How to Tell If Your Dog Is in Pain (And What to Do About It)
More than 2.4 million pets in the United States were insured in 2017. Pet owners treat their furry loved ones like family members and are often willing to do anything to protect them.
The best way to keep your dog safe is by taking precautions and know what to look for.
Continue reading to learn how to tell if your dog is in pain so that you can help them immediately!
1. Changes in Appetite
One of the most important signs of pain in your dog is a change in appetite.
If your furry loved one is sleeping more and not spending at much time at the food and water bowl, they may be in pain.
Typically, when dogs are in too much pain to move, they limit all motion. Check the food bowl. If you haven’t needed to fill it or they aren’t interested in eating, you may want to visit the vet.
2. Isolation and Aggression
When you are in pain and not feeling well, it is normal to act out of normal behavior.
If you aren’t sure if your dog is in pain, watch their temperament and social behaviors. Dogs will become aggressive and more on edge if they don’t feel well. Especially if something irritates them more.
Isolation is another sign of pain that you should watch for.
3. Constant Grooming
When dogs are irritated or not feeling well, they tend to lick their paws and body.
Excessive grooming helps them calm down and is a major sign of discomfort. Another reason your dog may lick themselves is that they have a cut or open wound that they want to clean and care for.
If you noticed more licking than normal, look for additional signs of pain.
How You Can Help
Learning how to tell if your dog is in pain is crucial, but you will also need to help them.
The first thing you should do is remove any obstacles that could injure your dog more. Make sure that they don’t have to use the stairs or walk far to their water and food bowls. You may also want to go slower and use extra caution while approaching them when they are in a vulnerable state.
One of the most effective pain remedies is CBD for active dogs. CBD is an anti-inflammatory and has been proven to reduce pain.
If you notice that the pain is getting worse, take your dog to the vet for immediate attention.
Learn How to Tell If Your Dog Is in Pain
Many dog owners have an intuitive sense that lets them know when their dog isn’t feeling well.
As pet owners, you can have a difficult time, learning how to tell if your dog is in pain. If you are concerned about your furry loved one and are thinking that they are in pain, there are a couple of things to look for. Looking for these red flags will help you determine your next steps.
Be sure to check back for more articles about taking care of your pets and getting rid of their discomfort!