Dogs Care: 5 Most Painful Conditions Pet Owners Need To Be Wary Of

If your precious pups could talk, there would be no need to worry as they will just tell you when, where, and why they are hurting. However, that wish still remains as what it is, a wish through and through. As the way a pup can communicate with its owner is still limited to body language, facial expressions, paw shakes or some tail wags, it is entirely up to us owners to pay special attention in all behaviors which show that the pup is indeed in pain. In addition, some of the most common health problems can also be so much more painful than any other diseases. Thus, I want to help you know about the 5 most painful conditions that pet owners should be wary of, as it is quite important that one can instantly recognize and intervene when their pup shows symptoms of these conditions.

 1. Pancreatitis

This condition will occur quickly when an organ called pancreas that is near the pup’s stomach becomes inflamed. The pancreas helps your dog to controls its blood sugar and digesting food. Thus, when the condition occurs, your pup will be sure to experience quite a severe pain in their abdomen. This case is actually quite alike in what we will experience when we got appendicitis or food poisoning. Pancreatitis can go away on its own in a few days, but there are also cases where it lingers for a much longer duration. There are severe cases where the result may be death.

The cause for this condition is currently still unknown. However, the ingestion of fatty foods, such as salmon skin, bacon, or even fatty table scraps can be one. Side effects or infection from some prescribed medication can also give the pup pancreatitis. Miniature Schnauzers are easier to get this condition, as are obese dogs. Signs consist of a loss of appetite, vomiting, isolation, reacting in pain when their stomach is probed, diarrhea, low energy. In addition, there is also another sign in the most severe of cases, which is irregular heartbeat.

2. Intervertebral Disc Disease

This is brought out from an intervertebral disc in the spine at the back of the pup’s neck experiencing an acute rupture. The disease is often recorded after the pup has participated in some kind of physical activity such as jumping or running after experiencing any type of serious trauma physically. In addition to its painful nature, the condition can also lead to some permanent damage to the spinal cord, causing complete or partial paralysis.

The cause for this condition is some degenerative process in the cartilage formation inside the neck or following along the pup’s spinal column. While this condition is not often a result from experiencing a sudden trauma, pups that were involved in some traumatic altercation and also weakened already by IVDD can, in fact, suffer some kind of rupture suddenly in their intervertebral disc. This situation can be found in all kinds of breeds. However, there are some breeds that are predisposed such as Bassett Hounds, Bulldogs, Corgis, Beagles, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, etc.

3. Arthritis

Arthritis occurs when a dog’s cartilage breaks down. This smooth cartilage protects and also covers all the bones that form the joints of a pup. Thus, when a breakdown occurs, there may be painful tear and wear occurring, The condition is quite often observed in the older or middle-aged dogs. However, there have certainly been cases where younger dogs are found to be affected with arthritis. When experiencing this type of situation, the pup will feel a constant pain throughout his joints, causing his movements to be extremely difficult.

This condition can also be called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, it can be caused after a long time as the dog ages and his joint cartilage slowly erodes. Then, the eroding will cause the contact in the joint to become bone-on-bone.

The signs of this condition consist of limping, hunched posture, having difficulties in moving, extended sleep or rests, lameness in the hind or front legs, irritability when handled or petted. In addition, the pup may also try to lick, chew, or even bite the area that is hurting.

4. Bone Cancer

The bone cancer is the unarguably leading cause for dogs’ death. Of course, there is no shortage of various types of cancers in all kinds of dogs. However, bone cancer is also undoubtedly one of the scariest types due to its incredibly painful nature. Bone cancer can be found in any kind of breed. However, it has been found the most in giant or large breeds. The condition often occurs in the back or front limbs. However, it can also affect the lower as well as the upper jaw, the ribs’ flat bones, the facial bones, and the vertebrae.

Typically, dogs with bone diseases, broken bones, or even implants of surgical orthopedic nature to repair bones broken seem to be more inclined to be diagnosed with bone cancer.

The signs of bones cancer can include lameness, lethargy, limping, swelling near the affected areas in the leg, pain when the mouth is opened, swollen lower or upper jaw, difficulty in breathing.

5. Periodontal Disease

Also known as gum disease, this condition is progressively degenerative, resulting from the untreated gingivitis that is inside the mouth of your dog. This destroys all the periodontal ligaments as well as a substance which help to hold the teeth in place for the pup. Then comes the bone decay as well as tooth loosening, which are quite painful. In the early stages, this disease will create some constant pain and irritation in the mouth of the pup.

The most obvious cause is the lack of routine care in the dental department, which leads to the overgrowth of bacteria in the gums. Then, it causes infection, inflammation, bleeding, and irritation. The bacteria will then stick close to the teeth, making a plaque that will then thicken into tartar.

Here are some easy to spot signs of gum disease: bad breath, swollen and inflamed gum, stained teeth, bleeding or just red gum, excessive drooling, nasal discharge, tooth loss.

If you don't have a furry friend yet, check out this link to help you find your little best friend: Puppy Personality Tests: Helping You Find Your Perfect Puppy