They are animals that are experts at hiding discomfort, so their owners may not notice the discomfort. Recognizing the signs is essential for their health and quality of life.
- The dogs They tend to hide their pain, making it difficult for their owners to notice their discomfort.
- Chronic conditions such as arthritis are misinterpreted as signs of aging.
- 62% of British pet owners worry that their pets are in pain, but can't see the signs.
The essential: recognize the pain in Dogs It is difficult, as they often hide it. This leads guardians to confuse signs of conditions such as arthritis with symptoms of old age, according to a study in the United Kingdom. Changes in behavior, lameness or night restlessness swith warning signs. Joint diseases, such as arthritis and Osteoarthritis, although similar, have different characteristics and require specific treatments. Moderate exercises and therapies can improve the well-being of dogs with arthritis.
The difficulty of dog guardians to recognize pain
Everyday life with a dog can hide certain unexpected challenges, such as recognizing the moments when our pet is in pain.
Dogs, by nature, tend to hide discomfort, making it difficult for their owners to notice early signs of distress. According to recent data from the UK, a large majority of owners underestimates or misinterprets pain symptoms in their dogs, especially when it comes to chronic conditions like arthritis.
Although 62% of owners express concern that their pets may be in pain, Few identify the more subtle signs, often attributing them to natural aging.
Common and lesser-known signs of pain in dogs
- Problems walking or running: When a dog shows unusual slowness when walking or lags behind on walks, he may be experiencing some type of pain. This lack of energy is especially evident in activities he used to enjoy.
- Limp: One of the most recognizable signs, limping, is often accompanied by tremors or stiffness when standing. Frequent limping can be a direct symptom of pain related to arthritis or joint injuries.
- Nighttime restlessness: A dog that is uncomfortable at night, constantly searching for a suitable sleeping position, may be experiencing joint pain. This type of behavior is indicative of discomfort, similar to what a person would feel when trying to rest in an uncomfortable position.
- Licking joints or paws: Licking a specific area is an instinctive response to relieve pain. This behavior, often underestimated, can be a sign that the dog is trying to soothe discomfort in its paws or joints.
- Changes in behavior: An unexpected change in a dog's behavior, such as showing less enthusiasm, becoming more aggressive, or losing interest in playing, can be a clear indication that something is wrong. Owners who know their dog's character well are usually quick to identify these changes.
Differences between arthritis and osteoarthritis in dogs
Both arthritis and Osteoarthritis affect the joints of dogs, but they are different diseases with specific characteristics and treatments. Arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints, a result of cartilage wear, previous injuries or autoimmune diseases. It is usually painful and affects the animal's quality of life if not treated properly.
Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is a degenerative disease that involves the progressive loss of cartilage and the appearance of bone spurs in the joints. Generally affects older dogs y some breeds more prone, such as Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis include persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
Distinguishing between both conditions is essential so that veterinarians can apply the correct treatment and relieve the pain of affected dogs.
Exercise as a driver of well-being in dogs with arthritis
Although arthritis tends to make dogs become more inactive, prolonged sedentary lifestyle can lead to muscle atrophy and make the condition worse. Keeping a dog with active arthritis pain-free is essential for its well-being.
low impact exercises such as controlled walking and swimming can strengthen muscles and improve mobility without overloading the joints. In addition, Stretching and complementary therapies such as physiotherapy or acupuncture, always supervised by a veterinarian, are also recommended to improve the animal's quality of life.
Knowing these aspects can make a difference in the health of a dog that is in pain. The key is that its owners know how to recognize and act upon signs of discomfortr, keeping their pets active and pain-free as much as possible.
Source: INFOBAE