Dogs are amazing animals that enhance our lives by providing us with a companion that loves us unconditionally. We all want our pooches to be smiling and living a good life, but there are sometimes when our dogs act erratically, or even aggressive without any threat. All of that happens because dogs are trying to tell us something, particularly that they are uncomfortable.
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Warning Signs That a Dog is Uncomfortable
If your dog is showing any of these signs, it is important to visit a vet or contact a dog behavioral expert. [1]Vets Now
1. Antisocial/Aggressive behavior
If your dog all of the sudden stops approaching you, or generally avoids contact with you or other family members, then, it can be a sign of discomfort. Naturally, dogs are obedient and are always excited to see their owner, even after a couple of hours, but when a dog stop showing such behavior unexpectedly, they must be checked.
A sad Chihuahua mix.
2. Eat and Sleep Pattern
While all dogs become less active as they age, if you notice your active and healthy pooch not interesting in play sessions anymore, and sleeping for unusually long hours, then, it could be a sign of hidden illness because they are trying to heal themselves. Along with less activity, your dog might also lose their appetite or significantly reduce how much they consume. Altered eating patterns can also indicate dental problems.
3. Being Vocal
When dogs are in pain, they tend to become more vocal, it is their way of informing that something isn’t right. They can produce a wide range of noises from growling, yelping, snarling to howling. If you own a Husky you might already be familiar with excessive vocalization, but these are high-pitched.
4. Grooming
Although dogs are not known to groom themselves, they do lick their paws at times; however, dogs try to soothe themselves by licking their paws. This indicates that there might be a cut that they are trying to heal, or there could also be an internal injury.
5. Breathing Patterns
Panting is natural in dogs, and they tend to pant heavily after exercising, but if you notice that your dog is panting heavily, even without exercising, this could mean there’s something wrong. Moreover, if their breathing appears more shallow, it means that the dog is having trouble breathing or it is painful to breathe.
A dog panting
6. Mobility Issues
The most obvious signs of mobility issues are limping and stiffness. The former indicates injury to the limb, while the latter shows that dog might be developing arthritis. In addition to these, unwillingness to climb, run, or play with their favorite toy is a warning sign for mobility issues.
7. Agitation
All dogs become agitated when faced with difficult situations or when annoyed, but if a dog is pacing back and forth without any change in their environment or treatment, they are having a health issue. Additionally, your dog might start to sleep way less or even have trouble getting comfortable.
An uncomfortable dog
8. Inflammation and Posture
Similar to humans, dogs suffer from bloating at times, which is temporary, but if your notice the paws, legs, or even the face of your dog are swollen, then, it could mean they are infected, or even have cancer. Dogs are known to sit in prayer pose when they are suffering from abdominal pain, in this, they extend their front legs, and raise their bottom, similar to play pose, but without the excitement. A dog might also be hunched, and have a very rigid posture when in pain.
A dog in the prayer pose
9. Shaking or Trembling
Shaking in changing weather is a tell-tale sign of feeling cold, but it should be noted that dogs feel less cold than humans, therefore, shaking or trembling could be a sign of a serious condition. It could indicate kidney disease or poisoning. When a dog consumes chocolate, which is toxic for them, they experience muscle tremors resulting in trembling.
