7 Warning Signs That Your Dog is in Pain

As a dog owner, the safety and wellbeing of your pet is a top priority. But of course, dogs and humans don't share the same language – so it can be difficult to tell when your dog is in pain.

Some of the signs a dog is in pain are easy to spot, such as limping or a visible wound. But other signs of pain may be more difficult to identify.

In this post, we'll take a look at 7 of the most common warning signs a dog is in pain. Keep an eye out for these to make sure your buddy doesn't suffer in silence.

1) Constant Grooming

It's normal for dogs to groom themselves, but if the behavior becomes compulsive and excessive it could be a sign of pain. Pay particular attention if your dog starts to obsessively lick a localized area of his body. Dogs will often lick where it hurts, even if the pain is internal.

If your dog starts grooming excessively – especially if he's paying close attention to one area of his body – it's a good idea to take him to the veterinarian for a checkup. 

2) Being More Vocal 

One of the signs a dog is in pain is increased vocalization. Is your dog making more noise than usual? If so, he could be trying to tell you that he’s in pain. 

Look out for a sudden increase in whining, growling, barking, or other kinds of vocalization. And if your dog is being more vocal than normal, check him over to see if you can identify any areas of his body that may be in pain. 

Always be sure to inspect your dog's body for painful areas as gently as possible to avoid causing further harm.

3) Loss of Appetite

Most dogs love to eat, so a disinterest in food can be a warning sign of pain. If your dog is in pain he may have difficulty eating or moving to where his food bowl is. 

Loss of appetite can also be a symptom of serious illness such as liver and kidney conditions, dental disease, and even cancer – so it's best not to take any chances. If your dog is refusing to eat, take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible. 

4) Aggression 

Sudden changes in a dog's behavior can indicate pain – and aggression is no exception. If your dog is usually docile and friendly, but suddenly becomes aggressive, there's a good chance that he's in pain. 

If your dog is showing signs of aggression take extra care when examining him for injuries. Some dogs may snap at their owners when they're feeling threatened and in pain. 

5) Panting 

Panting is a normal canine behavior that's often a sign of exertion. You've probably noticed that your dog will pant heavily after intense exercises such as running after a ball or toy. If your dog is panting heavily even though he's not been exercising, it's most likely a sign of stress. And the underlying cause of his stress could be pain. 

Although it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for heavy panting, if it occurs suddenly and unexpectedly it should be a cause for concern. So, if your dog is panting heavily we recommend a visit to your veterinarian. 

6) Difficulty Moving 

Difficulty moving can be a sign of conditions such as arthritis or hip pain. An injury may also be the underlying cause. Keep an eye out for signs that your dog has problems with his mobility such as a reluctance to climb stairs, jump in and out of the car, or run around outside.

A lack of fluidity in your dog's movements is another warning sign of pain. Dogs in pain will tend to move around quite slowly and can often appear stiff and lethargic. They may walk with a limp, or have trouble laying down and getting back up again. 

7) Other Behavioral Changes

Earlier in this post, we talked about sudden behavioral changes that often indicate pain, such as excessive grooming, aggression, and a loss of appetite. Now, let's take a look at other some other behavioral changes that could be indicators that your dog is in pain. 

Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Any change in regular sleeping patterns could be a sign that your dog is in pain. Dogs will sometimes sleep more in an attempt to rest and heal the painful area. But some dogs may sleep less due to the intensity of the pain. 

Unexpected Accidents in the House

Dogs in pain often have difficulty moving around, laying down, and getting up out of their bed. This can result in accidents in the house. If your dog is well house-trained but suddenly starts to urinate and defecate in the house, make sure not to rule out pain as the underlying cause. 

How to Help a Dog in Pain

So, now you know some of the warning signs a dog is in pain, what can you do to help your dog if he’s suffering? 

There are a lot of supplements out there that can be a more natural alternative to pain pills, such as coconut oil for dogs, fish oil and even some cannabinoids for dogs that can make a big difference.

One of the first things to do if your dog is in pain is limit his exercise and give him enough time to heal. Place your dog's bed in a quiet, low-traffic area of the house so that he can rest and recuperate. It's especially important to provide a comfortable dog bed that's the correct size and supports his whole body. 

BuddyRest orthopedic memory foam dog beds are the perfect choice for dogs suffering from pain. We've consulted with multiple veterinarians to make sure we recommend the best beds and these offer superior comfort, support, and pain relief by redistributing weight evenly across the entire surface of the bed.

Finally, as we've mentioned throughout this post, it's important to visit your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is in pain. It is often difficult to identify the source of your dog's pain at home, so it's always best to consult a veterinarian who can diagnose the pain and advise you on the correct course of treatment.

This article originally appeared on SitStay.com 

‘Make the Days Count’: BuddyRest Partners with Grey Muzzle to Provide Hospice Care for Senior Dogs

Every senior dog deserves the chance to live out their final days in comfort and surrounded by love. Yet many senior dogs are not that fortunate. Grey Muzzle's hospice fund is changing that. BuddyRest is pleased to announce a $2,500 matching donation to support The Grey Muzzle Organization's 'Make the Days Count' campaign which is raising money to support desperately needed hospice programs for senior dogs who have only months, weeks, or days to live. 

