Dogs can’t speak human language, they communicate mostly through actions. Therefore, careful observation of your pet and deciphering its behaviour are paramount to a better understanding of your pet’s health. Dogs can tolerate pain well and hide their suffering because of their innate survival instinct when it comes to pain.
If your dog does need medical care for an illness or injury causing it pain, a great pet insurance for dogs policy has surgery, hospitalisation, and medications covered, but dental care, immunisations, desexing, and preventive therapy are usually covered under premium policies only. Be aware of any signs of pain and injury in your dog so that you can quickly relieve your dog’s condition and use your dog insurance to pay to get it back into good health quickly.
Worried about your dog’s behaviour? Some signs of pain are:
- Abnormal licking: Grooming by licking is normal for dogs. However, if your dog is over-grooming a particular area, you need to be concerned about that area. Such actions indicate the pet is in pain. And your dog is trying to care for the region and cure the cause.
- Dragging: In older dogs, painful arthritis can slow the dog’s movements and cause it to drag its legs. Injuries to the legs can also lead to an uneven gait. Pulling itself around is an undeniable sign of pain. You may also find that your dog is reluctant to climb stairs, sleeps more, and is not interested in the toys and things he enjoyed before.
- Excessive gasping: Gasping because of physical activity or high temperature is considered a normal reaction in dogs. But if your pet pants at an unusual time or in a cool, air-conditioned room for no reason, there’s no doubt that something is wrong. The pain also makes the dog quiver while panting violently. Pain causes changes in standard breathing patterns. Go to your vet as soon as possible to identify the cause of the pain.
- Loss of appetite: Pain and loss of hunger are related. Loss of appetite is a sign of hidden illness or discomfort. Dental problems, abdominal pain, or trauma can prevent your dog from eating properly. Stomach issues such as nausea, constipation, and vomiting directly affect a dog’s thirst for food.
- Restraint: Do you avoid touching sore areas of your body? If you were a dog in pain, you may even bite if someone touched a sensitive area. The transition from a perky dog to a moody dog should not be underestimated or be taken personally. Your doggo is suffering and needs your help. It is hurt and only tries to protect the local area from someone touching it, preventing further pain. You may also find that the injured pet suddenly avoids socialising with other pets or people. Besides being unfriendly, depression and malaise are signs of distress.
- Peeing in the house: Pain can cause a dog that is toilet trained to pee in the house. It makes it difficult for dogs to get up on time and head outdoors. The animal may also begin pooping/urinating in its bed, avoiding movement or crouching due to discomfort.
- Restless behaviour: Puppies in pain sleep more or have difficulty sleeping. Other than that, they may reposition themselves frequently as they lie down and try to take a peaceful/comfortable pose.
If you notice these symptoms early, you can provide the care you need to your four-legged friend during this difficult time. Using your cat insurance to visit a vet ASAP helps prevent minor problems from getting out of hand and becoming severe problems. Having pet insurance will relieve you of the financial burden of an illness or an unexpected accident.