According to the theory of natural selection, only the strongest animals survive in the wild. Animals learn early in life to hide weakness or illness—if they don’t they’re destined to become some hungry hunter’s lunch. With dogs, this protective instinct sometimes comes at a cost because you don’t always recognize your furry friend’s pain.
You’ve probably seen a dog whine and wiggle just having his temperature taken, while another pet suffering from broken bones lies stoically as a veterinarian examines him. Some dogs tolerate pain better than others, and most temperaments fall somewhere in between these extremes.
Because dogs will never be able to tell us where it hurts, you must rely on keen observation to detect pain—and your veterinarian’s expertise to uncover its cause.
Causes
Just about any injury, disease, or infection can be painful. Some problems are obvious because you also see limping; bleeding or swelling; vomiting; diarrhea; appetite loss; changes in urine output or an inability to urinate; straining to defecate; inflamed, half-closed, or watery eyes; or ear rubbing or shaking.
Painful musculoskeletal injuries include broken bones, bone tumors, torn ligaments, disk rupture, and sprains and strains. Even a broken toenail or burr in the foot can make your dog extremely uncomfortable.
Glaucoma and corneal ulcers can cause severe eye pain. Infections or foreign bodies in the ear, especially when accompanied by a ruptured eardrum, can be unbearable.
Some aches and pains that might be harder to detect include lacerations or abscesses hidden under fur or in the mouth. Such gastrointestinal problems as inflammation of the pancreas or intestinal obstruction and many urinary and reproductive tract disorders also cause extreme pain before you even realize there’s a problem.
What you can do at home
Although dogs might cry out with some conditions, they usually suffer in silence. Watch for subtle signs of pain, including lack of energy or appetite, disinterest in people or usual activities, trembling or shaking, and panting. Any change in your dog’s routine should alert you to a potential problem. If you suspect your dog is in pain, gently examine him from nose to tail to find the source.
When to call the veterinarian
If you discover a problem you can’t treat at home, or if you suspect pain but can’t find the cause, call your veterinarian. Get to the office immediately if your dog acts lethargic, cries out in pain, or suffers a serious injury.
Always call the veterinarian before giving your dog over-the-counter pain medication. Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and many other human pain relievers can cause serious side effects and even death in pets.
What your veterinarian will do
The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination to find the source of discomfort. He or she also might uncover painful conditions you didn’t notice, such as periodontal disease, a ruptured disk in the spinal column, arthritis, or an abdominal tumor.
If your veterinarian suspects other diseases, such as infectious or inflammatory disorders, gastrointestinal ulcers or obstructions, cancer, or spinal problems, he or she may perform blood and urine tests, X-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, exploratory surgery, or even an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
The veterinarian will determine which medication will best soothe your dog’s discomfort. Your dog may need pain medication during recovery, to help manage a chronic condition, or until the doctor can determine the underlying cause.
Unfortunately, the causes of pain are almost infinite. If the doctor doesn’t immediately identify the source, take heart. Your veterinarian will work as quickly as possible to uncover the problem and give your special companion the relief he deserves.
