Symptoms of pain in Dogs:

Vocalizing
Whining, Howling, Whimpering, Yelping, Groaning, Grunting

Daily Habits
Decreased appetite, Withdraws from social interaction, Changes in sleeping or drinking, Lapses in housetraining, Sleeps more

Self-Mutiliation
Licking, Biting, Scratching a particular part of its body

Activity Level
Restless, Reluctant to move, Difficulty getting up from a laying position, Repetitively gets up and lies down, Trembling, circling or lying very still, Seeks more affection than usual

Facial Expression
Grimaces, vacant stare, Glazed, wide-eyed or looks sleepy, Enlarged pupils• Flattened ears, Pants excessively when at rest

Grooming
Coat lacks normal shine• Hair stands up in places

Self-protection
Protects a body part, Doesn’t put weight on a limb, Limps, Doesn’t want to be held or picked up, Hides

Aggressive
Especially a previously friendly dog
Acts out of character, Growls, snarls or bites, Pins ears back, A normally aggressive dog may act quiet, docile

Posture
Hunched, with hindquarters raised and front end down on the ground, Lays on its side
List copied with permission from American Animal Hospital Association, pets matter handout.

Now that you recognize the symptoms your pet will need to be examined to determine cause of pain and treatment. Their evaluation may include x-rays and/or blood work. Once your pet is diagnosed treatment can begin. There are a variety of pain medications available for both dogs and cats. Ask your doctor about things you can do at home to help keep your pet comfortable and monitor if your pet’s level of pain is changing.

Never administer pain medication to a pet with out consulting your veterinarian first. Some human medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be toxic and can do more harm than good. After being diagnosed if your pet is prescribed pain medication let you doctor know if you se any signs if side affects. Side affects may include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in eating or drinking, changes in skin such as rashes or hives, being depressed or overly anxious or if your pet just “Is not acting right.”

Pain management is especially important as a part of surgical recovery. After invasive procedures pets may not only be in pain but, weak or disoriented. Once your pet is back at home it is most important to consistently follow your discharge instructions carefully. If pain medication is prescribed give it as directed. Limiting your pet’s activity will also help with their discomfort. If any problems arise contact us as soon as possible.

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