When your dog is in pain, it can hurt you as much as it hurts them. You want to do something, anything, as soon as possible to give them relief. Finding a way to relieve pain and manage discomfort is an integral part of caring for your dog.
You may ask yourself, “can I give my dog Tylenol for pain?” But if you’re tempted to give your dog a human pain killer, stop right there. Over-the-counter pain medications and other medications for people can be toxic for dogs and, in some cases, even fatal.
When it comes to pain relief for dogs, you should never administer your dog human-grade non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, products that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol), or any other pain reliever made for human consumption except under the direction of a veterinarian.
Signs of Pain in Dogs
While dogs certainly feel pain, they often don’t show it the way we would expect. And, they can’t really tell us where it hurts and what kind of pain it is. Some signs are fairly obvious, a yelp when they move their head lets you know they feel pain. But some are less obvious, so it important to know what to look for.
Knowing the behavioral changes, physical symptoms, and mobility issues that can mean your dog is in pain is crucial. They may be subtle, but you know your dog better than anyone. Don’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian about symptoms that might mean your dog is in pain.
If your dog is in pain, you may see slight physical changes in your dog, such as how they carry their body, or behavioral changes such as not wanting to be touched. Or you may notice mobility issues, such as walking slower.
Excessive or Unusual Vocalizations
Even if your dog is trying to tough it out, if they are in pain, they may be more vocal. If your dog yips when you accidentally step on their foot, or when, as in the example above, they move their neck, it is easy to pair the vocalization with a physical action. This gives you a clue as to where they feel the pain, and in the case of the stepped-on foot, the cause of the pain.
However, the source of the pain is not always so easy to recognize. Your dog may be unusually barky, and you chalk it up to the movers that pulled in next door, or the alarm that accidentally went off across the street. But if it continues without these cues, there could be something else going on. A dog may vocalize their pain in many different ways, such as whimpering, whining, yelping, snarling, growling, and even barking or howling. If your dog is vocalizing more than usual, find out why.
Limited Mobility
Limping or stiffness are two of the most noticeable signs that your pet is in pain. Mobility issues are usually a result of an injury, arthritis, or sore paws. Your dog that usually bounds up the stairs may be hesitant to do so. Or you may notice they have a hard time getting up when lying down. You may also notice them not being as active as they normally are or not being interested in exercise.
Constant Grooming in the Same Spot
Dogs that are in pain or stressed may try to soothe themselves by constantly licking their paws. We’ve all seen our dog do this. It could be an anxious behavior, or they may just be bored. Knowing your dog and some of the other signs of pain can help you determine the reason for this behavior, especially if it is not one your dog usually does.
When dogs are in pain from a cut or scrape, their first instinct is to care for the wound by licking and cleaning it. It’s pretty clear why a dog is doing this if the wound is visible, such as a cut. However, dogs will do this even when the pain is internal. For example, if your dog is feeling arthritis pain in their hip, they may lick the area in an attempt to soothe it. If they have eye pain, they often lick their paws and rub their eyes. If your dog is exhibiting excessive grooming behavior, call your veterinarian and describe what you see.
Trembling or Shaking
If you see your dog trembling or shaking, it may not mean they are cold. Instead, it may be a sign of pain, or something more concerning, such as pancreatitis, poisoning, or kidney disease. Dogs who have gotten into moldy compost, chocolate, coffee, or sweetener xylitol often have muscle tremors. Call your veterinarian if you see the symptoms in your dog.
Differences in Habits
When your dog doesn’t feel well, they may sleep more than usual because it is too painful to move around. This is also a natural healing mechanism. In addition, a loss of appetite and changes in hydration can indicate they don’t feel well. They may be sick, have joint pain, may be tired or scared. Generally, a dog won’t miss more than one meal, if that. Any changes in these habits warrant a call to your veterinarian.
Changes in Breathing
As a general rule, a dog typically takes approximately 20-34 breaths a minute, and they shouldn’t seem like they are struggling to breathe. If you notice your dog panting even though they haven’t been playing or exercising, or if their breaths seem shallower or faster, they may be in pain. Rapid breathing and labored breath cam also signal your dog is in pain.