"We envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid," says Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D., executive director of The Grey Muzzle Organization, "and this campaign is moving us a step closer to realizing that vision." As part of the campaign Grey Muzzle is sharing hospice stories and providing information on end-of-life care. The goal is to increase awarenes of hospice-related resources and raise $5,000 to help make hospice a reality for senior dogs in need. 

BuddyRest is delighted to partner with The Grey Muzzle Organization and support this campaign. Trevor Crotts said…"It's easy for us to partner with such a tremendous organization with a cause close to our hearts. We are happy to provide amazing support for Senior dogs with our orthopedic beds, in addition to supporting high impact organizations like Grey Muzzle". 

About BuddyRest

Since 2011, BuddyRest has utilized innovative design and top-quality construction to develop products that improve the lives of animals and make life easier for pet parents. Their award winning dog beds are designed to eliminate painful pressure points and are Veterinarian Recommended to promote joint health in all animals. 

About The Grey Muzzle Organization

Since it began about ten years ago, The Grey Muzzle Organization has awarded more than $1 million in grants to 108 nonprofit organizations in 32 states. These grants provide senior dogs with medical and dental care, adoption, foster and hospice programs, and assistance to prevent them from being surrendered to shelters, among other lifesaving programs. 

To donate or learn more, please visit greymuzzle.org and buddyrest.com 

How to Choose the Best Dog Bed

Brought to you by BuddyRest 

With so many dog beds on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Selecting the
right dog bed for the buddy in your life is an important decision – and one which shouldn't be taken
lightly.

A great dog bed will last a lifetime, and can hugely improve your dog's quality of life. But the truth is
that not all dog beds are created equal.

In this post, we will share our top tips for choosing a dog bed that will stand the test of time, support
your dog's health, and provide a cozy resting place that they'll just love.

So, let's get started …

Comfort

Just like humans, dogs need a comfortable place to rest and sleep. Here are some pointers to help you choose a bed that's comfortable – and will stay that way:

Match the bed to your dog's size – Before buying a bed, measure your dog from nose to tail with a tape measure to ensure they'll have plenty of space to stretch out. For dogs that prefer to curl up, you may want to choose a bed with raised and cushioned edges that cradle your dog and provide security.

Choose a bed constructed from high-quality materials – A good bed should provide adequate cushioning that protects your dog from the hard floor. High-quality modern fabrics retain their shape, preventing the bed from flattening down after regular use.

Consider your dog's individual needs – If you live in a colder climate, or own a dog that chills easily, a partially enclosed bed will help keep them warm. Many dogs – especially long-haired breeds – have the opposite problem. They tend to overheat, so choose a bed that's open and made of a material that stays cool, even in summer.

Support

Proper support is very important to your dog's health. Bigger dogs in particular can suffer from
painful arthritis and joint problems that can shorten their lifespan if left untreated.

As dogs age they become susceptible to joint problems and stiffness in their limbs. The best way to
avoid this is by providing a bed that offers excellent support as early on in your dog's life as possible.

That's why orthopedic beds are such a great solution for all canine companions. They're designed to
support the joints, back, and overall body, keeping your dog fit and healthy. It is important to note that Orthopedic or memory foam dog beds are not just for old dogs. All dogs can benefit from having a pressure free support and it is a great proactive measure since most dogs will end up with joint problems.

The highest quality modern dog beds are made from real visco elastic memory foam which conforms
to your pet's body and redistributes their weight evenly across the bed. With standard memory
foam, the weight of the animal's body causes them to sink too far into the bed, causing pressure
points and overheating.

A truly orthopedic bed should provide the following:

• Excellent support for the whole body
• Straight spinal alignment
• Soothing pressure relief

Durability

As we mentioned earlier, a high-quality bed will last throughout your dog's lifetime. Look for top
quality materials that are resistant to abrasion and chewing. Smaller details such as tough stitching
and hidden zippers are signs of craftsmanship and durability.

Cheap dog beds can stain easily and become smelly. When selecting a dog bed, choose a material
that's resistant to stains and odors. Antibacterial fabrics can considerably extend the lifespan of the
bed. They also help keep your dog safe from allergens and harmful canine skin diseases caused by
mold and bacterial growth.

Other Premium Features to Consider

Waterproof Material – Waterproof material increases the durability and longevity of a dog bed and makes cleaning up easy when accidents happen.
Removable Covers – A high-quality dog bed will rarely need washing, but when you do need to freshen up your dog's bed, a removable cover will make the job a whole lot easier!

The BuddyRest Difference

BuddyRest orthopedic dog beds are carefully designed and manufactured with the principles of
comfort, support, and durability in mind. We believe they're the very best orthopedic dog beds
available anywhere, and we're sure your dog will agree!

But don't just take our word for it. Visit our homepage to read real verified reviews from some of our
happy customers.

Here's a reminder of what you can expect from ALL our BuddyRest dog beds:

• Real memory foam
• Support foam
• 100% made in the USA
• 10-year warranty
• Waterproof cover
• Stays clean
• Hypo allergenic
• Chew resistant
• Temperature regulated

If you'd like to find out how our beds measure up to the competition, check out our handy comparision chart:

You can also learn more about the differences by clicking here! 

This article originally appeared on BuddyRest.com