Signs that indicate that your dog in pain: owners often ignore them

Animals can't tell us when and what they're in pain, which is why it's important to clearly understand their body language - it can contain important signals that shouldn't be missed. This is especially true for dog owners, as a well-mannered animal can hide from a person that something is wrong with it until the last moment.

The Mirror asked Hannah Webb, an animal behaviorist, about such signals. Her conclusion is disturbing - most owners do not notice when their dog is giving alarms. Meanwhile, they are not so difficult to recognize.

Yawning

Unlike humans, yawning in dogs is not a sign of fatigue but of discomfort. Your dog may start yawning when he doesn't feel well. If you notice him yawning while you're out for a walk, it may indicate that he's feeling down, in pain, or stressed.

Paw chewing and licking

This behavior is compulsive and can be caused by stress or anxiety. It can also be a sign that the dog is trying to relieve the aching pain of arthritis or scratch small, painful abrasions on the pads of his paws. Dogs can also chew or lick their paws when they have harmful substances on them or develop signs of allergies.

Mobility problems

This is not just a wake-up call, but a whole alarm bell. If you notice that your dog is struggling to walk normally, can't climb stairs or jump as easily as he used to, it could be a sign that he is in pain.

Posture and postures

A hunched back, tail down, ears pressed to the head, and dilated eyes can all be signs that your dog is in pain due to arthritis. Other causes of such symptoms are muscle tears, soft tissue damage, or infected wounds. All of these problems are accompanied by pain.

Facial expressions

If your dog often licks his lips after eating or shivers when it's not cold, it could be a sign that he's in pain. A similar signal can be shortness of breath in non-hot weather, which also indicates stress.

Has the dog stopped holding your gaze and is turning his face away? This is also a clear signal that something is wrong.

Change in behavior

Any change in the animal's usual behavior is a reason to take a closer look at it. Your dog has become irritable or constantly demonstrates a desire for privacy, has become more picky about food, sleeps a lot, reacts poorly to loud noises, and is no longer as willing to communicate with you - any of these signs may hide a sense of pain. If they occur regularly, it's best to take your pet to the vet for a checkup.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told why dogs lick their owners' faces and hands.

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