Dog just bit me what do I do?

[ouchiezz]

Hasn't broken the skin but he just snapped. He's 14 and struggling with his arthritis and I must have touched the sore hip because he just launched himself at my hand. He then cried afterwards and is still crying and whimpering so I've given him some more pain killers and I'm going to leave him be tonight and tomorrow.

I didn't wake him up btw. But my question is where do we go from here? We're on loxicom right now, are there any stronger pain medications we can go with? It's my fault I shouldn't have petted his sore side but also he's so bloody good at hiding his pain I think maybe I've underestimated how much pain he's been in? I feel like such a shit owner.

I'm going to ice my hand now and hope to god it doesn't bruise!

We don't have kids if that's relevant, and none visit so he isn't a danger.. do I tell his dog Walker though?

Definitely tell the dog walker- don't want anything to happen when he's out!

So sad for your doggy though so I'm sorry you're going through that. We have a spaniel with luxating patella who will most likely have arthritis in later life and I hate to think of him potentially being in lots of pain.

Definitely get on the phone to the vets and see what else can be offered, meanwhile keep him comfy and let him approach you.

He can’t be that bad if he’s able to go on a walk. My dog had arthritis and he couldn’t even walk to the bottom of the street because his legs would give way. See your vet to ask about pain medication.

@rainatnightlove we found yumove was amazing, maybe start that ASAP? Smells gross but they love it.

Yeah I think I'm going to cancel his Walker. Give him a bit of a break for a month of so, we can still have our plods after work but maybe having a walk during the day too is too much now?

He has a dog door to the back garden so he can go out to wee when he wants btw he won't be stuck inside for 13 hours.

I've seen him on the camera at work and he just sleeps, barks at the postman (standard) and then sleeps again. The camera alerts us to any movement and 99% of the time it's him either going outside or turning round in his bed.

Don't give the loxicolm more than once daily and speak to your vet about more pain relief. There are definitely more meds that can be safely added in.
With the greatest respect to a PP just because your dog is walking doesn't mean he isn't in pain or is ok. I have spinal arthritis and have significant pain and yet am still ambulatory.
There is a really good Facebook page called Canine Arthritis Management that you might find useful. Good luck to you and doggo

I wouldnt stop his walks but alter them.Can the dog walker still come and see him and let him have a short walk and then do some scentwork games etc.

It is good to keep up some exercise (if he is able) to help with the pain. Agree look at CAM site for loads of advice on pain and lifestyle changes to help your dog

Tbh I'd be looking at his pain management. Is he on regular pain meds? Do they need increasing. It's concerning that he's in enough pain to be snapping. I absolutely wouldn't blame him for snapping if he's in pain.
Perhaps a trip to the vets to rule out anything else going on and to discuss his pain?

Don't blame yourself though. As you say they are good at hiding it. He's told your now - perhaps not in the way that you would have liked.

I also think the dog walker should still come and take him a very short way then sit with him for rest of time. Otherwise, he will feel a bit lonely all day with no-one. My previous dog didn't like walking much as she got much older (never got to 14, though!) or if the weather was bad or too hot and I often came back to a note from the dogwalker to say she didn't want to go further than front lawn so they stayed in and had cuddles on the sofa. Fine by me.

I wouldn't stop his dog walker. Going from having a lunchtime walk to nothing all day is a big adjustment. I'm a dog walker and do pop-ins for elderly dogs who couldn't manage a whole hour - they get a toilet break, a short walk to stretch their legs and some company. I also do things like clean up any accidents, fill up their water bowls and just give them a bit of a fuss.

And please tell him/her that you've been bitten. They need to be aware for their own safety.

Poor beastie is clearly painful. Yes there are many other therapies. Chronic pain should be treated with multimodal (several types) of pain relief. Phone your vet as a priority and discuss gabapentin and/or tramadol with them (transform is only effective in about 40% of dogs). Also have a look at the CAM website - lots of useful advice:

caninearthritis.co.uk

Sorry to read this. It reminds me of a previous dog. It was the beginning of the end. We tried everything. Hydrotherapy, medication, alternative therapy, massage etc.

It was ok but tbh I think we should have considered PTS sooner. He was a reactive collie and was a tricky character anyway, but he snapped at my daughter (teenager) unprovoked and it was just not fair to keep going (that wasn't the first time though )