02/09/2026
🐾 September is Animal Pain Awareness Month 🐾
Did you know that pain and behaviour are closely linked?
Dogs don't always show pain in an obvious way. Sometimes, the first sign that something isn't quite right can be a change in behaviour.
You might notice:
🐾 Increased irritability, growling or snapping
🐾 Increased anxiety, restlessness or clinginess
🐾 Reduced tolerance or becoming easily overwhelmed
🐾 Changes in activity, mobility or sociability
🐾 Sudden changes in previously familiar behaviours
These changes aren't necessarily your dog being “naughty” or difficult. Pain and discomfort can affect how a dog feels, learns, copes and responds to the world around them.
💚 This is why veterinary assessment is so important.
If your dog develops a sudden or unexplained behaviour change, the first step should always be to speak to your vet. An underlying medical problem or pain could be contributing to what you're seeing.
Once medical causes have been investigated or appropriately managed, your vet may recommend a behaviour referral to help address any remaining behavioural concerns.
At Calm Canine Co, I work alongside veterinary professionals to help dogs and their families get the right support — because behaviour and health shouldn't be looked at in isolation.
www.calmcanineco.uk
[email protected]
