Dogs are very good at hiding pain. As they have four legs, they can redistribute their weight much easier than us humans and adapt their posture and walking patterns to minimise their discomfort. Once a dog appears to be lame and you can see them limping, they have run out of options. So what are some of the more subtle signs you can look out for to indicate your dog may actually be in pain?

• Stiffness
• Difficulty going up or down stairs
• Reluctant to go for walks
• Difficulty or hesitance going on to or off the sofa
• Nibbling or chewing especially at their back end
• Reluctance to be touched or groomed
• Behaviour changes ie disinterest in other dogs or spending more time alone
• Twitching along their back or seeming to have a tickly back
• Quivering skin
• Old before their time
• Pacing or unable to settle
• Anxiety or abnormally snappy

Clinical canine massage is also a very effective therapy to assist with pain management which occurs as a result of an orthopaedic condition such as :

• Osteoarthritis
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Luxating Patella
• Cruciate Ligament Damage
• Spondylosis
• Osteochondrosis

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