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Pain and Behavioural Changes in Dogs

We all know that when we are in pain, we can be down or out of sorts. This can be the same for your dog. Pain places discomfort and emotional stress on our dogs and can make them out of balance psychologically and physically. Pain can be acute or chronic, and knowing the difference can really affect the way you go about addressing the situation.

Sometimes, owners won’t even know if their dogs are in pain. Dogs are very good at not showing any signs because of their survival instinct.

What do you do if your dog’s behaviour changes suddenly?

I always tell my clients they need to rule out any medical issues with their dogs before we can move forward with training. Therefore, if you notice a sudden change in behaviour, please contact your veterinarian.

Pain Behaviour

Pain, which is sudden onset and short term, is referred to as acute pain and is considered adaptative, meaning that it makes our dog aware they’re injured or ill and that it should slow down to prevent damage and protect their body. Pain which is ongoing and long-term is known as chronic pain and is maladaptive, placing prolonged stress on the dog’s body and psyche. Prolonged stress causes the dog’s body to maintain high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can lead to detrimental effects on the immune and digestive systems, delay healing, and cause sleep deprivation. Chronic pain can cause unseen changes in the central nervous system.

It’s been suggested that pain can be a factor in the development of new noise sensitivity, especially in older dogs. Dogs who are startled by loud sounds may exacerbate pain by tensing muscles or moving suddenly. This creates an association of loud noises with pain and could further develop a fear of loud noises.

Signs of pain in our dog’s behaviour.

If your dog is less energetic, less cheerful, unwilling to engage in normal activities, restless, clingy, or aloof, reactive towards other dogs, reactive to people, reacting negatively to touch, having difficulties with stairs, unwilling to play, or avoiding other dogs, then it could be experiencing some discomfort.

Difficulties with maintaining certain postures or positions.

If your dog seems restless and unable to maintain a position, such as lying down, for an extended period, it could be experiencing muscle soreness and tension.

Owners need to be aware if their dogs are reactive towards other dogs or if their behaviour has changed suddenly. Pain can have a big impact on your dog’s behaviour. Please make an appointment with your veterinary surgeon before you start training.

 

Justine Shone

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