Dogs, as the most loyal companions of human beings, always silently endure physical pain and discomfort and do not easily reveal their own pain to us. This is because in their wild instincts, hiding pain and not exposing their own weaknesses is a survival strategy. However, as owners of dogs, it is our responsibility to detect and understand their pain signals in a timely manner and provide them with timely care and treatment. Today, let’s discuss the six major behaviors of dogs when hiding pain, and how owners should detect abnormalities as soon as possible.
1. Dogs' "licking behavior": silent pain calls
When dogs are injured or in pain, they often use the way of licking their own body to cover up their pain. Some dogs even lick a part repeatedly until inflammation occurs or the wound worsens. This licking behavior is often misunderstood by us as a dog's cleaning habit or a bored pastime. In fact, it may be the dog's discomfort and pain that is conveying to us. Therefore, when you find that your dog frequently licks a part, be sure to carefully observe and check its body to see if there are any wounds, redness, swelling or other abnormalities.
2. Suddenly becoming "behaved": It may be because the body is suffering
Some dogs are usually lively and active, but suddenly they become extremely well-behaved and do not like to move, which is often a sign of physical pain. Dogs may lose their vitality due to pain and lose interest in their daily toys and activities. If this happens to your dog and it lasts for a while, then be alert and take it to the animal hospital for examination in time.
3. Shortness of breath: obvious signs of pain and discomfort
Under normal circumstances, dogs should breathe smoothly and regularly. But if you find that your dog is breathing rapidly and breathing without vigorous exercise, then this may be a sign of pain or discomfort. Shortness of breath may be caused by pain in a certain part of the body, or it may be a symptom of difficulty breathing. In either case, you need to take your dog to the animal hospital for examination and treatment in time.
4. Resistance and touch: The body is "screaming"
Dogs are born to like to get close to humans and enjoy their master's caress and care. However, when dogs have physical pain, they may resist being touched and even exhibit aggressive behavior. This is because touching may aggravate their pain and make them feel even more uncomfortable. Therefore, when you find that your dog suddenly resists your touch, or becomes irritable and bite, don’t blame it simply, but observe patiently to see if it has other abnormal behaviors or physical reactions.
5. Thrilling: Dogs silently endure
When dogs feel cold or nervous, they will tremble. However, if the dog trembles without obvious reasons, then this may be a sign of it being silently enduring the pain. The pain can cause a natural trembling reaction to the dog's body, which cannot be completely eliminated even if they try to cover it up. Therefore, when you find that your dog is trembling frequently, be sure to check its physical condition in time to see if there is any pain or other discomfort.
6. Loss of appetite: The "silent killer" behind pain
Dogs' appetite is usually a barometer of their health. If the dog suddenly becomes unappetizing and even the usual favorite food cannot attract its interest, it is likely to be a sign of physical pain or discomfort. Pain can make the dog feel uncomfortable, which can affect its appetite. Therefore, when you find that your dog has a loss of appetite, you must pay attention and take it to the animal hospital for examination in time. How can the owner detect abnormal situations of his dog as soon as possible?
In order to detect abnormal situations in your dog as soon as possible, the owner needs to carefully observe the dog's behavior and physical condition every day. This includes observing whether the dog is moving freely, whether the expression is painful, whether the appetite is normal, whether the amount of water is sufficient, the status and number of excretions, etc. Through daily recording and observation, the owner can promptly detect abnormal behaviors of the dog and take corresponding measures.
In addition, regular health checks are also essential. Through regular inspections, potential diseases or problems in dogs can be discovered in a timely manner and effective treatment measures can be taken. Therefore, it is recommended that the owner take the dog to undergo a comprehensive health check at least once a year.
In short, dogs have various behaviors to conceal pain, but as long as we observe carefully, discover and take corresponding measures in a timely manner, we can provide them with timely care and treatment. As owners of dogs, it is our responsibility to pay attention to their health and let them live a happy, healthy life. Let’s work together to become better dog owners!