We think pain is easy to recognize. A pet who limps or cries out when he is picked up is obviously not comfortable. But pain is a spectrum, and there are other signs your pet may show you.
It’s easy to miss the more subtle signs of discomfort if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some changes you may notice in your dog that warrant a trip to the vet to discuss options for pain management.
Difficulty rising: If your dog is slow to rise from sitting or lying down, it may be the first sign of joint pain associated with arthritis.
Changes in activity: If your dog no longer readily climbs the stairs, onto furniture or into the car, it suggests he may have a decreased range of motion—and pain—in his joints. Landing a jump puts a lot of strain on the body, and dogs who are uncomfortable will avoid doing those activities.
Less play: If your dog does not want to play as frequently or stops bringing you his toys, this could be a sign of pain.
Resistance to holding: A dog who suddenly begins to tense up when held, doesn’t want to be held anymore or does not want to cuddle in his usual way could be telling you that he is in pain.
Changes in routine: A dog who used to lay at your feet but now prefers his dog bed in the other room may be showing early arthritis symptoms — cold, hard floors are less comfortable than a big cozy dog bed.
Foot injuries: If your dog has hip, back or knee pain, you may notice the tops of his back feet are rubbed or irritated, and that the hair on the top of the feet is short or missing. This indicates that it is painful to lift the feet high enough to properly place them with each step. Although this can also happen to the front feet, it is more likely to happen on the back feet.
Decreased appetite: Dogs who are in pain may eat less or not at all. This is also a sign of other illnesses, and is worth a trip to the veterinarian.
Diagnosing Pain in Dogs
If you notice any of the above behaviors, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. She will do a complete physical examination and may recommend x-rays, bloodwork or other tests to confirm the problem.
Pain in multiple joints or locations can be especially difficult to diagnose, even for your veterinarian. This is because dogs aren’t always willing to tell us when something hurts. Since every dog is different, your veterinarian compares your dog’s responses to tests on each side of the body. If a dog has compensated for pain on one side over a period of time, the opposite side may be more tender or less moveable.
After making a diagnosis and deciding on a treatment plan, your veterinarian will recommend rechecking to evaluate progress. But if the plan isn’t helping, return sooner so the problem can be re-evaluated.
Treating Joint Pain and Arthritis in Dogs
As dogs age, arthritis often becomes a concern. But even before you notice symptoms, your dog may experience temporary muscle or joint pain. Arthritis can start earlier than many pet parents expect. At-risk breeds including Dachshunds, German Shepherds and Bulldogs can begin to show signs of arthritis pain at just a few years old.
It is always easier to treat an issue in the early stages. Your veterinarian may recommend starting joint supplements such as glucosamine or omega-3 fatty acids at the early stages of arthritis in dogs. For some dogs, physical rehabilitation and other complementary therapies may be the best options to get them back to feeling great.
It’s important to never give your dog your anti-inflammatories such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). These are toxic to dogs, even at low doses.
Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for safe pain relief for your dog, either as a daily dose or as needed after a tough day. You are your dog’s advocate, so speak up if you notice any changes that you think may be due to pain.