True or False - If your dog is experiencing muscle or joint pain they will always limp?

Abnormal dog gaits (patterns of locomotion) have become normalized, instead of being recognized as subtle signs of pain. This has led to limping being held up as The Sign of joint and muscle pain. However, limping is a last resort.

• It is incredibly inefficient, uncomfortable and vulnerable way to move through the world.

• Since dogs have 4 legs, they have a myriad of other ways to compensate before needing to limp.

• Limping is more closely associated with significant, acute pain (eg: cruciate ligament tear, broken bone, open wound).

• When limping presents in chronic pain, it is because the dog can no longer compensate in other ways.

• Compensatory movements cause tissue damage and pain.

Gait and movement changes related to chronic musculoskeletal pain are often much more subtle. Too subtle to identify while observing a dog in real-time. Most early signs of discomfort need to be recorded the rewatched in slow motion & frame-by-frame.

If you are concerned your dog is experiencing chronic pain, schedule a behavior & wellness consultation at the 🔗 in my bio.
• Deep dive into your dog's physical wellness, behavioral history, enrichment, environment and routines.
• You will get wellness tips and training advice that prioritize proactive pain management.
• You also leave with a "Suspicion of Pain" document that details signs your dog could be experiencing pain to help you advocate for your dog.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. I cannot diagnose or treat your dog, nor am I replacement for veterinary advice. My professional wheelhouse is careful, time intensive observation of dog behavior. Limitations on observing dogs is a significant barrier to vets identifying chronic pain in your dog.

​Canine Arthritis Management > Managing Arthritis > Owner Identification of pain. https://caninearthritis.co.uk/managing-arthritis/owner-identification-of-pain/

Hodson, G., & Bell, N. (2021, March 16). Cam live: Posture, gait analysis and free work with Gemma Hodson. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FftK1SYWys

McKenzie, B. (2022). Is aging a disease? DVM360, 53(3), 25. https://doi.org/https://www.dvm360.com/view/is-aging-a-disease-

Mills DS, et al Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs. Animals. 2020; 10(2):318. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020318

Mills , D. (2021). Pain & Problem Behaviors . Lemonade Conference .

Monteiro, B. P., Lascelles, B. D., Murrell, J., Robertson, S., Steagall, P. V., & Wright, B. (2022). 2022 WSAVA guidelines for the recognition, assessment and treatment of pain. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 64(4), 177–254. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13566