Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of your dog howling and wondered, “Is my furry friend in pain?” It’s a question that troubles many pet parents. While those mournful sounds might make your heart ache howling doesn’t always indicate suffering. Today, I’m gonna take you through everything you need to know about dog howling and what it might mean for your four-legged companion.
The Truth About Dog Howling and Pain
Yes, dogs sometimes howl when they’re in pain – but it’s just one of many reasons why they might vocalize this way. Think of howling as another form of communication in your dog’s repertoire. Just like humans might cry, scream, or call out when hurt, dogs can use howling to express discomfort.
According to veterinary experts, pain-induced howling often comes with other signs of distress It’s not usually the only symptom you’ll notice if your pet is suffering.
Why Do Dogs Howl? Understanding Canine Communication
Before we dive deeper into pain-related howling let’s understand why dogs howl in general
1. Ancestral Instincts
Dogs inherited howling from their wolf ancestors. In the wild, wolves howl to organize their pack or call members back to a specific location. Your domestic dog still carries these instincts!
2. Communication
As VCA Animal Hospitals explains, dogs often howl to announce their location to other members of their “pack” (which now includes you). It’s their way of saying “I’m here” or “Come this way.”
3. Territory Protection
Some dogs howl to keep intruders away from their territory. It’s like posting a “No Trespassing” sign using their voice!
4. Response to Stimuli
Many dogs howl when they hear high-pitched sounds like sirens, musical instruments, or even certain TV shows. This is often just an instinctive response.
5. Attention Seeking
Just like children, dogs sometimes learn that making noise gets them attention. If your dog discovers that howling makes you come running, they might use this tactic when they want something.
6. Separation Anxiety
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety may howl excessively when left alone. This type of howling usually stops as soon as you return home.
How to Tell If Your Dog’s Howling Is Pain-Related
Now, let’s focus on the main question: How can you tell if your dog’s howling indicates pain? Here are some clues to look for:
Physical Symptoms That Often Accompany Pain-Related Howling:
- Tight or twitching muscles
- Shaking or trembling
- Arched back
- Holding their head below their shoulders
- Panting
- Limping
- Visible wounds or swelling
- Reluctance to move or exercise
Behavioral Changes to Watch For:
- Not wanting to be touched (especially in certain areas)
- Excessive licking of a particular spot
- Aggression when approached
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Restlessness or inability to get comfortable
- Withdrawal from family activities
Dr. Aja Senestraro, a holistic veterinarian, emphasizes that because dogs instinctively try to hide their pain, it’s crucial for pet owners to recognize these subtle signs and get them help when needed.
The Difference Between Pain Howling and Other Types
Context matters when interpreting your dog’s howls. Here’s how to differentiate between pain-related howling and other types:
Pain-Related Howling:
- Often occurs suddenly without environmental triggers
- May happen when a specific area is touched or when your dog moves in certain ways
- Usually accompanied by other physical signs of discomfort
- May sound different from their normal howling (more urgent or distressed)
Non-Pain Howling:
- Often triggered by external stimuli (sirens, other dogs, music)
- Stops when the triggering sound ends
- Not accompanied by physical signs of discomfort
- Happens predictably in certain situations (when you leave, when they hear certain sounds)
Common Causes of Pain in Dogs
If you suspect your dog is howling due to pain, these are some common causes to consider:
- Injuries to bones or joints
- Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, bruising)
- Back problems
- Dental disease
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Severe stomach upset
- Cancer
- Post-surgical pain
Remember, pain can be either acute (recent and sudden) or chronic (long-lasting, like arthritis).
What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Howling Due to Pain?
If you believe your dog is howling because they’re hurting, here’s what to do:
1. Make a Vet Appointment
The most important step is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. If your dog seems to be in severe pain or has additional concerning symptoms, don’t wait—head to an emergency vet immediately.
2. Document What You’re Seeing
Take videos of your dog’s behavior to show your vet. Write down when the howling occurs and any other symptoms you notice. This helps your veterinarian make an accurate diagnosis.
3. Provide Comfort
While waiting for veterinary care, make your dog as comfortable as possible. Provide a quiet, warm place to rest.
4. NEVER Give Human Pain Medications
This is super important! Never give your dog human pain medications without veterinary guidance. Many human pain relievers are toxic to dogs and can cause serious harm or even death.
Treatment Options for Dogs in Pain
Once your vet has diagnosed the cause of your dog’s pain, they might recommend:
- Prescribed pain medications (veterinary NSAIDs, not human ones!)
- Surgery to address the underlying issue
- Physical rehabilitation
- Laser therapy
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic treatment
- Regenerative medicine like stem cell therapy
- Massage
- Supplements and herbal therapies
- Ice or heat packs
The Orange County Emergency Vet clinic emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive health evaluation for dogs showing signs of pain, which may include blood tests, X-rays, and thorough physical exams.
Preventing Pain-Related Howling
While not all causes of pain can be prevented, you can take steps to reduce the risk:
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups
- Maintain a healthy weight for your dog
- Provide appropriate exercise (not too little, not too much)
- Use ramps or steps for older dogs to access furniture/cars
- Feed a high-quality diet
- Practice good dental hygiene
- Keep toxic substances out of reach
Being Your Dog’s Advocate
Your dog depends on you to recognize when they’re in pain and to get them the help they need. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, including unusual howling, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
As pet owners, we have to be extra observant because our dogs can’t tell us directly when something hurts. They communicate through behaviors like howling, and it’s our job to listen and respond appropriately.
Final Thoughts
While howling can sometimes indicate that a dog is in pain, it’s just one of many reasons why dogs vocalize this way. The key is to look for other signs of discomfort and to consider the context of the howling.
If your dog suddenly starts howling without any obvious external trigger, especially if they show other signs of physical discomfort, it’s time to call the vet. Better safe than sorry when it comes to your furry friend’s wellbeing!
Remember, you know your dog better than anyone. If something seems off, trust your instincts and seek professional advice. Your attentiveness could make all the difference in catching a painful condition early and helping your dog feel better sooner.
So next time you hear that long, mournful sound in the night, don’t panic immediately—but do pay attention to what your dog might be trying to tell you. They’re counting on you to understand their language!
Have you ever experienced your dog howling due to pain? What other signs did you notice that helped you realize something was wrong? Share your experiences in the comments below to help other pet parents recognize these important signals!
Why do dogs howl?
Like many canine behaviors, howling has ancestral roots. In the wild, safety-conscious wolves bellow to announce their location to other members of their pack family. Brave wolves howl to warn other wild animals to stay away from their territory. Your dog may not howl to pinpoint their whereabouts or keep intruders at bay, but now, as in generations past, dogs howl as a form of communication. Since dogs are part of their human families, it is important to understand what dogs are trying to communicate when they howl, so you can respond appropriately.
WHY DO DOGS HOWL? | Veterinarian Explains
FAQ
Why is my dog howling in pain?
… frequently than usual or in a tone that sounds like distress, it could indicate that they are in pain or experiencing discomfort from an injury or illness
What sounds do dogs make when in pain?
How do you know when your dog is in severe pain?
These include: limping. a slower walk than normal or refusal to walk. a reluctance to lie down or difficulty getting up.Feb 21, 2024
When should I worry about dog howling?
Medical Issues: If the howling is excessive or accompanied by other signs like changes in behavior, appetite, or physical health, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Pain or discomfort can sometimes lead to vocalizations.