We all want what’s best for our dogs, and ensuring they’re not in pain is a big part of that. September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, here are some tips on how to tell if your dog is painful.
Signs of pain in dogs include:
- stiffness
- excessive licking or scratching at a specific area
- This could also be due to allergies
- acute change in energy level or play drive
- lameness
- loss of appetite
- aggression
- Or any abrupt change in attitude
- panting, crying and/or shaking
- This can also be a stress or fear response. My dog, for example, pants, shakes and cries when she hears fireworks.
- Swelling, redness or warmth of an area
- If an area, like a leg, is swollen and hot to the touch, there may be a sprain, strain or break in the area.
If you believe your pet is in any sort of pain or discomfort, talk to your veterinarian.
Of course, there are ways to help manage your pets’ pain, if they’re experiencing any. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian to help determine what would be best for you and your pet.
Pain management:
- Managing activity levels
- If your pet is more painful after a long day of high or moderate activity levels, restricting their activity levels would be an easy way to ensure they aren’t feeling painful.
- Changing home environment
- If your dog is painful when jumping up or down, or on stairs, making small changes to their environment could help eliminate those tasks from their daily routines.
- Medication
- Of course, only with a veterinarian’ prescription.
- Many medications can be effective pain management solutions, but don’t give your dogs any over-the-counter human pain meds.
- Supplements
- Of course, I recommend LubriSynHA to anyone who has a dog experiencing joint pain or mobility issues.
- There are multiple supplements and vitamins that can help with allergies to alleviate some itchy discomfort.
One of the best ways to manage your dogs’ pain is taking preventative measures. Of course, I recommend using LubriSynHA to ensure that your dog has healthy and happy joints. There are other proactive measures that can be taken such as regular vet visits and actively managing your pets’ activity and food intake. Healthy dogs are happy dogs, and happy dogs make happy owners.
