Dogs don't talk in the same way we do, but they're telling us things all the time.

Mobility issues

Is your dog struggling to get around like they get to? As dogs age they will find some tasks harder than they once used to. Anyone who is in their late 30s and older knows that niggles start to hang around longer than usual, strains and sprains take much longer to heal, joints begin to creak, we don't feel as supple and elastic as we used to, we're not as fast or able to be as strong as we once were, and it just gets magnifies with each passing year. For your dog, things are no different. Mobility issues may well be a sign that your dog is in pain. Examples include taking a long time to get comfortable or circling repeatedly before lying down, being reluctant to go up and down stairs or jump in the car, playing less or sleeping excessively.

Changes in posture

When your dog is in pain, they can have changes in posture. Sometimes this may be as simple as holding up a sore paw or limping and sometimes it is more subtle, perhaps their head is held in a different position to usual, or their back is arched. Canine remedial massage therapists will assess your dog's posture to help them understand where your dog might be in pain.

Sensitive areas with normal handling

If you are usually able to do something with your dog but one day, find you can't, it could be because they are in pain. Perhaps your dog dips away from you when you stroke along their back or your greyhound growls unexpectedly when you lift their paw to put on their Houndtee. It's not always obvious but showing greater sensitivity to normal handling is a sign your dog may be in discomfort. (Edit: Maybe that last one is a bad example, greyhounds can let out the greyhound scream of death if a leaf touches them the wrong way!)

Changes in habits and behaviours

Maybe your dog doesn’t want to join you on the couch anymore or won’t get up to greet you at the door like they once did. Changes in habits could be a sign that your dog is in pain and jumping up is uncomfortable or getting up after lying down is too sore.

Other behavioural changes that could be a sign of pain could be something like your dog showing aggression towards other dogs at the park, when previously they never used to, or growling at you unexpectedly. If your dog is not their normal self it could be because of pain - a dog in pain is less likely to be able to move away from the rambunctious puppy at the park quickly or when needed as certain movements may be uncomfortable, so easier to growl a warning first. The same applies to how your dog interacts with you. Pain doesn’t always cause aggression but an unexpected growl or your dog barking or whining at you could be a sign they are hurting somewhere.

Another change in behaviour that might be worth taking notice is whether your dog goes off their food or stops drinking. These may not necessarily be a sign of musculoskeletal pain but could indicate some internal pain or sickness which needs addressing by the vet.

Peculiar mannerisms

Certain mannerisms can be indicative of pain. These include but are not limited to panting, lip smacking, restlessness, excessive grooming or licking, waking up at night and vocalising. It is always worth checking with your vet if your dog starts to display a new behaviour, particularly if it is repeated often, happens at certain times of day or night or is incessant.

Checking with the vet

A vet will always tell you: if you are concerned, make an appointment. It’s good advice. You know your dog best and if something doesn’t seem right, make a trip to the vet to pay for peace of mind at the very least. For many issues, a vet referral is not necessary but it’s always worth checking with your vet before commencing treatment with a canine remedial massage therapist and having a veterinary diagnosis really helps to hone our treatment of your dog’s pain issues.

To find out more about how DogsBody Health canine remedial massage and laser therapy can work for your dog, please use the contact page to get in touch.