Your dog is more than just a pet. Dogs can also become part of your family. You can treat them as your friend and companion as they are loyal creatures. Dogs bring joy and happiness to any home.
Like humans, they are also susceptible to pain and injuries. Some are common and usual causes, but sometimes, they are chronic. A herniated disc in dogs, for example, causes them to experience severe pain. These causes are necessary because there are different treatments for your dog’s pains.
Knowing what you can do and what causes the problem can help. It is necessary to find ways how you can remove and mitigate the pain that your dog feels.
Here are some common causes of your dog’s back pain:
Age
Your dog’s bones and joints tend to be weaker as they age, and these can cause them to feel more back pain. As dogs grow to their senior years, some may suffer spinal arthritis.
As dogs grow, they can develop degenerative joint issues that may cause the following:
- Limping and stiffness
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability and depression
- Slipping
- Licking and biting the affected area
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD is a spinal disorder in dogs. The IVDD damages the dog’s spinal cord causing them to feel pain whenever they move.
There are common signs of IVDD, including:
- Pain in the dog’s neck or back region
- Inability or unwillingness to walk
- Knuckling the paws
- Dog’s difficulty in urinating and defecating
- Dog’s shaking or trembling
Injury
Your dog may suffer back pain because of an injury. Your dog can get a traumatic injury if they experience things like a wrong landing, fall, or accident. Some dogs also suffer damage to their spine that can cause them to feel back pains.
In some cases, traumatic injuries like getting hit by a car or falling from heights can cause dogs to feel pain in their back. Some dogs who suffer internal injuries in their organs and bones can feel back pain.
Arthritis
Just like humans, dogs also suffer from arthritis, a common problem in the dog joints. Your dog may feel pain and discomfort in their hip, elbow, and back due to arthritis.
Your dog can suffer from arthritis because of the following reasons:
- Joint and ligament damages
- Abnormal development of your dog’s cartilage
- Fractures and traumas
- Joint instability
Pulled muscles, strains, and sprains
Your dogs have muscles that are soft tissues. Strains and sprains can cause your dog’s muscles to ache.
Your dog may suffer back pains because of rigorous activities. These activities include exercise, hiking, and jumping. Most of the time, strains and sprains heal on their own. However, they can cause discomfort and back pains for your dogs.
When you are bringing your dog to outdoor activity, try to check on them. Just like humans, they also get tired from intense work.
The bottom line
Dogs suffer back pain because of different reasons. It is necessary to help them with medication and proper care. Dogs like us also need rest.
When you are unsure why your dog is suffering from back pains, it is necessary to ask for help from a veterinarian. This way, you can address the pain your dog is feeling.
