Symptoms indicating a dog is in discomfort: A veterinarian's insights

Dogs, our loyal companions, often hide their pain, making it essential for pet owners to recognise the signs and symptoms of discomfort. Here are some key indicators that your dog might be in pain:

Anxiety in a dog that is usually calm and laid-back could be a sign of pain or discomfort.
A significant decrease in a dog's activity level can be associated with arthritis, an injury, or an internal illness.
Dogs in pain may have difficulty sleeping, becoming restless, struggling to settle, and waking up frequently.
Changes in behavior, such as aggression or antisocial behavior, can be a key indicator that a dog is experiencing pain or discomfort.
Crying or whining in a dog can indicate pain or discomfort, especially if it's a new behavior in a normally quiet dog.
Dogs with arthritis often tremble when standing for long periods of time.
Increased panting in dogs can be a sign of pain, along with a number of other underlying causes.
If your dog shows any of these signs, it's crucial to take them to the vet to identify the cause and get the required treatment if necessary.

In such cases, it's important to remember never to give your dog human pain relief; only give them medication prescribed or advised by a vet.

When it comes to managing pain in dogs, several medications are available. Apart from carprofen, tramadol, and gabapentin, other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include meloxicam (Metacam®), deracoxib (Deramaxx®), firocoxib (Previcox®), grapiprant (Galliprant®), robenacoxib (Onsior®), etodolac, piroxicam, and mavacoxib (Trocoxil®).

Grapiprant (Galliprant®) is a newer class of NSAID known for targeting specific prostaglandins, leading to effective pain relief with fewer side effects. Robenacoxib (Onsior®) and mavacoxib (Trocoxil®) are additional NSAIDs available for dogs.

A newer injectable medication called Librela (bedinvetmab), approved for arthritis pain, targets pain-signaling proteins specifically, offering a non-NSAID alternative.

It's always advisable to consult a veterinarian to choose the appropriate medication and dosing, considering side effects and individual tolerance.

Hannah, a veterinarian with a passion for soft tissue surgery, ultrasound, and canine and feline dentistry, emphasises the importance of gentle petting and reassurance for a dog in pain. However, they may also prefer space.

In terms of dog beds, the Casper Memory Foam Dog Bed, with its durable design and easy cleaning, is a highly-rated orthopedic option for dogs.

Dr. Barnette, an expert vet with 15 years of clinical experience treating dogs, cats, and occasional exotic patients, advises that a dog limping could be a sign of pain or injury. Some dogs respond to pain by becoming restless, pacing during the day and night.

In cases of decreased appetite in dogs, leading to potential weight loss, pain could be a contributing factor. If a dog is shaking and it's not due to anxiety or excitement, pain may be the cause.

In conclusion, recognising the signs of pain in dogs and seeking prompt veterinary care can significantly improve your pet's quality of life. Always consult a veterinarian for the best course of action regarding your dog's health and wellbeing.

Veterinary professionals emphasize the importance of recognizing signs of pain in dogs to ensure their health and well-being.
A change in a normally calm and laid-back dog's behavior, such as anxiety, could indicate pain or discomfort.
If your dog, a pet, is limping or becoming restless, pacing during the day and night, it could be a sign of pain or an injury.
Cats and dogs may require different types of medication for pain management, with medications like carprofen, tramadol, gabapentin, meloxicam (Metacam®), deracoxib (Deramaxx®), firocoxib (Previcox®), grapiprant (Galliprant®), robenacoxib (Onsior®), etodolac, piroxicam, and mavacoxib (Trocoxil®) being options for dogs.
Grapiprant (Galliprant®) and Librela (bedinvetmab) are newer medications for pain management in dogs, with each targeting specific pain-indicating proteins.
A Casper Memory Foam Dog Bed, with its orthopedic design and easy cleaning, can provide comfort for dogs experiencing discomfort or pain.
When it comes to training and mental health, a balanced approach that includes gentle petting and reassurance, along with providing space when needed, can help manage a dog's pain and stress levels.