OUCH!

Yesterday I posted on my Creature Comforts FB page a link to this article, “Do Dogs Feel Pain the Same Way that Humans Do?” In the article, Dr. Stanley Coren explains that dogs do feel pain the same way that humans do but that they have a hard-wired basis for hiding that pain. As pack animals, dogs must not reveal pain or weakness if they can avoid doing so. Signs of vulnerability, he explains, weaken their place in the pack and could lead to attack. Dogs, it seems, don’t suppress pain but the signs of pain. But is this mere anthropomorphizing? I mean, it’s a dog, not a person, right? True, but the clinical evidence supports the conclusion that proper pain management will mean quicker recoveries and better outcomes. Pain is a stressor, and added to the stress of injury, surgery, and other treatments, pain contributes to additional problems. As Dr. Coren points out, “Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Veterinary School studied the effects of controlling or managing pain from injuries, illness and surgical procedures in dogs. They concluded that the ‘benefits include improved respiratory functions, decreasing stress responses surrounding surgery, decreased length of hospitalization, faster recovery to normal mobility, improved rates of healing and even a decreased likelihood of infection after surgery. Almost all studies show people and animals return to normal eating and drinking habits sooner when given relief from pain.’” So, what does this mean to us? First off, it means that it makes sense to ask your vet for pain medication when your pet has an invasive procedure. It’s certain that your pet will be experiencing pain, and neither you nor your dog is a wimp for requiring treatment of pain. Second, it means that it’s important to recognize the symptoms of pain in your pet. Dr. Coren notes that whimpering, howling, and barking are not reliable signals. Rather he states that “Generally speaking dogs that are hurting:

  • usually appear less alert and quieter than normal
  • may hide to avoid being with other animals or people
  • may have stiff body movements and show an unwillingness to move
  • a dog in severe pain might lie still or assume an abnormal posture to reduce its discomfort
  • in less severe pain, dogs can appear restless and more alert and may start pacing around
  • a dog that is in pain will show signs of stress, which include
    • panting
    • shallow breathing
    • shivering
    • the pupils of their eyes may be larger than usual
  • a good sign that there is something wrong is when your dog stops eating normally”

Given the importance of managing pain and the inclination to underestimate it or ignore it, it’s important in hiring a petsitter to find one that you can rely on to recognize signs of pain and act upon them aggressively, especially if you are out of town. Call a professional the next time you take a trip. The neighbor might be cheaper, but the benefit of professional help could be less pain, lower stress, and better outcomes.

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