Pain is a complex experience that living creatures feel. There are different types of pain depending on the body part affected, or the underlying cause; it can either be acute or chronic pain.
Acute pain:
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May range from mild to severe, lasting for a few hours to a couple of days.
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Generally associated with tissue damage and serves a biological, self-limiting purpose during the healing process.
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Can result from surgeries, injuries, inflammatory conditions , or infections.
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Can be managed using pain medications and a cold compress.
Chronic pain:
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No clear biological purpose or endpoint.
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Commonly associated with long-term diseases like arthritis.
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Unlike acute pain, chronic pain persists beyond the duration of tissue healing.
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Without management, it can lead to over sensitivity, and can significantly diminish quality of life.
Recognizing the different signs of pain
Dogs can express signs of pain differently depending on the breed, individual, age and chronicity. Behavioral changes due to pain often develop slowly, so being aware of your dog’s daily habits is key, as these smaller behavioral cues will be easier to detect earlier by the humans most familiar with the dog.
Here are signs to look for that indicate your dog is in pain.
Mobility changes
1. Trouble moving: Difficulty sitting, climbing stairs, or getting up from a resting position.
2. Abnormal posture: Your dog may sit or lie down more often, position their tail abnormally, carry their head low, hold an arched back.
3. Limping or stiffness: They may favor one limb or exhibit difficulty walking.
4. Inability to jump or exercise.
5. Difficulty lying down and getting up.
6. Trouble getting up and down the stairs.
Activity level changes
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Reluctant to exercise: Walking slow or hesitation to engage in physical activities.
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Restlessness: Pacing or an inability to settle.
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Lethargy: Your dog might seem unusually tired or unwilling to move.
Behavior changes
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Irritability or aggression: Uncharacteristic snapping or growling.
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Facial expression changes: Change in expression such as flattened ears, grimaces, or glazed eyes.
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Increased neediness: Seeking more attention and affection than usual.
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Panting: Excessive panting even when resting.
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Labored breathing
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Vocalizations: Whimpering, yelping, or groaning.
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Reactions to touch: A normally affectionate dog may now react negatively to being touched or held.
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Excessive grooming: Licking or chewing at a specific area on the body.
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Social withdrawal: Hiding or avoiding interaction.
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Unwanted behavior directly caused by pain.
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Pain causes secondary behavioral issues in addition to existing ones.
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Behaviors that may not be problematic to owners, but are actually signs of pain.
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Unwanted behavior exacerbated by pain.
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Rigid or twitching muscles
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Shaking or trembling
Differing from usual daily habits
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Loss of appetite: A reduced interest in food.
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Accidents in the house: Defecating or urinating indoors uncharacteristically.
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Altered sleeping patterns: cannot get comfortable trying to sleep or they could sleep more