Your dog is unique, as you already know. So, it is best to know what is normal for your specific dog and not just what is average for all dogs. Start by paying attention to your dog’s daily routine and if you like, write it down so you can refer back to it as needed. Try to add in some general details of their routine so you know when something has changed. This will help alert you to early signs that something may be wrong. When you notice changes in your dog's normal routines – even small changes, let us know on your next visit, before it turns into a bigger problem.
Here’s a list of common signs and symptoms that mean you need to bring your dog to the veterinarian:
Eating
- Know the typical amount of food your dog eats in a 24 hour period
- Measure out portions of food, especially dry food, no heaping scoops, know the measurement of the scoop you are using.
- Keep track of any treats or snacks you offer your dog.
This is the only way to really know how much food your dog eats daily. Be observant.
Drinking
- Know the measurement of the container your dog likes to drink from, is it a 6 cup bowl, liter bowl etc.
- It is not as easy to measure exactly how much water your cat drinks as it is to measure how much food they eat. However, you can look for changes in their drinking behavior.
- Premeasuring a gallon of water and using that to fill your dog's water bowl for the day can help monitor how much water your dog drinks in 24 hours.
- If your dog eats dry food (primarily or exclusively), they will probably drink more water than dogs that eat canned/wet food.
- A good indicator of “normal” water consumption is consistent urine volume.
Urinating
- Know how often and how much urine your dog produces daily.
- On your daily walks take note of how many times your dog stops to urinate and the size or duration of their urination.
- Take note if your male dog lifts his leg to urinate or if he squats. If your male dog usually lifts his legs and recently started to squat, he may have some hip or hind leg discomfort.
- It is not uncommon for male dogs to squat or female dogs to lift their leg to urinate normally. Your dog is unique, try to note what is his or her normal habit.
- The idea of monitoring urinating habit is for you to know what “normal” looks like for your dog so you can notice any changes.
Defecating
- Know how often and how much your dog defecates every day.
- Notice color, shape, and consistency – it only takes a moment as you transfer it to a poop bag.
- Take note of your dog's stance when defecating. Are they straining, do they position low to the ground, do they continue to walk while going?
- An average adult dog defecates once every 24 to 36 hours. It should be a dark brown color, well formed, moist enough that grass/soil/leaves will stick to it, and emits an odor, that while not pleasant, should not be extremely potent.
Resting
- Settling in for a nap. Your dog may choose a location near the family, or they may sleep away from a busy area - locating a spot where it is safe, warm, and quiet (often in a bedroom).
- Does your dog look comfortable at rest? A comfortable dog will sleep with his belly exposed, lay on their backs and stretched out.
- A napping dog should be alert and responsive when something interesting happens. A sleeping dog will look a bit groggy when disturbed.
- Does your pet struggle to find a comfortable position? Does he usually like to lay in a plush bed but recently has chosen the floor without bedding?
- A dog who is not comfortable will lay protecting his abdomen (curled up tight, legs, tail and head tucked and ears down. They may shake or wince and may reposition often trying to find a comfortable position.
- Dogs may withdraw rather than complain when they don’t feel well. So, if your dog is not spending time in their usual places, they may have a problem. Consult your veterinarian and share your observations.
Action and Interaction
- Know your dog’s typical daily activity. Do they greet you at the door, wake you in the morning, follow you to the bathroom, play with toys, has zoomies, play with housemates, groom, excited for walks and doesn't tire easily on walk?
- Is your dog slow to get up, tires easily or sits mid walk?
- Avoids stairs or bunny hops vs stepping down the stairs.
- Avoids chew toys and tug a war?
- Any change to your dog’s usual routine means you should do a little investigation and discuss the changes with your veterinarian.
Temperament
- Your dog’s basic approach to life remains pretty consistent. It is important to know whether your dog prefers to “run first ask questions later,” “boldly go with no fear,” “go along without a care,” or “straight forward, take charge.”
- Provide a sanctuary for a cautious dog and a “dog proof” environment (indoor and outdoor) for an adventurous trouble maker.
