My puppy growls and bites when I touch her hips. Is it pain or trust?

Question

My 4 month old belgian malinois mix puppy was found at 6 weeks with a broken pelvis and right tibia. Now although she is healed, her legs her sore very easily and she can not run very fast or for long periods. These things are not concerning - but it is concerning that most of the time, she will let us pick her up with no problem. But if she has been laying down or playing and we even get near her hips, she growls and bites pretty aggressively. Is this normal? And will she learn to trust us? Pet's info: Dog | Belgian Malinois | Female | spayed | 4 months and 4 days old | 22 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

She is in pain. That is why she is growling. She is communicating to you that she doesn't want you to touch that area because it hurts. It has nothing to do with trusting you. Just because she acts like it doesn't hurt when she is getting around doesn't mean she is not in pain. Animals don't outwardly manifest pain like we do. They usually don't continuously whine and/or cry out like we would. I suggest you get her to your vet for an exam so you can talk about medications/supplements you can use to keep her comfortable. I'm sure you don't want her in pain.

My puppy growls and bites when I touch her hips. Is it pain or trust?

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