Symptom Explorer
Dogs show pain in various ways. Click a category below to learn about specific signs.
Severity Assessment Tool
Check the signs you've observed to see a potential severity level.
This is for educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for a vet's diagnosis.
Your dog's potential severity level will be shown here.
What Should You Do?
✅ Immediate Steps
- Stay Calm: Your dog can pick up on your stress. Speak in a calm, soothing voice.
- Observe Closely: Take note of all symptoms, including their frequency and when they started.
- Provide Comfort: Ensure they have a quiet, comfortable place to rest.
- Prevent Eating/Drinking (Initially): If there's vomiting or severe pain, temporarily withhold food and water until you can speak with a vet.
❌ What to Avoid
- Don't Give Human Painkillers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are toxic to dogs.
- Don't Force Food or Water: This can worsen conditions like vomiting or a blockage.
- Don't "Wait and See": Abdominal pain can escalate quickly. It's always better to be safe and call your vet.
- Don't Press on the Abdomen: You could cause more pain or worsen an underlying issue.