08/16/2021
dogs show pain in such subtle ways.
"OH, HE'S NOT IN PAIN"
I've been thinking a lot about pain for the past decade: how do I spot it, how do I talk about it, how do I help the animal, and how do I help the guardian recognize and address it....
I always thought that pain is difficult to spot and we just simply don't see it. But today, as I talked to a dog owner, I had a revelation. We do see it. We actually see it very clearly. But we either don't know or don't WANT to know it's pain. Hear me out.
On my morning walk with Rocco I ran into an owner of a 5yo energetic dog breed. I've know the dog since a puppy and because I haven't seen them in a while, I stopped to chat:
"How's your dog doing"
"Great! Really matured and slowed down quite a bit, turned 5 and like a switch flipped, truly middle-aged mature dog now"
At this point my eyebrow goes up...
"What do you mean?"
"Not a runner anymore, listens well, prefers to stick close to me"
knowing the breed very well, I see nothing but red flags, owner continues:
"We went on a long hike, I think it was a bit much, so now we don't hike much, doesn't seem to like it anymore, I guess lost confidence or is worried.
I ask the most obvious question:
"Do you think he injured himself, maybe he's in pain?
"Oh no he's not in pain! I think he's just matured"
I can count at least 10 statements in this short exchange that lead me to believe this dog is in pain. The owner clearly sees them too, they are naming them one by one, I even suspect they are starting to see a problem....but....are they scared? Are they in denial? Are they not ready to face the reality? I don't know.
But please, watch your language and the way you describe your dog:
⚠️They matured
⚠️They slowed down
⚠️They don't like xyz activity anymore
⚠️They're needy
⚠️They lost confidence
⚠️They're worried
And do your dog and yourself a favour and talk to your veterinarian, your dog might likely be in pain.
PS. Rocco is almost 13yo and his medical file rivals War and Peace at this point, but on a good day and given the opportunity he will still choose to run. If he doesn't, I know he's in pain.