An animal behaviorist has emphasised the importance of reading your dog's body language to detect silent signs of pain.
Understanding their unspoken language plays a pivotal role in ensuring their well-being - but pet owners can often overlook the subtle indicators that their furry friends are in discomfort.
Anna Webb, renowned for her expertise in decoding canine behavior, has revealed the remarkable insight that can be gained by delving into the nuances of dogs' body language.
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"Dogs possess an incredible talent for masking their pain, making it imperative for owners to carefully observe and establish a profound understanding of their pets over time," Anna emphasized in an exclusive interview with Mirror UK.
She sheds light on the intricate language dogs utilise to communicate their needs, highlighting the significance of deciphering these nonverbal cues.
Yawning
While interpreting dogs' body language requires careful consideration of the context, many pet owners are unaware that yawning seldom indicates tiredness.
In fact, it often serves as a form of communication, expressing their discomfort or unease in the language of dogs.
If you observe your dog yawning during a walk, it might be a sign that they feel overwhelmed, in pain, or stressed.
Chewing and licking paws
Compulsive behaviours like chewing and licking paws can be triggered by stress or anxiety in dogs.
It may indicate the presence of harmful chemicals or allergies on their paws.
Additionally, these behaviours could be indicative of nagging pain from conditions such as arthritis or soreness caused by small paw pad grazes.
Mobility issues
Difficulty in walking, climbing stairs or jumping as effortlessly as usual may be a clear sign that your dog is experiencing pain.
Observe if they have a hunched back, low tail, pinned back ears or widened eyes.
These subtle signals suggest they are having a tough time, potentially due to arthritis, a torn muscle, soft tissue damage or an infected graze.
Facial expressions
Frequent lip licking outside mealtimes or trembling when it's not cold can be indications of pain in dogs.
Sudden panting in the absence of heat may reveal their stress in a particular situation.
Moreover, if your dog avoids making eye contact by turning their head away from you, it serves as a red flag that something is amiss.
Change in behaviour
When dogs are unwell, their behaviour often undergoes noticeable changes.
They might exhibit signs of irritability, preferring solitude in their dog bed.
They could become finicky eaters, less enthusiastic about engaging with you, or show an increased desire to sleep during the day.
Alternatively, they might become more vocal and sensitive to environmental noises. If you suspect your pet is in pain, it is always advisable to consult a local veterinarian.
Expert advice
If you have any concerns about your pet being in pain, you should always check in with a local vet.
Anna added: "There are so many ways that we help our dogs lead a happier and more comfortable life day to day, such as supplements like Pawable Collar-Gen and Calming, which contain active ingredients to help keep your pet pain free, both physically and emotionally."
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