What To Do If Your Dog Is In Pain

The last thing any pet owner wants is to watch their beloved pup endure some form of pain or discomfort. However, in trying to relieve your pet’s pain you must be careful, as many human medicines can be dangerous and sometimes fatal to both dogs and cats.
So, what should you do if your dog is in pain?
In this week’s blog, we break down how to know if your dog is in pain and the appropriate steps you should take to stop it.

Is my dog in pain?

In the case of acute pain, telltale signs may include whimpering, shivering, panting, reluctance to eat and/or being protective of an area of their body. This may manifest as growling/barking upon touching the affected area (such as a sore ear), limping, reluctance to get up or perform a specific movement such as jumping.

If your dog has longer term, low grade pain such as the pain associated with osteoarthritis, the signs may be harder to spot. These may include becoming more secluded and sleeping more, reduced tolerance to family members touching them and aggression.

Once you’re sure that your dog is in pain, of course you’ll want to fix the problem straight away. But it’s of utmost importance that you treat the pain correctly so as not to make the situation any worse.

So, what can I give my dog for pain?

The first thing you should do once you realise your dog is in pain is talk to your vet – It is extremely important that the source of their pain is identified correctly. Common over-the-counter painkillers such as anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, aspirin) and paracetamol can be harmful and sometimes deadly when given to your dog. So, it’s essential that you never administer your pet any medication or supplement without first consulting a licensed veterinary professional.

At Vets in Endeavour Hills, our vets are highly trained with up to date knowledge on pain management. If you feel your dog may be in pain, give us a ring on (03) 9700 2264.

 

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