Dogs are often known as the most intelligent species on earth, but even they can be injured or sick. Whether it’s a minor scrape from chasing a ball too hard or an illness requiring medical attention, you need to be prepared if your dog is in pain.
You will recognize pain in your dog because of how they act. A dog with a minor injury will act normal and may completely ignore the wound. If it is more serious, your dog will behave differently, avoid certain areas, favor those areas when lying down, stay in one place more than usual, and whine or cry out if you try to move them.
Basic Signs That Your Dog Is in Pain
This first sign is that your dog is probably in pain is they will show signs of fear or nervousness when you touch a particular area of their body. Just imagine how you would respond if you were touched in a sore spot by someone. Your dog will probably recoil and act the same.
If your dog’s eyes change color, they may be experiencing pain that is causing this. More so, the eyes close when a dog is in pain because the muscle that keeps them open relaxes.
You will also notice that your dog will have a different way of walking. They will be more cautious and won’t be as enthusiastic when they see you.
If you notice any signs of pain in your dog, here are some things that you can do.
1. Go to the Vet
In most cases, a trip to the vet is needed. Your dog could have an infection, difficulty breathing, or internal injuries. Getting your dog checked out as soon as possible is always best because a problem can become serious if left untreated.
If you are at a point where you are thinking of euthanizing your dog, primarily because the pain is too much and their health has severely declined, consider at home euthanasia in Boston, if you reside there, for example. That way, you may say goodbye to your pet in the privacy of your own home.
2. Keep Them Company
Dogs can become lonely and depressed when they are in pain. Keeping them company will make them feel more comfortable, and they might actually feel better too.
You need to read your dog’s behavior to see how they feel. Many dogs will whine or groan when in pain, so you’ll have to comfort them by staying close to them.
If your pet is aggressive towards you, leave it alone until it calms down. However, if it’s just a minor pain, then you can still love on them, but don’t push it when your pet isn’t ready.
3. Watch for Infection
If a wound is still bleeding, put pressure on it and then apply pressure on a clean cloth and hold it there for at least 20 minutes. Once the bleeding has stopped, and the wound is cleaned out, apply antibiotic cream or spray before covering the area with a bandage.
Make sure your dog is comfortable because you don’t want to make its pain worse, but if it is uncooperative, you will have to do whatever is best for it. Dogs have thick fur and often need ice packs to apply direct pressure when injured and can’t move.
Conclusion
It is always advisable to make sure your dog doesn’t get injured in the first place. Make sure your dog is fit and healthy. This will especially help when it comes to avoiding the occasional scrape or cut. For more severe circumstances, a visit to the vet is warranted.