Behavioural problem or pain?
Pain is an often overlooked aspect of behavioural health in dogs, but it’s becoming clear that its prevalence & impact are significant. Dr. Daniel Mills, a veterinary researcher & behaviourist at the University of Lincoln, suggests that many behavioural problems in dogs are exacerbated or caused by physical pain. Resolving this pain can mitigate or even eliminate these behavioural issues. Dr. Mills reviewed caseloads & found that the prevalence of pain in the dogs studied ranged from 28–82%. Many of these conditions can be suspected from close observation of the dogs behaviour. Interestingly, this isn’t just about older dogs. The study found that osteoarthritis affects 20% of all dogs over one year old, based on data from 200 veterinarians.
The most common areas where dogs experience pain include: Hips, knees, wrists/ankles, spine, shoulders, & elbows, ears, dental issues, gastrointestinal & dermatologic conditions. Depending on the cause of the pain, signs can be subtle as dogs often suppress outward signs of discomfort. Some signs to be aware of include:
Reluctance to walk, stiffness, lameness, inability to jump, changes in gait, unusual sitting positions, reluctance to walk on slippery surfaces.
Increased or decreased appetite. Eating of non food items or resource guarding.
Lethargy or restlessness outside normal limits.
Snapping or biting when handled due to increased pain.
Chewing, licking or biting behaviour especially in dogs who are no longer teething.
Increased anxiety or sudden behaviour changes.
Reluctance to perform usual behaviours or play.
Increased sensitivity to household noises.
Comfort seeking or clinginess.
Recognizing pain is the first step toward addressing it. You are your dog’s advocate. Presentations of pain are not always straightforward, but addressing pain could be the key to improving your dog’s behaviour. An analgesic trial should be a minimum of 6 weeks in order to see a change in behaviour and not all dogs feel pain in the same way, pain is subjective.
“Assume it is pain, until proven otherwise." - Dr. Debbie Gross Torraca (Veterinarian & Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist)