Experts believe that dogs have a higher tolerance for pain than humans. This makes it difficult for us to detect sick dogs. While some can express it clearly, some dogs can be very strong (not show any pain) and difficult to detect. Often times, dogs will hide their pain (if possible) as a natural defense mechanism. Even so, many ways can be done to detect it. The sooner you detect it, the sooner you can seek help. This can help prevent the disease from getting worse.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Looking for Physical Change
Step 1. Watch how it goes
One of the most obvious signs of pain is if the dog is limping. Lameness occurs when a dog's legs struggle to support its weight.
- If one leg hurts, the dog is likely to use it less and sometimes rely on the other three.
- Sick dogs also usually won't move much.
Step 2. Watch for other mobility issues
In addition to the limp, you may notice other changes in mobility. For example, the dog may have difficulty getting up and lying down/sitting. Movements may also be slower than usual, or the dog may be unwilling to engage in certain activities.
Caution when going up and down stairs, running, or jumping can be a sign of pain
Step 3. Watch for changes in the dog's posture
Pay attention to the posture of the dog's head and tail. Any change from normal posture, such as a hanging or folded tail (which is usually active), could be a sign of pain.
- If one of its paws is used in a different way than usual, the dog may be sick.
- The pain may also cause the dog to bend over when standing, or become very stiff when standing or moving.
Step 4. Watch the breathing
If they are sick, the dog may be panting or have an increased respiratory rate.
A dog that is constantly panting, especially in cold weather, may be sick
Step 5. Check the dog's eyes
Eyes can be an indicator of a disease that your dog may have. If there is disease in the eye area, the dog's eyes may appear crossed, red, cloudy (cataract), or discharge.
- The dog may also rub the sore body area. If your dog is scratching his eyes frequently, his eyes may be sore or irritated.
- The eye can also be an indicator of pain in other areas. A squint can be a sign of disease in the eye area. However, some dogs will also squint when other parts of the body are sore.
- Pupil dilation can also be a sign that your dog is sick.
Part 2 of 2: Seeking Behavior Change
Step 1. Watch out if the dog bites
Pain can change a dog's behavior. Even friendly dogs may bite when they are sick.
- Even if they are in extreme pain, a dog that has never bitten before may bite when approached.
- A dog in pain may also bite if the affected area is touched or moved. The natural response when a painful area of the body is touched is to turn toward that area. Dogs may try to bite on instinct.
- Initially, you may see warning signs such as a growl. Dogs that are about to bite may show their teeth or their ears pointing back. This is a natural defense mechanism that the dog may use to try to prevent ongoing pain.
Step 2. Monitor how the dog eats
Sick dogs may reduce their food intake. Loss of appetite can be a sign that your dog is sick.
Dogs with sore mouths may also drop their food while they are eating
Step 3. Watch for signs of restlessness
A sick dog may be restless or feel uncomfortable. The dog may show it by pacing, frequently adjusting its position, or standing and sitting frequently.
Step 4. Watch for changes in his sleep pattern
Sick dogs may experience changes in their sleep schedule. Sick dogs may sleep more often, or have trouble sleeping.
Step 5. Listen for changes in the sound
Unusual sounds such as moaning, groaning, whining, barking, and growling can be signs of illness.
- These sounds may appear accompanied by certain movements, such as when you first wake up. This can help give you clues about the condition of the disease.
- Dogs that usually bark a lot may also suddenly turn quiet.
Step 6. Look for avoidance behavior
Avoidance behaviors such as hiding or avoiding contact with humans or other animals are common behaviors when a dog is sick. These behaviors are attempts to avoid potentially painful situations.
- Another sign that your dog may be sick is if your dog moves his head away when you try to pet him, or makes other movements to avoid being touched. Watch for such behavior if your dog usually likes to be touched.
- This behavior may coincide with the dog's change to become more aloof and less interacting.
- Dogs may also appear depressed or experience mental changes if they are sick.
- When sick, some dogs may be more inclined to seek attention. You should watch for unusual avoidance or attention-seeking behavior.
Step 7. Pay attention to your dog's bowel habits
Paying attention to your dog's normal bowel habits will help you detect many diseases.
- When you're sick, your dog's posture when urinating or pooping may be different than usual. For example, a male dog who normally lifts his leg when urinating may not do so when he is sick.
- You may also notice a change in the frequency of his bowel movements. Or, if the dog won't go to the toilet in its usual area, it may have an accident while going there.
- Due to the associated stress, illness can also change the consistency of the stool and make the dog constipated.
Tips
- Be careful not to make the disease worse. Sometimes, you have to find the source of the illness to know that your dog is sick. In dogs, sometimes the only way to do this is to touch or move the area causing the pain. This may be a common practice for veterinarians to do when examining your dog. However, veterinarians are trained to do so without causing further injury. Without training, you may end up hurting your dog trying to diagnose it.
- Instead of finding the disease, your goal is to determine if the dog is sick or not. After getting the answer, consult the condition with a veterinarian to find a solution.
- Many of the symptoms of the disease are subtle. It will be easier to notice these signs if you get to know his normal habits. If you know your dog's normal activities and behavior, you may find it easier to recognize the changes.
Warning
- While some of the above symptoms can indicate that your dog is sick, some of them may also indicate other problems. If symptoms persist, or get worse within 24-48 hours, contact your veterinarian.
- Do not try to give your dog medication without instructions from your veterinarian. Disease and inflammatory drugs for humans can harm dogs, especially if they are dosed incorrectly.
- Also contact your veterinarian if you are unsure of your suspicions.
