As dogs age, they can experience chronic discomfort from injuries and illnesses. It’s sometimes difficult to identify when pets are hurting. Luckily, veterinarians are able to identify symptoms and, in some cases, provide treatments. The guide below covers a few of the signs it may be time to take your furry friend for a checkup.

How to Tell If Your Older Dog Is in Pain

1. Avoiding Slippery Flooring

If your old pup has been in the same home for years, they know the property as well as you do. When they experience joint pain, they may avoid rooms with slippery floors, such as tile and laminate.

Smooth materials don’t provide sufficient traction, so pet paws can slip over them. When the legs slip and splay outward, the dog’s ligaments, tendons, and muscles can overstretch. These actions strain the back, leading to inflammation and pain around the vertebrae.

2. Difficulty Getting Comfortable

Geriatric dogs, especially those with medium and large body types, are prone to arthritis. Over time, the condition can evolve into osteoarthritis, which occurs when the tissues lining the joints become so damaged they compromise range of motion.

As the disease progresses, it can become increasingly difficult for dogs to sit, lie down, and get up. Many times, they circle numerous times before attempting to sit, and once down, they remain in place for a long time.

3. Unusual Stance

Neck and back pain in dogs is often hard to recognize because they don’t tend to whimper or cry out when their spines are touched. However, the growing pain may affect their behavior and posture.

Many times, pups walk very gently and are reluctant to participate in active play. It’s also normal for them to try and minimize pain by tensing the abdomen, hunching their back, and keeping the neck low. 

If you notice these signs, schedule a trip to the veterinarian to have your furry friend examined. If the vet determines your pup’s condition won’t improve, Sweet Dreams In-Home Pet Euthanasia provides compassionate services in the northern part of Atlanta, GA. For over a decade, these veterinarians have helped families spend their pet’s last moments in the comfort of their homes. Learn more about their services on their website, or call (770) 880-1596 to discuss your needs.