You’re hip-deep in a project when your dog begins to whimper. You’ve never heard such a noise. Half of your attention is on your work, but you ask your dog what’s wrong.
And then it happens. Your dog can’t raise its right shoulder without contorting its neck. Now you’re worried and want to know the common causes of dog shoulder pain.
The benefit of reading this article is that you can know how to provide a solution because you’ll understand what’s causing it, how to tell if it’s bad, and how to provide a solution.
Sound good? Then let’s get right into it.
Limping or Favoring One Leg
A dog experiencing different types of joint pain often limps or favors one leg over the other. As you observe them walking, you might notice that they avoid putting weight on the affected limb, raising it off the ground slightly, or hesitating to put full pressure on it. The limp may vary in severity, depending on the extent of the pain and inflammation.
Dogs may also walk with an altered gait, trying to reduce discomfort by adjusting their stride. If you notice your dog limping or holding one leg up during walks or playtime, you must take them to the veterinarian for a thorough examination.
Difficulty Rising or Lying Down
Dogs with shoulder pain may have difficulty getting up from sitting down. You might notice that they hesitate to stand up, take longer to stand up or use their front legs to push themselves up instead of their normal smooth movement.
Also, it can be hard for them to lie down because they may have to lower themselves slowly and carefully so they don’t put more pressure on their sore shoulder. Your dog may be in pain or soreness in the shoulder area if they have trouble moving around. If you notice that your dog has trouble getting up or down, you should give them a soft, cozy bed and talk to a vet to find out what’s wrong and how to fix it.
Decreased Range of Motion
Dogs with shoulder pain often have reduced flexibility and range of motion in the affected joint. You may notice them avoiding certain movements that involve raising their shoulder, such as stretching upwards to reach for treats or toys.
They may also be less enthusiastic about activities they previously enjoyed, such as playing fetch, running, or jumping. Reluctance to move the shoulder freely can be a sign of joint pain, inflammation, or injury, and it’s crucial to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Decreased Activity and Exercise Intolerance
If your once active and playful dog becomes less interested in physical activities, it could be a sign of shoulder pain. Dogs in pain may appear lethargic and avoid participating in their usual exercise routines or playtime activities.
They may tire more quickly than usual and be less willing to engage in strenuous activities that could exacerbate the discomfort. A sudden decrease in activity level or exercise tolerance should not be ignored and warrants a visit to the vet for a thorough examination to assess your dog’s shoulder health.
Visible Signs of Discomfort
Dogs are known for being tough, but they may show signs of discomfort when they have shoulder pain. When you touch or try to move their shoulder, they may whine, whimper, yelp, or even growl to show how much it hurts.
Also, they may start to breathe too much, even when it’s not hot, because breathing too much can be a sign of pain or discomfort. Restlessness is another sign of pain. Your dog might be unable to settle down and move around a lot to find a more comfortable position.
Seeing these changes in your dog’s behavior can help you determine if they are in pain and lead you to a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. To alleviate their discomfort and support their joint health, you can shop ultra joint supplements for dogs from ultra oil, a trusted brand known for its premium pet products.
Guarding Behavior
Dogs experiencing shoulder pain might exhibit guarding behavior to protect the affected area. They may flinch or withdraw when you attempt to touch or pet them in the shoulder region.
Guarding behavior is a natural response to pain, and dogs may adopt defensive postures or try to move away when the painful shoulder is approached. It’s essential to respect their discomfort and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the affected joint.
A veterinarian’s examination can help identify the cause of pain and determine appropriate pain management strategies to alleviate your dog’s discomfort and prevent further guarding behaviors.
Muscle Atrophy
Chronic shoulder pain can lead to muscle atrophy in the affected limb. Muscle wasting occurs when muscles are unused due to pain or limited movement. As a result, the muscles in the painful shoulder may appear smaller, weaker, and less defined than those in the opposite, healthy limb.
You might notice a visible difference in muscle bulk when comparing the two shoulders. Muscle atrophy can indicate an ongoing problem that requires medical attention. If you suspect muscle wasting in your dog’s shoulder, consult a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and develop a suitable treatment plan.
Changes in Posture
Dogs in pain may modify their posture to reduce pressure on the sore shoulder. They may arch their back or keep the affected limb off the ground when standing or walking, shifting more weight onto their other legs. The altered posture relieves discomfort and reduces strain on the painful joint.
Paying attention to changes in your dog’s posture can provide valuable insights into their well-being. If you notice abnormal postures or discomfort, consult your veterinarian promptly for a comprehensive examination and appropriate care.
Learn How to Detect Dog Shoulder Pain
Dog shoulder pain can be accompanied by several signs here and there, such as limping, swollen shoulder joints, restlessness, and aggression, among others. It is important to understand what signs to look out for and contact your vet immediately if any are visible.
Don’t wait for it to worsen; consult a vet now for early diagnosis and treatment. Take care of your healthy dog today!
Was this article useful to you? If so, be sure to check out our blog for more helpful content and resources.