Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Dr. Alisha Barnes

Is My Dog In Pain? - Part 2

Not Affectionate

If your dog suddenly seems to want nothing to do with you when they’re usually asking for cuddles, it could be a sign that they’re in pain. Dogs can behave differently when they’re hurt, just like humans. They may become clingy or withdrawn and may even change their usual habits. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, it’s important to take them to a pet wellness expert to rule out any health problems.

On the other hand, avoiding contact is also a good way to prevent injury. If your dog suddenly withdraws, spends more time alone, refuses to play with toys he likes, or refuses to be petted, there’s likely a logical cause. Your dog may try to avoid being touched altogether or may startle, yelp, or nip if you touch him in a specific area. These are all possible indicators of discomfort. Collect him as gently as possible and get him to your vet if his behavior is very unlike him!

Growling or Biting

If someone touched you where it hurt, wouldn’t you want them to stop? Your dog feels the same way. If your dog yelps or tries to bite you when you touch him, that usually means he’s in a lot of pain – the kind we might see in a dog with pancreatitis, for example.

Even the most docile and loving dog may bite their buddy if they are in pain. A visit to the veterinarian is advised if your usually mild companion has become aggressive, growls when you approach or touch her, or becomes irritable. These signs of distress typically indicate that your dog is in pain.

Excessive Licking

If your dog is constantly licking their legs or other body part, they may be trying to heal themselves of pain. Licking of the legs can be a sign of arthritis or other sources of discomfort. Although dogs have a hard time distinguishing acute from chronic pain, they will often try to heal their discomfort by licking the affected area. According to PetMD, arthritis in dogs usually comes on slowly, starting with soreness and discomfort that dogs may try to hide.

If you think your dog may be developing arthritis, speak to your veterinarian and expert pet chiropractor. Your vet might suggest running blood tests and your pet chiropractor may take X-rays of the areas bothering your pet. With this information, they can recommend a plan to keep them comfortable as possible during their later years. Additionally, supplements such as glucosamine might help with inflammation and stiffness.

What to do if your dog is in pain?

If your dog is visibly in pain, or you just suspect that your pup might be in pain, it’s important to get your beloved furry friends checked so that the pain can be resolved. There are two major resources that you can consult: your expert pet veterinarian, and your expert pet chiropractor. To give your furry friend the best possible opportunity for health and vitality, we recommend visiting both!

Pet Chiropractors

How is a pet chiropractor different than a veterinarian? A veterinarian is an expert who helps to ensure that the biological processes in your dog’s body are all flowing smoothly. Your expert veterinarian will ensure that your dog’s weight is correct, that their diet is right, that they’ve been correctly vaccinated and protected from viruses and other foreign invaders that may threaten their health, and that their bloodwork and organs are hitting the right metrics to indicate overall health.

A pet chiropractor is an expert who focuses on the alignment and health of your dog’s neuromusculoskeletal system, which comprises your pup’s nerves, muscles, and bones. When your dog’s nervous system, muscular system, or skeletal systems are compromised and under strain or stress, your dog’s entire health can decline. Frequently, this can cause them pain and discomfort, too. Your expert pet chiropractor ensures that your dog’s neuromusculoskeletal system is aligned and functioning correctly, so that your furry friend has the best chance at overall health possible.

Together, pet chiropractic and veterinary services make an excellent complement to one another, and can both be part of a well-rounded and comprehensive care plan for your pup. Dr. Alisha Barnes of Tails Chiropractic Care is an expert pet chiropractor in Colorado. She and her team serve the entire Boulder, Windsor, Broomfield, and Fort Collins areas to ensure that high-quality chiropractic care is available for all dogs. Book your appointment today to see what pet chiropractic care can do for your best furry friend!

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