Canine Pain Management Strategies

Dogs are notorious for being reluctant to show pain. This natural instinct can make it incredibly frustrating for dog owners as they may not be aware of how much pain their dog is in or that they are in any pain at all. However, if you study your dog’s body language carefully, over time you will be able to identify subtle signs of pain which will make it easier to manage, treat and hopefully prevent it in the future. In this article, we will discuss how owners can learn more about whether their dog is in pain as well as some canine pain management strategies to hopefully help relieve your dog’s discomfort. 

How do dogs feel pain

Due to their survival instinct to try not to show pain, it used to be believed that dogs did not experience pain in the same way humans did. However, in recent years, veterinarians have made huge improvements in the understanding of how dogs feel pain. Studies have shown that although dogs do not show pain as easily, they actually have similar nervous systems to humans and this knowledge has allowed us to implement new canine pain management strategies. 
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Pain is defined as a “highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury” and varies significantly depending on the specific injury, condition as well as the individual. As pain is very subjective, it can be difficult to measure, especially as dogs instinctively hide their pain to prevent being seen as weak and vulnerable by predators. Whilst it is challenging to know when a dog is in pain, there are some signs that owners can look for.  

Common signs of pain in dogs can be:

• Panting to an excessive amount  

Panting is not an issue in itself as it is important that dogs do pant, however when it is an excessive amount it can be an issue. This is a common sign of pain in dogs, especially in more elderly dogs with arthritis. It is classed as an excessive amount when the panting cannot be relieved by cooling your dog down or providing them with water.

• Restlessness and pacing  

If you see your dog pace back and forth or constantly getting up and then laying down, it can be an indication that they are in pain. It is usually because they are struggling to get comfortable because of a health issue or pain somewhere in the body. This restlessness can be their way to try and cope with the pain.  

• Obvious behavioural and personality changes  

It is important that you know and understand your dog’s normal behaviour when he is healthy. This can help you deduce when they are not feeling themselves and something clearly isn't right. If you notice any unusual behaviour, your first point of contact should be your vet if you think your dog is in pain.   

• Constant crying or whining  

One of the quickest giveaways that a dog is in pain is if they are constantly crying or whining. This can show that they are in serious pain. Dogs on the whole try and avoid being vocal unless they are in distress or vocalising their pain. You must establish the different noises your dog makes. Whilst constant crying or whining is not common unless there is something wrong, dogs can regularly howl or spontaneously bark which is normal and usually nothing to be concerned about. 

• Physical signs of pain  

If you notice any concerning signs such as bruising, bleeding, limping, or respiratory problems, it is important that you get a vet’s opinion to find the cause of the injuries. Another physical sign is when your dog is reluctant to climb stairs or play like they used to. 

• Tucking in of the tail or ears flattening to head ​

When a dog tucks their tail between its legs, it can sometimes be a sign that they are in pain and is a common sign in dogs that are suffering from arthritis. However, tucking in of the tail can also happen when a dog is feeling anxious or scared so if you notice this trait, keep an eye on it and make note of the situation. If there is nothing obvious that your dog should be anxious about, you should seek advice from your vet to check its nothing more serious. 
Spotting the signs is crucial for canine pain management. Whilst these can all be signs of pain, it is important to note that they are not exclusive to dogs experiencing pain. There can be other reasons why they are showing these symptoms.  

Canine pain management strategies

Once it has been established that a dog is in pain, they will need to have a pain management strategy in place. If your dog is undergoing any surgery or dental procedure, feel free to ask what pain management your vet is using as the options are varied.  

Medication  
In general, medication of some form will be given to the dog before, during, and after any surgery to help with pain relief. Many types of drugs can be used to prevent or reduce canine pain and your vet will choose the appropriate drugs based specifically on your dog’s needs and condition.  

NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) 
This type of drug is used to treat mild to moderate pain and discomfort and work by interfering with the production of inflammatory molecules that trigger swelling and pain. These drugs are powerful and therefore must be used with caution as they can have potential side effects on organs such as the liver, kidneys, and stomach.  

Opoids
Opioids are often used in more severe cases of pain, for example, if a dog is suffering from severe arthritis or cancer. This group of medications includes morphine, codeine, and hydromorphone and are used on selective cases only to try and reduce discomfort and maintain a good quality of life for a dog that suffers from chronic pain. 

Therapeutic Exercise 
Depending on the cause of the pain, one pain management strategy could be therapeutic exercises or treatments. For example, dogs with osteoarthritis or similar conditions may benefit greatly from treatments such as laser therapy or hydrotherapy. Establishing a course of treatment is something your veterinary physiotherapist will be able to create as dogs can experience the best benefits when this treatment and exercises are sustained.  Acupuncture and massage can also be used to offer pain relief, however, this tends to only provide short-term relief.  

Weight Management
Whilst it can be a challenge for owners to reduce their dog’s weight, studies have shown that lameness can be decreased when dogs lose weight. It is important to note that this method of pain management truly depends on what condition the dog is suffering from. For example, a dog with osteoarthritis may benefit from this method. 
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Untreated pain is something no human or pet should ever have to experience. Whilst it can be challenging to spot if your dog is in pain, once you notice any subtle sign, you must visit your vet. The earlier these signs are caught, the higher the chance your vet will be able to come up with a successful canine pain management strategy to stop the pain or reduce your dog’s pain as much as possible.