Quiz: Detecting Discomfort: Is Your Dog in Pain?

You have a unique insight into your dog’s behaviour as their caregiver. Your observations can help us (vets) identify probable causes of discomfort or pain.

Please rate your dog’s behaviour by choosing the best option for each question:

Please note that this is not a diagnostic tool; the goal is to inform and raise awareness about potential medical concerns that your pet may have. Please visit your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or behaviour.

  1. Activity Level:

a) More active than usual

b) No noticeable change

c) Less active than usual

  1. Mobility:

a) No difficulty with stairs, furniture or walks

b) Occasionally shows reluctance or signs of mobility issues

c) Shows clear hesitancy or difficulty

 

  1. Eating Habits:

a) No significant changes in eating habits

b) Eating less than usual

c) Eating more than usual

 

  1. Social Interactions:

a) Always behaves in the same way

b) Slightly withdrawn in social interactions

c) Avoids interactions even with family members

 

  1. Vocalizations:

a) No new vocalizations

b) Occasionally displays vocalizations (whining, howling, whimpering, yelping, groaning or grunting)

c) Frequently displays vocalizations (whining, howling, whimpering, yelping, groaning or grunting)

 

  1. Grooming and Coat:

a) Maintains regular grooming and coat appearance

b) Exhibits slight changes in grooming habits or coat condition

c) Avoids or has stopped grooming, resulting in a dull coat

 

  1. Sensitivity to Touch:

a) No unusual sensitivity or negative reactions to touch

b) Occasionally reacts negatively to touch in specific areas

c) Frequently reacts in sensitivity when touched

 

  1. Sleep Patterns:

a) Sleeps normally

b) Experiences restless sleep or wakes up frequently

c) Sleeps more than usual

  1. Housetraining:

a) Always urinates and defecates outside

b) Has occasional accidents indoors despite being previously housetrained

c) Frequently has accidents indoors

 

  1. Character and Behaviour:

a) Behaviour remains consistent

b) Shows slight changes in behaviour where he/she did not before

c) Shows obvious changes, such as increased anxiety or depression

 

  1. Facial Expression:

a) No changes in facial expression

b) Occasionally shows signs such as grimacing, vacant stare, wide-eyed look, enlarged pupils, flattened ears or excessive panting at rest

c) Frequently shows changes in facial expression (grimacing, vacant stare, wide-eyed look, enlarged pupils, flattened ears or excessive panting at rest)

 

  1. Self-Protection:

a) Does not exhibit self-protective behaviours (growling, snarling, barking or similar)

b) Occasionally displays self-protective behaviours, like protecting a body part, avoiding putting weight on a leg, limping or resisting being held or picked up

c) Frequently demonstrates self-protective behaviours

 

  1. Aggressiveness (growling, snarling, barking, snapping and biting) and Behavioural Changes:

a) No unusual aggression or behavioural changes

b) Occasionally exhibits unusual aggression or changes in behaviour, especially if previously friendly

c) Frequently displays unusual aggression or significant behaviour changes

 

  1. Posture (The way they stand):

a) Maintains a normal posture (stands on all four legs the same and spine is parallel to floor)

b) Occasionally shows unusual posture (like hunching with hindquarters raised and front end down on the ground or lying on their side more than other)

c) Frequently shows unusual posture (like hunching with hindquarters raised and front end down on the ground or lying on their side more than other)

 

Scoring:

– Each “a” response earns 1 point.

– Each “b” response earns 2 points.

– Each “c” response earns 3 points.

Calculate your total score by adding up the points for each question.

14 to 28 points: Your dog appears to be in good health.

29 to 42 points: There are some subtle indications of discomfort. Keep a close watch on your dog and consider consulting a veterinarian.

43 to 56 points: Your dog is likely experiencing pain or discomfort. It’s essential to seek professional advice from a veterinarian or veterinary behaviourist to ensure your dog’s well-being.

Contact us

Early detection and intervention are vital for your dog’s happiness and pain-free life. Please remember that this quiz is intended as a general guideline, and it’s always advisable to consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice and assistance.

Find out more about behaviour consultation in these posts

More about pain- Resources of Interest

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