people.
Dog Pain: Acute And Chronic
Pain is usually divided into acute and chronic: Acute pain occurs and indicates damage, a problem. If the problem is solved, it also ends. But pain can become chronic. Then they become independent, doctors speak of the “pain memory”. This is due to the frequent activation of certain nerves that signal “pain” to the brain over a long period of time. In the end, the actual trigger may be resolved, but the pain is still being signaled to the brain. Or the actual pain is already less, but the nerves are still “firing” at full power. That is why it is so important to treat pain promptly.
How Does The Dog Show Pain?
As the owner, you can recognize pain in the dog with the following information:
- The dog no longer lies down.
- He likes to lie down, but he doesn’t sit.
- He finds it difficult to get up.
- Overall, he shows reduced mobility and enjoyment of games or the like.
- The dog is lame in one or more legs.
- In some places, he doesn’t want to be touched.
- Scrubbing and scratching isn’t always a sign of itching, some dogs try to counteract the pain.
- The dog pants more and/or breaths deeper and faster.
- Your darling eats less well or not at all.
- The animal is listless and rests a lot, alternatively, it also becomes more aggressive.
- The dog is shaking.
- Some dogs also whine, but vocalizations are of secondary importance.
Other signs of pain in dogs are:
- dilated pupils (mydriasis)
- accelerated heart rate (tachycardia)
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
If you notice any of these in your dog, please consult a veterinarian.
Dog Pain: What Causes It?
Is your dog in pain? The reasons for this are extremely varied. In addition to directly obvious factors such as injuries, accidents, etc., internal diseases also cause pain. Just like humans, dogs get toothaches and stomachaches. With osteoarthritis, the affected joints hurt, then the dog has pain when standing up or lying down. A herniated disc in a dog damages nerves in the back area.
Dog Pain: Recognize And Treat Correctly
The therapies for pain in dogs are just as diverse as the causes. Going to the vet in good time not only avoids unnecessary suffering for your dog: If pain is treated in a timely manner, it can prevent it from being stored in the pain memory. In addition to eliminating the cause, targeted pain therapy is also necessary. During an operation under general anesthesia, animals are usually given a local anesthetic as well as painkillers. This reduces the amount of anesthetic used and promotes the healing process.
Dog Pain: What Painkillers Are There?
If the dog is in pain, there are several options for treating the pain:
Anti-inflammatory drugs: These are the most commonly administered drugs that reduce inflammation (including swelling, redness, and pain), have a direct pain-relieving effect, and sometimes even reduce fever. They can be injected or given by mouth in the form of tablets or liquid. A possible side effect is a strain on the gastrointestinal system; some dogs can only tolerate these drugs for a short period of time.
Opioids: Very strong painkillers that are used especially for bone surgery or other painful procedures. Almost all are subject to the Narcotics Act and may only be used by medical professionals. Possible side effects include fatigue and nausea.
There are other pain medications that can be used to treat pain in dogs. The veterinarian will select them based on the intensity of the pain, the duration of the application, and any previous illnesses or needs of the dog.
Dog Pain: What Else Helps?
Physiotherapy has a pain-relieving and healing-promoting effect on diseases of the musculoskeletal system. There are also certain dietary supplements that can support healing.
In addition to classic painkillers, complimentary healing methods such as acupuncture, osteopathy, or gold implants show positive effects when used against pain, especially in chronic conditions such as e.g. B. Osteoarthritis.
You should only use home remedies for dog pain if you know the cause: If your dog has turned and is limping, a cold compress will help. Cooling also helps with fresh insect bites. Dogs with osteoarthritis may like to lie on a thermal blanket; if the dog has pain when lying down, this can have a soothing effect. In any case, he should also be looked after by a veterinarian!
Dog Pain: Prevention Is Better Than Cure
You can actively prevent some pain conditions: With vaccinations and regular parasite defense, you protect your dog from many infections. A healthy diet and sufficient exercise prevent or alleviate various metabolic problems and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Brush your four-legged friend’s teeth regularly – dental diseases can be very painful and you can spare your dog at least part of it.
Dog Pain: Only A Pain-Free Is A Good Life?
Some pain cannot be driven away completely. They accompany an animal for the rest of its life. This is especially true for chronically ill and older dogs. When deciding whether this is still a life worth living, more factors should be considered than just being pain-free. If you are concerned that your four-legged friend is suffering too much, please be sure to speak to your veterinarian about it!
Dog Pain: Conclusion
Our dogs show us with various signals that they are not doing well. Be aware of this and, if in doubt, please go to the vet in good time. This also prevents the development of chronic pain that is difficult to treat.