There might be times where your dog is pacing and won’t lay down, and this can be a cause for concern among dog owners. There are several different reasons for this behavior with most of the causes being anxiety or stress related issues. It’s important that you figure out the reason for this pacing so that your dog can relax and finally lay down. Show
1. Your Dog is Anxious About SomethingDogs pacing around and not laying down is often caused by anxiety, which could be due to a number of different issues. A dog with anxiety will have nervous energy, and one way to release this nervousness is to begin pacing around. The anxiety could be coming from the fact there are storms coming or it could be due to you leaving your dog for a while. Separation anxiety is one of the more common reasons, but the anxiety could be due to a number of other issues. It’s important to figure out what’s causing the anxiety and do what you can to calm your dog down. 2. Your Dog is in Pain or Physical DistressPain or physical distress could be why your dog is pacing and won’t lay down. Physical distress can be brought on by your dog being injured, but physical distress can also be caused by when your dog eats something wrong. If you have an older dog, you should be concerned that the pacing is due to the dog having arthritis, which is more common in bigger dog breeds. There are several over-the-counter medications you can give your dog to help if arthritis is the issue. You also should make sure your dog has a comfortable bed to sleep in. Physical distress, such as if your dog ate something wrong, typically will go away by itself after the stomach settles down. If you think your dog has an upset stomach, avoid feeding him for a little while to see if that helps. Watch your dog to see if any other noticeable symptoms occur which could signal a more serious issue, such as an intestinal blockage. If your dog seems lethargic, doesn’t want to eat, and has trouble with bowel movements, it might be time to call a veterinarian. 3. Your Dog is Stressed by Lack of ExerciseA dog will become frustrated if he isn’t getting enough exercise, which could cause him to pace around and not want to lay down. It’s important that your dog gets about 30 minutes of physical exercise each day, which includes running around and playing. You can take your dog to the dog park or take him in the yard and let him chase a ball. You’ll find that a content dog is one that is worn out from playing and exercising, and this should settle him down. What to Do When Your Dog is Restless & Keeps PacingYou want to check with the veterinarian first to ensure that there is no medical issue that could be causing the restlessness and pacing. It’s also important that you check for other concerning symptoms, such as vomiting, whimpering, lethargy, loss of appetite, and other symptoms that could signal a bigger issue. You want to also make sure that your dog is getting plenty of physical and mental exercise, since that will help lessen the odds of your dog becoming restless. The best exercises are those that involve your dog running, so any activities he enjoys where running is involved is what you should focus on. Try to get that 30 minutes each day if possible, but if not, try to give him as much time for running around as possible. Disclaimer: The content on MyPetChild.com is for informational purpose only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian when in doubt. 
(Picture Credit: Shutterstock) (Picture Credit: Shutterstock) Some dogs will let you know when they’re in pain in obvious ways, but others act more stoic. Dogs are generally thought to have a higher tolerance for pain than humans, and some dogs will try to hide their pain as a natural survival instinct. Many of the signs that a dog is in pain are subtle, so it’s easier to recognize them if you know what’s normal with your pet. Being aware of your dog’s normal activities and behavior will help you recognize changes that might indicate pain. Here a few signs that your dog might be feeling pain and what you should do about it. LimpingOne of the most straightforward symptoms of pain is limping. This can be a sign of injury, sore paw, or even a reaction to the pain associated with arthritis. If your dog is reluctant to go up stairs, is slow to get up in the morning, or walks stiffly, it may be arthritis pain, especially if your dog is older. Many dogs suffer from arthritis, but there are ways to help ease the pain. Ask your vet about medications and other treatments. Mobility issues and changes in posture are also indicators of a problem that needs medical attention. Vocalization
A dog who’s usually vocal may become quiet when they’re in pain, which is why it’s important to be familiar with your dog’s normal behavior. Changes in how often your dog barks, whines, or makes other vocalizations can definitely be a sign that something is wrong. Stomach Ache Or Loss Of AppetiteIt’s not always easy to recognize tummy troubles in a dog, but here are some signs:
If a dog is hurting, they’re less likely to eat normally. Watch for loss of appetite that might indicate pain from a stomach ailment, oral discomfort, or other conditions. If it lasts more than a day, a visit to the vet is in order. Panting(Picture Credit: Gerard Brown/Getty Images) Excessive panting, especially when accompanied by trembling, can be a signal that your dog is in pain. While panting is fairly normal for dogs, you should take notice if they pant at odd times or for no reason. If you notice your dog panting in the middle of the night or in an air conditioned room, check for other indications of pain. Pain can cause changes in breathing, including an irregular respiratory rate. Restlessness Or Changes In Sleep HabitsA dog in pain can feel restless and exhibit an inability to get comfortable and lie still. Pacing, repeatedly readjusting position, or getting up and down frequently are all causes for concern. Sleep patterns can be affected as well. A dog in pain might sleep more than usual or could have difficulty sleeping. Again, familiarizing yourself with your dog’s normal behaviors will help you determine if something is out of the ordinary. Changes In Behavior And Temperament(Picture Credit: Brad Rickerby/Getty Images) Pain can change a dog’s behavior and, just like a human, a dog can act grouchy when in pain. Some dogs become more aggressive and may even bite, especially when touched in an area that hurts. It’s the animal’s natural instinct to protect themselves to prevent further pain. Avoidance behaviors, like shying away from contact with people and other pets, are common when a dog is in pain. If your dog normally enjoys being touched and is suddenly making moves to avoid your touch, pain may be the culprit. This is sometimes coupled with depression, lethargy, and mental dullness. Other dogs may seek more attention and act needy when in pain. Any radical or sudden behavior changes are a clear indication that your dog needs medical attention from a vet. What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Is In Pain
Do not medicate your dog yourself. Human medications for pain and inflammation are dangerous and can be toxic for an animal, especially in the wrong dosage or when combined with other medications. There are many reasons the animal could be in pain, and some of them might indicate a more serious issue. Chronic pain triggers like arthritis can be managed well with your vet’s help. If you suspect that your dog is in pain, don’t hesitate to get professional help from your veterinarian right away. They can form a diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment. This is almost always a better option than trying to treat pain in your dog, yourself. If you try to do so, you could end up doing more harm to your dog than good. So get to the vet! Have you seen any of these signs when your dog was in pain? How did you treat your pup? Let us know in the comments below! Related Articles: Categories: Dog Behavior |
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