Ouch! That Explains the Bite - With Dr. Hagar Hauser

The Bitey End of the Dog

Dr. Hauser pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked factors in pet behavior problems—physical pain. This eye-opening conversation reveals how arthritis affects not just senior pets but surprisingly young animals too, with research showing 40% of dogs between 8 months and 4 years have joint issues that often go completely undiagnosed.
The discussion challenges common misconceptions about how animals display pain. That dog who still enthusiastically plays fetch? The adrenaline is temporarily masking their discomfort. The cat who no longer jumps to their favorite windowsill? They're making a subtle accommodation for painful joints. These insights explain those baffling moments when a pet seems to invite attention then suddenly snaps—revealing the complex relationship between pain anticipation and aggression.
Dr. Hauser shares practical diagnostic approaches from medication trials to environmental modifications that can dramatically improve quality of life. Her examples of dogs whose "stubborn" refusal to sit actually indicates hip pain, and cats whose litterbox issues stem from discomfort, showcase how behavior changes often represent an animal's attempt to communicate physical distress. Particularly valuable is her guidance on harness selection, petting consent tests, and creating low-stress home environments that respect an animal's physical limitations.
You'll gain a powerful new perspective on interpreting pet behavior, recognizing that what we often label as "problem behaviors" may actually be desperate attempts to avoid or express pain. Whether you're a trainer, veterinarian, or devoted pet parent, this conversation will transform how you approach behavioral challenges—looking first at potential physical causes before assuming psychological ones.

About Dr. Hauser:

https://metro-vet.com/staff-item/hagar-hauser-2/

- Canine Arthritis Management: https://caninearthritis.co.uk/

- Zoetis Canine OA: https://www.zoetisus.com/conditions/petcare/oa-pain/canine-oa-pain

- Zoetis Feline OA: https://www.zoetisus.com/conditions/petcare/oa-pain/feline-oa-pain

- International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management: https://www.ivapm.org/

- Zero Pain Philosophy (for veterinarians only currently): https://www.zeropainphilosophy.com/

Learn more about options for help for dogs with aggression here:
AggressiveDog.com
Learn more about our annual Aggression in Dogs Conference here:
The Aggression in Dogs Conference
Subscribe to the bonus episodes available here:
The Bitey End of the Dog Bonus Episodes
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Chapters

1. Episode Introduction and Pain Types (00:00:00)

2. Detecting Subtle Signs of Discomfort (00:06:05)

3. How Equipment Affects Animal Pain (00:14:30)

4. Home Management and Rehabilitation (00:33:35)

5. Medication Options and Considerations (00:44:32)

6. Compulsive Behaviors and Treatment Approaches (00:55:03)

7. Episode Wrap-up and Resources (01:07:31)