How To Understand Your Dog’s pain
The easiest way to understand your dog’s pain is to go by the Pain Scale Chart.
It is heartbreaking to see our pets not feeling well.
Sometimes we will notice our pets behaving strangely.
This makes us wonder if they are in pain and if so, how much?
I came across this “Pain Scale Chart” published by the Japanese Society of Study for Animal Pain (JSSAP).
Some signs mentioned in the chart may be obvious to experienced animal lovers, but it might be helpful for you as a reference so that you can make a good judgement call in a timely matter should the need arise.
Pain Scale: Level 0
No Signs of Pain
Pain Scale: Level 1
- Does not want to get out of crate
- Runs away when approached
- Weak or no tail wagging
- Barks when approached
- Less responsive
- Anxious
- Not sleeping but keeping eyes closed
- Less energy, not cheerful
- Slow movement
- Tail down or tucked
- Licks lips
- Licks or bites the affected area (post-surgery)
- Faces away from the entrance of a crate
Pain Scale: Level 2
- Compensating an affected (painful) part
- Nictitating membrane (the 3rd eyelid) is visible
- Loss of eye contact
- No voluntary movement (will move when urged)
- Decrease in appetite
- Stays still (will not move when urged)
- Avoids being touched over an affected(painful) part (post-surgery)
- Flat or dangled ears
- Unable to settle
Pain Scale: Level 3
- Curved back
- Increased heart rate
- Aggressive behavior
- Fast breathing
- Growls intermittently
- Cries intermittently
- Trembling/shaking
- Wrinkles over the forehead
- Gets upset when touched or urged to move
- Drooling
- Does not want to lay on one side
- Overly sensitive
- Gets upset when touched over the affected area (post surgery)
Pain Scale: Level 4
- Whimpering continually
- Stiff body
- Cries intermittently
- Cries continuously
- Growls continuously
- Loss of appetite
- Enlarged pupils
- Unable to sleep
This is how my dog, Dewey was dealing with pain.
About Author
Eri Suzaki, CCMT – Canine Therapeutics
I've always wanted to do something related to animals but never knew what direction I wanted to go in. As I watched my dog Chuckie age, as well as struggling with my own arthritis, I finally got the answer to what I was looking for when I heard about canine massage. Since the beginning of Canine Therapeutics in 2010, I've had nothing but amazing experiences with each dog that I've worked with.
I look forward to meeting with you and making a positive difference in your dog's health!
