Dogs don't necessarily show signs of pain. In fact, they often build up a tolerance to it, with some dogs able to endure long-term discomfort before they show any physical signs. 

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A dog experiencing chronic pain might express their discomfort through reactions to specific triggers, growling or snapping when touched or asked to move into a position they find uncomfortable. They may also be more sensitive to loud sounds or reluctant to go for walks. They may seem depressed or hyperactive.

 

Chronic pain can present in many different forms, and it's important to rule this out as a cause of any sudden behaviour change you may have noticed. 

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Before a consultation takes place, I will ask you to send over details of your dog's medical history, which I will review for any details of past injury or treatment (in the case of some overseas rescue we may not have information of past injuries).  Particularly in cases where your dog suddenly starts to show anxiety or aggression that you have never seen before, it is possible that an underlying medical condition is responsible for this sudden change.

 

A vet check before the consultation can be helpful, but for the reasons described above, this will not necessarily be enough to rule out pain as a contributing factor. Many overseas rescue dogs are fearful of vets and handling from strangers, which can lead to an increase in adrenaline. This can mask any chronic pain, making it very difficult for a vet to assess during a routine consultation. 

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Dynamic dog assessments help vets identify areas of concern, which can in turn help with diagnosis and treatment alongside your veterinarian. These assessments are hands free and fully remote, looking at gait, posture, movement and sleep patterns. Should any concerns be identified, a report will be prepared and set to your vet who may decide to investigate further or start your dog on a pain trial.

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Depending on your dog as an individual, I may suggest a Dynamic Dog assessment prior to consultation.

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Should you or your vet wish to email a medical history to me, this can be sent to findingjoybehaviour@gmail.com.  

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