Imagine you have toothache and have to continue your daily routine. You'd probably struggle to complete your usual daily tasks and may feel fed up, sore and want to avoid doing too much.
Now, picture your dog in a similar situation, unable to tell you what’s wrong. How would that affect their behaviour when asked to perform tasks like sitting, lying down, playing with other dogs, or going for a walk because "they need exercise". Some dogs would continue, stoically with everything you ask of them and others would show their discomfort through their behaviour, but, would you pick up on it? Dogs are masters at hiding pain due to an evolutionary trait. If your dog is limping, yelping or crying out they are likely to be in a high degree of pain. It is imperative that guardians learn to spot the subtle signs of pain before they become obvious.
Pain is often overlooked when it comes to behaviour issues, but its prevalence and impact are becoming increasingly recognised. Let's delve into this complex topic.
Common Areas of Pain in Dogs
Musculoskeletal ( joints, hips, knees, wrists/ankles, spine, shoulders, and elbows)
Ears
Dental issues
Gastrointestinal problems
Skin conditions
Signs your dog may be in pain
Activity Changes: Reluctance to walk, decreased activity, stiffness, limping, reluctance to jump, changes in gait, or difficulty on slippery surfaces.
Decreased Appetite: Pain might make the act of eating uncomfortable, or they may not feel well enough to eat.
Tiredness: Your dog may tire easily and sleep more than usual.
Muscle Atrophy: Inactive dogs with arthritis may develop muscle atrophy around affected joints.
Aggression During Handling: Painful dogs may show aggression when groomed or handled.
Resource Guarding: Pain can increase anxiety and lead to aggressive behaviour over resources.
Licking, Chewing, and Biting: Dogs may lick or bite painful areas, leading to hair loss or skin infections.
Behaviour Changes: Sudden changes in behaviour, increased anxiety, or a “Jekyll and Hyde” temperament.
Learning or Performance Changes: Pain may make dogs reluctant to perform behaviours they previously did with ease.
Noise Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to sounds can also indicate pain.
Body Warmth: Warm areas on your dog’s body can signal inflammation.
House-Soiling: Pain may cause dogs to avoid movement, leading to accidents indoors.
Connection-Seeking Behaviour: Clinginess or seeking comfort can be a sign of pain.
Pain on Manipulation: Dogs may stiffen, move away from touch, or vocalise when a painful area is manipulated.
Compulsive Behaviours: Behaviours like “star-gazing” or “fly-snapping” can indicate gastrointestinal pain.
Pica: Eating non-food items can be associated with gastrointestinal or musculoskeletal pain.
Treatment Options
Treatment for pain in dogs depends on the individual case and is determined in consultation with a vet. Common approaches include:
Pain Control/Pain Trials: If pain is suspected but not evident, a trial course of pain medication can help. Vets often recommend this approach to see if behaviour improves with pain relief.
Activity Modification: Limit high-impact activities and replace them with low-impact exercises. Adapting your home with ramps or steps to reduce painful movements.
Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation: Exercises, range of motion activities, and aqua therapy can improve joint mobility and muscle strength.
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on joints.
Joint Supplements: Supplements like glucosamine, and omega-3 fatty acids can support joint health.
Medicines:
corticosteroids, NSAID's and asprin can help manage pain and inflammation.
Surgical Management: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove painful joint components or replace joints.
Understanding that pain may be part of the cause of any behaviour issue is the first step toward effective treatment, often there are other underlying causes for behaviours as well as pain, but it is important to ensure there is no underlying pain exacerbating or causing problems. Being able to recognise symptoms of pain and advocating for your dog can be a crucial step forward in helping your dog improve and become healthier and happier.
'Assume it is pain until proven otherwise.'
Dr Debbie Gross Torraca (Veterinary orthopedic specialist)
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