Signs of Pain

[dr.jaimie]

I am posting this b/c it is commonly asked if a pet is in pain. or people will say their animal isnt in pain b.c it doesnt cry. most people expect a pet to cry out when they are in pain, but most of the time that is the very last thing a pet will do when they hurt. animals try to hide their pain so it takes a little more observation to know when are pets need pain relief.

http://www.ivapm.org/site/view/121680_Dogs.pml

some signs of pain:
Posture

• Hunched back
• Guarding (protecting) the painful area
• "Praying" position (front legs and head on floor, hindquarters in the air)
• Sitting or laying abnormally
• Attempting to rest in an abnormal position
• Head hanging down *

Movement

• Stiff
• Bearing no or partial weight on affected limb
• Any degree of limp
• Thrashing Restless *
• Trembling or shaking *
• Weak tail wag or low carriage of tail *
• Limited or no movement when awake *
• Slow to rise *

Vocalization

• Screaming
• Whining
• Crying
• Barking or growling *
• Lack of vocalization (no greeting bark or noise) *

Behavior

• Agitated *
• Poor or no grooming *
• Decreased or absent appetite *
• Dull *
• Inappropriate urination or defecation, or not moving away from it *
• Acts out of character (gentle dogs may bite or become aggressive) *
• Licking wound or surgical site *
• panting

another list that may have some repeats:
Elevated heart of respiratory rate

[carolicious]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you sharing this with us!!! I'm sure this will come in very handy and I'll definitely keep this post saved.

[Bonnie's Mommie]

Thanks for this info, Jaimie.

[bellasmommy]

I'm glad to see this, not once in her six years has Bella ever whined from pain, this will help a lot. (And that avatar with your malt in a lab coat is CUTE)

[Colette'sMom]

Fudge, my long-coated Chihuahua, who has since passed away and will always have my heart, would stand stock-still...as if she were a statue when she was in pain. I was wondering why she was doing this, so I asked my veterinarian. They certainly have varying behaviors for pain. You can't always depend on a squeak or a cry.

Gail

[dwerten]

Thanks this is great

[Scoobydoo]

Thank you Jaimie, it's always good to know what to look out for

[uniquelovdolce]

this is very informative , thanks!

[Chalex]

I thought the "praying" position was play bow and meant happy and ready to play. Otherwise, great list and makes me worried about my older dog who does almost all of these

[jmm]

A dog play bows and immediately changes their posture. The praying is a dog who stays in that position and is not wagging, bouncing, and happy.