Behavior changes in your dog are the primary indicator of pain. As the person who knows your dog best, you are an important member of their healthcare team and key in helping to detect the signs of pain as soon as possible. The signs of pain may be subtle because dogs may hide signs of discomfort and illness. This can make it difficult to recognize if your dog is sick or in pain. Our staff has been trained to evaluate these subtle behaviors and physical health changes to help determine if your dog is in need of some medical care.
Categories of Pain
Acute Pain
- This type of pain occurs in conjunction with inflammation and healing after an injury and can last for up to 3 months. It can be caused by injury, trauma, surgery, and acute medical conditions and diseases.
- Acute pain generally begins suddenly and usually doesn’t last long.
Chronic pain
- This is usually described as either pain that lasts beyond the normal healing time or pain that lasts in conditions where healing has not or will not occur.
- Degenerative joint disease (DJD), also known as canine arthritis, is an extremely common, chronic, painful disease in dogs, with as many as 1 in 5 dogs showing some signs of this disease. Severe cases of DJD dogs loose the ability to walk. Breeds with risks of Developmental orthopedic diseases (DOD) are at risk for chronic pain due to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, osteochondritis dissecans of the shoulder and elbow dysplasia.
Persistent pain
- Dogs with persistent pain may need palliative care.
- Palliative care is the all encompassing approach that provides dogs who have a disease that is not responsive to curative treatment, with a plan to provide an improved quality of life with pain control being the principal feature.
During regular check-ups we would listen to you, discuss any concerns about your dog and obtain a patient history. Regular check-ups should occur a minimum of once a year, and more frequently for senior dogs and those with chronic conditions. So, when you notice changes in dog's behavior, interactions, or their daily routine, schedule an appointment.
Signs and Symptoms
It is important for you to know your dog’s normal temperament and behavior. Just the slightest change could be a sign that your dog is sick or in pain. Since your dog is nonverbal and can’t tell you they are in pain, we rely on you to determine if there are any abnormal behavior patterns that may be pain related. If your dog displays any of the following changes, contact us immediately.
- Decreased appetite or no interest in food
- Withdrawn or hiding
- Reduced movement or mobility, or hesitation to climb steps or jump
- Diminished exercise tolerance and general activity
- Difficulty getting up, standing, or walking
- Changes in urination or defecation habits
- Squinting, wincing and restless
- Hunched or tucked-up position instead of curled-up when sleeping
- Sensitivity or vocalization to petting or touch
- Temperament or other substantial behavior changes for your dog (e.g. seeking solitude, aggression, loss of appetite)
Management of Your Dog’s Pain
Your dog’s pain management plan that we develop may include:
- Medication
- Physical Therapy
- Environmental changes such as using special bedding, ramps and or harness vs collar leads
We are committed to developing a strategy with you that provides your dog with compassionate care; optimum recovery from illness, injury, or surgery; and enhanced quality of life.
Monitoring
Once a veterinary plan has been developed, you may be asked to monitor your dog at home. You would receive verbal instructions or written instructions, and if needed we can offer hands-on demonstration of how to administer medications and handle your dog at home.
When you are monitoring your dog at home, we recommend that you:
- Use a notebook to record your observations. We all have a handy phone, you can record any issues you may witness.
- Include any changes in behavior, activities, or routine even if they seem minor.
- Schedule follow up appointments with us or your primary veterinarian ( if you are referred to us) to share your observations.
- Alert us or your primary veterinary practice (if you are referred to us) right away if there are changes, you have questions, or you notice early signs of adverse reactions.
Continuous management is required for chronically painful conditions, and for acute conditions until pain is resolved. When pain is not recognized or managed, it can result in what may be considered unfavorable behavior changes.
Please remember – dogs do not act out of spite, and any behavior change can be a sign of pain or another health problem. Being able to recognize and manage your dog's pain can be it's last resort for a happier and healthier life.
If your dog is showing signs of pain or you have questions about the health of your dog, please contact us to schedule a visit or call us today to see how we can help!