Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Panda!
Meme of the day: Olympic champs!
How Can We Tell If Our Pups Are In Pain?
As loving pet owners, we all wish our dogs could tell us directly when they’re in pain and how we can help. While they may not be able to speak, our furry companions can let us know when something isn’t quite right. Understanding the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signs of discomfort can help ensure your dog gets the care they need as soon as possible.
Changes in Behavior
Dogs in pain often behave differently than usual. If your once playful pup is now withdrawn or irritable, it could be a sign that they’re experiencing discomfort. A normally social dog may hide, avoid being touched, or seem unusually lethargic. If your dog suddenly shows aggression or becomes overly clingy, they may be trying to communicate their distress.
Altered Eating and/or Drinking Habits
A dog in pain might lose interest in food or water. If your dog is usually eager for mealtime but suddenly turns away from their bowl, it may indicate oral pain, gastrointestinal issues, or general discomfort. Conversely, some dogs may drink more than usual, which could be a sign of an underlying issue. A clear sign is if they are not at all interested in t-r-e-a-t-s.
Mobility Changes
Difficulty getting up, limping, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs can all indicate pain. Your dog might be moving differently due to arthritis, injuries, or underlying medical conditions. If you notice a change in the way your dog walks, runs, or plays, it’s worth paying close attention to and letting your vet know.
Making Sounds They Don’t Normally Make
While some dogs suffer in silence, others may whimper, whine, or yelp when they’re in pain. Even subtle changes in facial expressions—such as widened eyes, pinned-back ears, or frequent lip-licking—can be signs that your dog isn’t feeling well.
Excessive Grooming Behaviors
Dogs instinctively lick areas that hurt, even if there’s no visible wound. If your pup is obsessively licking or chewing a particular spot, it could be due to pain, irritation, or an underlying medical issue.
Your Pup Can’t Relax
Panting without exertion, pacing, or an inability to settle down can indicate discomfort. Some dogs may also shift positions frequently, struggling to find a comfortable way to lie down. If your dog seems restless and unable to relax, it could be a sign of pain.
When to See a Veterinarian
If you suspect your dog is in pain, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian. Pain can stem from various sources, including injuries, infections, arthritis, or internal issues that require professional attention. Your vet can help diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment, whether it’s medication, lifestyle adjustments, or therapy.
Your dog depends on you to recognize when something’s wrong. By staying observant and responsive, you can help them get back to their old selves. They’d thank you out loud if they could—but in the meantime snuggles will have to do.
Enter The 2025 Ultimate Pet Food Giveaway!
Win $500 for yourself and $4,500 worth of pet food for your favorite animal rescue!
We love dogs so much, we decided to give back to an animal hero and their favorite animal rescue, by donating $500 to one lucky winner and $4,500 worth of pet food to the rescue of their choice. The more entries naming your favorite rescue, the greater their chances of winning, so spread the word!
No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents 18+ of the United States. Begins February 14, 2025, ends March 14, 2025. See Official Rules on giveaway website or by request via email.
Family photo of the day: Rocky McSparkle!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we’ll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
Share our newsletter with your friends!
We’ll donate on your behalf!
🐶 Refer 10 people: we will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶
🐕️ Refer 50 people: we will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐕️
🛏️ Refer 100 people: we will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏️
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Sources:
Dog of the day: IG adventures_of_panda13
Meme of the day: IG mrpoodlemilo