Do his paws scuff?
Does he react when one particular area is touched?
Does his gait change after exercise?
The blanket behavior may be dramatic, but it cannot be evaluated in isolation from the rest of his body.
Dexter Sometimes Looks Completely Normal While Walking
That complicates things.
He can cross the kennel without an obvious limp.
He turns.
He stands at the gate.
He walks to his water bowl.
A dog can still have pain without displaying a constant limp, however.
Certain positions or types of contact may reveal discomfort that ordinary walking does not.
That is why veterinary examination matters more than assumptions based on a few steps across a kennel.
Unexpected Touch May Matter More Than Pressure
Dexter can sometimes lie with part of his hindquarters against bedding.
But when loose fabric shifts unexpectedly across a rear leg, the reaction can be much stronger.
That difference becomes another clue.
Perhaps the problem is not simply pressure.
Movement against the skin or fur may matter.
Surprise may matter.
Where the contact occurs may matter.
The shelter begins watching the sequence more carefully.
Nobody Repeatedly Brushes His Legs With the Blanket to Test Him
There is no reason to provoke the reaction intentionally.
Dexter is already demonstrating it naturally.
Repeatedly triggering distress could make the blanket even more difficult for him and could cause him to injure himself while scrambling away.
Instead, staff document the episodes that occur on their own.
The Way Dexter Removes the Blanket Is Remarkably Consistent
He does not simply step away.
He grabs it.
Pulls.
Repositions his mouth.
Pulls again.
Sometimes he shakes it once before continuing.
His destination is usually the kennel entrance.
Dexter keeps dragging until the blanket is no longer near his hind legs.
And when possible, he pushes it completely outside.
Then He Immediately Creates a Different Problem
The kennel door is closed.
Once the blanket passes beneath or through the barrier, Dexter cannot simply walk over and retrieve it.
At first, he appears relieved.
He stands away from the gate.
His breathing is fast.
Gradually, it slows.
Then Dexter begins looking toward the hallway.
The Blanket Is Still There
He can see it.
He can smell it.
But now there are metal bars between them.
Dexter approaches.
His nose presses through the gap.
He sniffs.
A small whine escapes.
Then his paw reaches outward.
He Is Not Just Looking at It
Dexter actively tries to get it back.
One paw stretches through the bars.