What to look out for and what behaviours might indicate pain as a factor:
Note that the list below is not exhaustive and many of these issues may also occur for other behavioural reasons.
- Dogs may be a little reluctant to move
- Dogs may be less willing to go on walks – sudden freezing is often an indicator or pain.
- Dogs may grumble during play or not wish to play with other dogs
- Some may sit down on walks or they may show reactive or aggressive type responses to other dogs and/or people.
- If a change in behaviour is recent or more sudden and in particular when the dog is older and has not previously shown any problem behaviours, pain should be investigated.
- Dogs may seem defensive and where a Jekyll and Hyde temperament which pretty much guarantees pain is present (Mills et al, 2020).
- Reactions often occur when dogs are lying down or in those more reluctant to move.
- If a dog inflicts a bite, it is more usually to the extremities and easier to interrupt.
- Reactions may seem to come without warning probably due to more subtle signs having been missed.
- Pain is often indicated where dogs are happy on the sofa next to someone and then suddenly bite or react.
- There may be more lip licking, yawning or house accidents.
- Pain should be considered if your dog shows Pica (teaching things like stones and non-food items)
- If sleep/wake cycles are disturbed and dogs fidget – this may be pain walking.
- Sensitivity to touch, holding the head or body at certain angles or not sitting “true” can all indicate pain.
- Noise sensitivity
- Resource guarding including water bowls
Of course, there are a variety of behavioural reasons why dogs might also respond in some of the ways outlined below so understanding a dog’s history and looking at the bigger picture can help. Calling for a chat, answering a few questions and having an assessment can give everyone a much better picture.
If your dog is older, changes in behaviour are often put down to dementia, but dementia and arthritis may present similar behaviours. Helping one will improve the other. Additionally, as we are seeing an increase in behavioural issues and some breeds are considered more likely to show behavioural problems, sometimes pain is overlooked for this reason. It is important not to assume and to investigate in more depth.
If any of these things seem like your dog, or you just suspect that they are not feeling themselves, getting a movement assessment can be not only helpful but enlightening. This is especially helpful if you have already had a pain check at your vet and your dog has received the all clear.