As a responsible dog parent, it is your duty to ensure that your dog is safe and sound. However, identifying whether your pooch is in pain can be a difficult task.

Some symptoms of your pooch in pain are easy to identify, then there are some, which can be difficult to decode. Remember that your dog can find it hard to indicate or communicate the concern clearly.

 This is where understanding their body language and being knowledgeable about the different symptoms that indicate that your dog is not at his required well being, can help.

As a dog owner, look for the following symptoms to identify whether your dog is in pain.

Panting

Dogs indulge in panting for many reasons. However, beware that this can also be a sign of tiredness or pain.

It is normal for dogs to pant after exercise or walking. However, if your pooch indulges in this activity all of a sudden and without any possible trigger, it can point to some underlying health concern and pain.

This is why we recommend a visit to your local veterinarian if the problem persists for more than a couple of days.

Abnormal sleeping patterns

Both sleeping less and more can signify that your dog is in pain. Some dogs can try to alleviate their pain by sleeping or resting more.

On the flip side, on some occasions, dogs can even find it difficult to sleep due to the pain.

Behavioral changes

A pooch who likes greeting you can turn to be one that hardly pays attention to you. He can even turn out to be aggressive on some occasions.

If your dog seems to be unusually anti-social, a physical examination can be the ideal solution.

Excessive grooming

Excessive or abnormal grooming can be another symptom that dogs in pain exhibit. Dogs can resort to licking themselves excessively as a soothing mechanism.

Dogs with wounds often lick the wound to keep in clean. Therefore, if you find your dog to be grooming himself excessively, examine him for a wound.

Even if you do not find a wound and your dog continues to lick himself, consider the possibility of internal injuries.

Mobility issues

Another easy to identify symptom exhibited by any dog in pain is the difficulty to move. Usually, elderly dogs with concerns like arthritis or hip concerns exhibit this symptom.

Any physical injury can also affect the mobility of your dog. If your dog seems to be dragging himself around the house when he needs to move around, examine him for any injuries.

Keep an eye out for limps and difficulties to climb up and down the stairs.

Identifying whether your pooch is in pain can be tricky. It is important for you to spend some time with him and understand his body language pertinent to different scenarios.

Such knowledge can help you make the right decision at the right time, which can help you save valuable money and time. It is ideal to foresee these factors and act accordingly for the wellbeing of your furry friend.