Hey Dog Lovers,
Dogs have a great way of staying stoic and hiding their pain. I am here to help you understand and share some tips for dog pain and how to better be able to alleviate that pain from them.
Tips:
- Although sometimes pain can be obvious, many times its subtle
- Dogs in pain are more likely to bite so be careful
- Behavior, breathing, heart rate, and even appearance can all change when your dog is experiencing pain
- If your dog is in pain, call you vet
- Never give a dog medication unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian
Signs your Dog may be in Pain
- Biting – person who touches or moves the painful area
- Breathing changes- faster and more shallow breathing pattern than normal, pants, or a change in the movement of the abdominal muscles and or those of the chest
- Heart and Pulse Changes – increased heart/pulse rate. Rate changes when you touch hurtful spot
- Posture Changes- ridgid saw horse type stance, prayer position (front legs on ground, but in the air, and stretched abdomen) Lie around more, Antsy
- Eye Changes – larger dilated pupils, larger or constricted pupils, frequently squinting or bloodshot
- Food and Water Changes- eat and drink less than normal
- Energy Level Changes – general decrease in their activity level
- Mobility Changes – move around less or move around differently
- Bathroom Changes – have difficulty with the posture needed to defecate , constipation
- Body Contour Changes – swelling (legs, body, face) causes are infection, inflammation, cancer or others.
Conditions that often cause Pain in dogs
- Cancer
- kidney or bladder stones
- Bladder infection
- Ear infection
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Inflammation of a joint
- Cruciate ligament damage or sliding knee cap
- Slipped discs
- Periodontal disease or tooth fracture
- Eye problems (glaucoma, uveitis or corneal ulcers)
Always speak to you vet if you think your dog is in pain or you suspect something is wrong
Supplements to help dogs with Arthritis
- Fish Oils – contain Omega 3 fatty acids which has anti-inflammatory properties
- Joint Supplements – vet recommends
Joint Relief and Mobility Diets for Dogs
- Purina joint mobility
- Hills metabolic and mobility
- Mobility Support Js
Increasing Mobility for Dogs
- Hardwood floors make it hard for dogs with mobility issues to get their grip, add a rug/carpet to help them get traction
- No slip socks
- Pet steps
- Prescription medications
Make sure to check back weekly for Training Tuesdays and Thursday Thoughts
