If your dog is in pain, it can definitely cause you, as a pet owner, to panic. Your fur baby cannot tell you what it is that is causing the pain or even what hurts, so unless you’re rushing out the door to the vet’s office to spend an arm and a leg, you will need to learn how to figure it out for yourself. Being able to recognize the signs of pain in dogs is important, as some conditions may seem to be painful, such as a scratch or a cut, but can actually be less painful than a serious internal issue, such as arthritis. In this article, you will learn about the top causes of dog pain and how you can determine if your dog is in pain or not.
Painful Health Conditions and How to Spot Them
Some of the most painful health conditions in dogs include, but are not limited to, pancreatitis, bone cancer, arthritis, periodontal disease, slipped disc, ear infection, cystitis and peritonitis.
Pancreatitis is a disease that occurs when your dog’s pancreas becomes inflamed. This is the organ which helps to control blood sugar and is most commonly seen in older, overweight dogs. If your dog has lost his appetite, throws up, has a fever, is lethargic, has diarrhea and seems to have abdominal pain, he may be suffering from pancreatitis.
Bone cancer is another painful condition for dogs, usually common in a larger breed. Your dog may also be at a higher risk for bone cancer if he or she has experienced a blunt bone injury in the past. Your dog may experience swelling, trouble walking, or pain in the bones and joints. Some dogs will even have a tumor that you can see. This is an aggressive disease that can spread quickly and cause a great deal of pain.
Arthritis is the lesser of the evils, though it is still painful for your dog. In fact, arthritis is one of the most common health problems for dogs and also occurs more in larger dogs, though no one really knows why. The dog may experience inflammation, stiff joints and eventually lameness. Your dog’s ligaments will eventually degenerate and disappear if he or she is suffering from arthritis, making it hard for the dog to even walk.
