🐾 Pet Behaviour Odysseys – Season 2, Episode 3: Could Pain Be Behind Your Dog's Reactivity?

What if your dog's behaviour is telling you something about their physical health that you haven't yet recognised? Pain and discomfort can have a profound influence on behaviour, yet the signs are often subtle, easily overlooked or mistaken for purely behavioural problems. In this episode, we explore the crucial relationship between physical health and reactive behaviour, drawing on the experiences of three dogs – Amber, Ross and Roscoe. Through their carers' stories, we discover how conditions ranging from musculoskeletal pain to gastrointestinal discomfort can contribute to behavioural difficulties, and why identifying these problems isn't always straightforward. The conversation explores the challenges of recognising hidden pain, the importance of veterinary investigation, and how careful observation of changes in behaviour, sleep, activity and social interactions can provide valuable clues. We also discuss why effective management involves more than medication alone, highlighting the importance of cooperative care, respecting a dog's choices and adapting our expectations to their individual needs. Perhaps the most important message is that suppressing unwanted behaviour doesn't necessarily resolve any underpinning discomfort. This is why quick fixes can be so problematic. Despite the challenges, this is ultimately a hopeful conversation about how understanding the whole dog, rather than focusing solely on their behaviour, can transform quality of life for both dogs and their owners. 🎧 Join us for Episode 3 of Pet Behaviour Odysseys . #petbehaviourodysseys #whatmakesyouclick #PBO #professordanielmills #profdsm #reactivedog #DogBehaviour #AnimalWelfare #VeterinaryBehaviour #DogOwners https://companionanimalconsulting.com/