Recogniziing that your dog is in pain is not always easy. Obviously a dog cannot simply tell you that it is hurting and oftentimes instinct will cause them to hide their pain. Finding out early that your dog is in pain will not only aid you in relieving its pain as early as possible, but may also save you an expensive trip to the veterinary clinic. Keeping a close eye on your dogs behaviour can help. Sudden behavioral changes like depression, anxiety, fatigues, sleepiness, trempling, falling, stumbling and lack of appetite can occur when the dog is in pain.

Do what can you do for your dog when you know it is hurting and what can you give your dog to help ease the pain?

A doctor would usually ask you of the severity of pain, the location of the pain. You may also be able to specify what causes the pain. This is not so with our furry friends. You will hear the dog whimpering, notice that it is not its usual self but you can never ask dogs what pains them. We love our dogs; we worry about them and it is during times like these that we wish our pets can talk. Dogs though would give you subtle signs. You have to be very discerning to see the signs. Whining is one of the telltale signs that the dog is in pain. Healthy dogs do not whine, unless they want to go out and you ignore the pleadings. A dog that whines should be taken to the vet at once especially if the pet has repeatedly turned away from its food, when it is lethargic and prefers to sulk in the corner rather than play.

One of the most common causes of a dog’s pain is arthritis. Pain can also be due to an injury, an infection or an illness. You certainly would not want the pet to be in pain. You would not want the dog to live a poor quality life. Dogs are naturally energetic animals but a dog that is in constant pain would have a decreased activity level, would seem to be distressed or aggressive.

The dog will certainly need proper treatment and the right medication can only be prescribed by the vet. The vet will usually give the dog a physical examination. Sometimes blood tests and x-rays are also needed to help determine the cause of the dogs pain.

Veterinarians often recommend one of or a combination of drug treatment, surgery and physical treatment. But there are also things you as a dog owner can do at home.

• A massage will help the dog relax and soothe the pain. Additionally it gives you the opportunity to discover abnormalitites like lumps, bumps, scrapes, soares and bruises on your dogs body.
• Watching your dogs response to exercise. A dog that over a period of time begins to act more sluggish during your normal exercise routine could be developing chronic pain and should be seen to by a veterinarian.
• Monitoring your dogs diet and water intake can help your discover symptoms of pain. A sudden increase or decrease in appetite or if your dog suddenly stops drinking or maybe it is drinking an unusually large amount of water. This may be a sign that there is something wrong with your pet. In this case you should consult your vet for advice on possible causes and dietary changes. Some illnesses like reduced kidney or liver function require special dietary measures in order increase your dogs quality of life.