Back pain
Have you noticed that your dog is hesitant to get up or doesn't like to stretch or play as much as it used to? These signs may indicate back pain, for example. And we know ourselves how painful this can be.
Back pain can seriously affect your furry friend. Nevertheless, it is not always easy to recognize or distinguish from other complaints, such as abdominal pain. We want to help you recognize the symptoms, because this is the only way you can help your companion. The aim is for it to enjoy moving again and feel better overall.
CAUSES
Where does back pain come from?
Back pain in dogs can have various causes. It is often triggered by problems with the musculoskeletal system, e.g.:
- Overloading or incorrect loading of the joints (e.g. misalignment, relieving posture)
- Age-related wear and tear
- Joint diseases
- Tension in the muscles
- Spinal disorders (e.g. vertebral blockages, herniated discs)
- Overloading due to overly intensive training or lack of warm-up before training
Particularly in older dogs, the age-related wear and tear of the joints can lead to the dogs adopting a so-called protective posture. This means that they try to relieve the painful leg. However, this relieving posture can then lead to tension in the muscles and also in the back.
But it's not just age-related changes that cause back pain. Physique alone makes a big difference. For example, small dog breeds with long bodies and short legs, such as dachshunds, are particularly prone to back problems. Other breeds, such as French bulldogs, often have congenitally deformed vertebrae, which can cause pain.
SYMPTOMS
How do you recognize back pain in dogs?
Back pain can manifest itself differently in every dog. It can affect your dog only slightly or be very painful. You should pay particular attention to the following symptoms:
These can be problems climbing stairs, scratching themselves, grooming, stretching, urinating or defecating, but also hesitation when getting up or before jumping.
Examples are a hunched back and/or lowered head, a tail pulled under the stomach, unusual sitting or lying positions.
For example, the dog walks more slowly than usual or shuffles, or perhaps you hear the claws more clearly than usual when walking or your dog doesn't walk as straight as usual.
This can be, for example, a sudden wheezing or looking towards the back (where the pain is).
In this case it looks like your dog has problems with one leg and then again with the other leg.
Some dogs may react more irritably or aggressively than usual when touched due to their pain. Others may appear more anxious or withdraw.
As you can see, back pain can manifest itself in very different ways. In addition, it is not always easy to distinguish between back pain and stomach pain. Your dog may show very similar symptoms. Very important: If you notice any changes in your dog or have recognized symptoms from the list, be sure to talk to your vet about it!
DIAGNOSIS
Examination and diagnosis
If you suspect that your dog may have back pain, a veterinary examination is always advisable. The vet will examine your furry friend thoroughly and look for typical signs such as posture, pain with certain movements or touches, and musculature.
Depending on the symptoms, your four-legged friend will also undergo a neurological examination. Further examinations such as a blood test or X-rays and in some cases, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will help to make a diagnosis.
TREATMENT
How you can help your dog
The best treatment for your dog depends first of all on the cause. In some cases, rest or warmth is sufficient. For example, cherry stone or spelt cushions, blankets or infrared light can be used. Caution: Pillows and blankets must not be too hot and lamps must not be used too close to the dog, otherwise burns may occur.
Good to know
If you want to support your dog, consider the natural veterinary medicines from Heel Vet.
But not all back pain is so easy to get under control. Some patients also need to be treated with medication. This includes pain and anti-inflammatory medication, for example, which is administered over a certain period of time. Depending on the cause, surgery may also be necessary. Herniated discs are an example of this. Your vet will advise you on how much exercise is right for your dog and whether other supportive measures such as physiotherapy are useful.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Supporting dogs with back pain in everyday life
Even if your dog suffers from back pain, it is important that it gets regular but gentle exercise. This is the only way to strengthen and maintain the muscles that support the back. Also make sure your dog is fed a high-quality, healthy diet and that its weight is monitored regularly. With back and joint pain, every additional gram can make a difference to your dog's enjoyment of exercise. Supplements that support the joints and muscles can also be useful.
How you can also help your dog:
Collars can put strain on your dog's cervical spine - especially if it pulls on the leash with strong jerky movements. Wide chest harnesses that are adapted to the shape of your four-legged friend's body are more suitable.
Special dog beds help your four-legged friend to lie down as pain-free as possible and ensure that there is not too much pressure on the joints.
For example, near a heater. You can also use cherry stone or spelt cushions, blankets or infrared light (but be careful: not too hot!). Try to avoid cold floors and drafts as far as possible.
If your dog has problems jumping into the back of a vehicle or climbing stairs, this can be made easier with a walking and carrying aid or a special dog ramp.
More information
Regular exercise is essential for healthy dog joints. This is because the joint cartilage can only be supplied with sufficient nutrients if it is loaded and unloaded.
Tips for healthy joints
