Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Pain is considered either acute or chronic. Acute pain is only felt for a short period of time. When pain is chronic, it lasts longer and can be lifelong. Being able to recognize and manage acute pain early is important so that it doesn’t become a chronic condition. This can be difficult since pets don’t speak and often hide early signs of pain.

You can assess and measure your dog’s pain using a pain scale (see the scale below in resources). Physical indicators that your dog is in pain can include shaking, muscle tremors or spasms, arched back, dropped head, panting, etc. Changes in behavior that can indicate pain include avoiding being touched, restlessness, aggression, excessive licking or chewing, and increased vocalization. Changes in mobility, such as limping, stiffness, reluctance to jump, and difficulty laying down or rising, can all indicate pain. Creating categories, such as attention to an area of pain, posture, mobility, vocalization, response to movement or touch, and overall demeanor, and scoring them routinely can help you recognize pain more quickly and get your dog appropriate treatment.