Changes to the Eyes
When dogs have eye pain, they often squint. In addition, their pupils are usually smaller. If there is pain somewhere else in a dog’s body, their pupils will get bigger.
Difficulty Getting Comfortable When Resting
Pain can make it difficult for your dog to lie or sit down. Or they may be restless and keep shifting positions to get comfortable. If you notice your dog lying or sitting in an unusual position or generally having a hard time staying put, they may be in pain. For instance, they may sit down or lie down and get up repeatedly, reposition themselves, and do it all over again.
You may also notice your dog walking with a hunched-over stance or in the prayer posture, which looks like an elongated play bow without the happiness. This means your dog may have abdominal pain and is trying to stretch that area out.
Change in Behavior
Some dogs want to be near you when they don’t feel well, and some want to stay away and may even hide. If your dog is either unusually attention-seeking or unusually withdrawn, they may be in pain.
Aggressive Behaviors
When animals are in pain or injured, they often go into protection mode and don’t want to be touched. If your normally sweet dog suddenly growls or snaps at you or puts their ears back, this may be the reason. Alternatively, a dog that is usually aggressive may exhibit the opposite behavior.
What to Do If You Notice Symptoms of Pain in Your Dog
If you notice any of these symptoms and think your dog is in pain, don’t panic. There are many different ways to make them feel better. You may be tempted to give them aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen for their pain. Because these drugs are so effective when we use them, we often have them in our medicine cabinets. But keep in mind that while some medicine people take, dogs can also take some they can’t. Tylenol is one human medication that dogs cannot take.
How Does Tylenol Affect Dogs?
In high doses, Tylenol can cause irreversible damage to your dog’s kidneys, liver, and tissues of your dog’s body. A combination of incorrectly guessing your pet’s weight and a tablet strength for people can easily lead to an overdose. An overdose can cause multi-system organ failure. If your dog has eaten acetaminophen or Tylenol for any reason, call your vet right away.
In addition, Tylenol has not been proven effective for relieving pain in dogs, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
What Can I Give My Dog for Pain Relief?
First, make an appointment to see your veterinarian to find out why your dog is in pain. They will examine your dog to see if they can pinpoint the pain and run diagnostic tests such as blood tests, x-rays, and maybe an ultrasound.
Make Note of the Symptoms
We’ve all been there. Your pet has symptoms at home, but once you get to your appointment, they seem to have disappeared. And your imitation of your dog’s breathing may be less than Oscar-worthy. Make a note of the symptoms you see, take pictures, or video your pet when they look like they in pain or have discomfort. Write down what your dog was doing and the time that they occur. This way, your veterinarian will get a fuller picture of what your dog is experiencing and the exact nature of their symptoms.
Pain Management
If your pet seems painful during their regular walk or other activity, try to minimize exercise until you can speak with your veterinarian. They can suggest ways to help your dog, such as temporarily stopping an activity or modification that can minimize the pain.
Modification for reducing pain from common activities include:
- Shorter walks
- Using steps or a ramp
- Raising food and water dishes
- Tossing the ball shorter distances
For temporary pain, the changes may also be temporary. For chronic pain, they will most likely be long-term.
Your veterinarian will be able to offer your dog immediate pain relief and then diagnose and treat the source of your dog’s pain. They will also help you keep your dog comfortable while they heal and manage any long-term or chronic pain they may have.
Pain Medications for Dogs
Your veterinarian may prescribe medication for pain relief, depending on the severity and type of pain. Some of the most popular prescription dog medications designed to treat pain and/or inflammation include:
- Rimadyl
- Previcox
- Deramaxx
- Adequan Canine
- Meloxicam
Pain is usually a secondary condition rather than the actual problem, which means that your dog may have an underlying condition causing the pain. Giving your dog pain medication may temporarily relieve their pain but will not solve the actual problem. If your dog has symptoms of pain, seek veterinary care immediately.
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