Dog Training
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Dog Health
Dog Training
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How to Recognise Pain in Your Dog and Get Them the Help They Need
Lauren
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Luna has bilateral hip dysplasia which is currently managed with physiotherapy, massage and pain medication. However, after increasing her exercise a few months ago I noticed she seemed to be struggling more. She wasn't limping, there were no significant changes to her gait, she didn't whimper, yelp or growl but there were subtle changes in her behaviour that let me know she needed more help.
Things that changed...
⚡️Her sound sensitivity increased. She was more aware of sounds at home and outside and more likely to be startled by loud noises.
⚡️She was less engaged at training class. She did everything I asked of her, she just has less enthusiasm.
⚡️She was sleeping less, often shifting position/ location.
⚡️She was actively avoiding other dogs on walks. She's never been a social butterfly, but she would usually trot past, have a quick bum sniff, and move on but she was moving away when we saw dogs and taking paths around them when she could.
A session with our physiotherapist followed by a trip to the vet confirmed that she’d likely picked up an injury when we increased her exercise. On palpation she was more sensitive than usual over her hips and back.
The vet and physio were able to spot the physical changes, but everything I saw was behavioural. Behaviour and pain are very closely linked and often the signs dogs are uncomfortable can be very subtle.
Things that didn't change for Luna when she was in more pain:
🐾She played the same amount
🐾She still wanted to go for a walk
🐾She wanted to run around
🐾She was still able to jump on furniture and go up and down stairs
🐾She wasn’t visibly lame or limping
If your dogs behaviour has changed, even if it’s subtle. Investigate pain first