Dogs can not tell you that they are hurting or cry real tears but a dog may vocalize their pain in a different way. A dog that is hurt suddenly (such as being stepped on) will cry out or wimper in pain. This also happens when an external injury or internal injury (such as an organ) is touched. Whining or vocalization that is unprovoked may be caused from an internal injury as well. Some breeds of dogs (such as American Pit Bull Terrier) have a higher pain threshold and need to be watched more closely for signs of pain. Breeds with a high pain tolerance are more likely to endure pain without vocalization.

Another clue to pain is a change in temperament. A dog that is in pain may show signs of aggression. Please take note of this before concluding that a dog has become vicious and let your veterinarian know so that correct treatment can be administered. Also females in general (even humans!) have days when they are just in a bad mood for no obvious reason. Take note of days of times that these mood swings occur as well as any events that might have triggered them.

Other signs that your dog may be sick:

•Ears: discharge, debris, odor, scratching, crusted tips, twitching or shaking.

•Eyes: redness, swelling or discharge.

•Nose: runny, thickened or colored discharge, crusty.

•Coughing, sneezing, vomiting or gagging.

•Shortness of breath, irregular breathing or prolonged/heavy panting

•Evidence of parasites in dog’s stool, strange color, blood in stool, or lack of a bowel movement (constipation).

•Loss of appetite or not drinking as much water as normally would.

•Weight Loss.

•Strange color of urine, small amount of urine, straining, dribbling, or not going as frequently as normal.

•Bad odor coming from mouth, ears, or skin.

•Hair loss, wounds, tumors, dander or change of skin’s color.

•Biting of skin, parasites, scratching or licking skin frequently.

The preceding article was meant to help educate you to signs and symptoms of probable pain or sickness in your dog. If any of these symptoms occur over a prolonged period of time, please seek help of a veterinarian. I hope that this article will help stress importance of keeping watch over your dog’s health patterns and importance of keeping an accurate, detailed health record for your veterinarian’s convenience.

Jennifer Bryant breeds American Pit Bull Terriers and builds websites in her spare time. Bryant’s Red Devils Puppies and Dogs for Sale