Signs a Dog is in Pain and How to Recognise Them

As owners, it can be deeply unsettling and worrying to think that your dog may be in pain.

Knowing how to recognise the signs so prompt treatment can be sought is a vital part of responsible pet ownership.

Your dog can’t tell you that they’re hurting, but they should communicate their needs clearly through their actions and body language.

Learning how to identify and grade canine pain is an invaluable tool, and it is helpful both when seeking care and for ongoing management.

What Are the Most Common Signs a Dog is in Pain?

Every dog shows pain differently, and the source and intensity of the pain largely determine the signs. Still, there are certain signals common to all pain.

Changes in Behaviour

If you notice a change in your dog’s routine or general behaviour, one potential cause is that they’re in pain.

For example, you may find that they are no longer jumping up when they see their lead, or they stay in their bed when someone comes to the door.

Physical Symptoms and Posture Changes

Your dog may be more hesitant when moving, and their movements become less fluid. This can present as general stiffness, hunching over or moving in a different way than usual.

A dog that assumes the ‘downward dog’ position may be experiencing acute pain in their upper abdomen, which can be seen with e.g. pancreatitis or a gut obstruction.

In contrast, a dog who stands with their legs wide, is gagging, and has a very bloated abdomen may have gastric torsion.

Mobility Issues or Reluctance to Move

You might find that your dog is spending more time lying about or chooses to only walk for short periods before stopping.

Unusual Vocalisations

If your dog is more vocal than normal, this could be a sign of pain. This is especially true if they are vocal when touched or when they jump from furniture.

High-pitched shrieks or yelps are of particular concern.

Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits

A dog that is in pain often eats less and drinks less. This can result in them losing weight and acting lethargic.

Owners sometimes find that they need to tempt their dogs to eat with more appealing options.

Signs of Emotional Distress or Irritability

Other signs that can occur would include snappiness, hiding away, trembling, being less sociable and growling when approached.

How Can Vocalisations Signal That a Dog is in Pain?

Dogs can vocalise for all sorts of reasons, but the noises that accompany pain are usually easy to differentiate.

What Types of Sounds Should You Pay Attention To?

Your dog may whine, moan, yelp, or shriek- depending on how much pain they are in and how quickly it comes on.

Still, some dogs are more stoic in nature and may not make any sound at all, despite being in a lot of pain.

When Do Whimpering or Whining Become Warning Signs?

If your pet is noisier than usual, or their vocalisations are accompanied by other signs like a limp or food refusal, this is worth investigating.

What Changes in Eating, Drinking, or Sleep Suggest Pain?

Your dog can give clues about how they’re feeling if you closely examine their routine.

How Does Appetite Loss Relate to Discomfort?

For most dogs, pain reduces their appetite quite a lot.

However, this does not hold true for every dog, and certain breeds like Labradors and Beagles may continue to eat despite significant discomfort.

Can Unusual Sleeping Patterns Indicate Pain in Dogs?

It is not unheard of for a dog in pain to struggle to fall asleep, frequently wake up, and constantly change their sleeping position. For many, the struggle to cope is most pronounced at night.

How Do Grooming Habits Change When a Dog is in Pain?

Perhaps not as common as some of the other symptoms mentioned, some owners may feel their dog’s grooming habits have changed.

Why Might a Dog Excessively Lick or Chew Certain Areas?

If your dog is paying more attention to one area in particular, it may be that they’re experiencing a new sensation, such as an ache or pain.

A frequent scenario is a dog with arthritis that constantly licks the affected joint, causing the fur to fall out and the skin to become irritated.

When is Reduced Grooming a Sign of a Bigger Issue?

You may also find that your pet is grooming less. This can occur because they feel stiff or sore, or because they simply have less energy or desire to groom.

Many dogs with joint pain stop lifting their legs high to groom or struggle to reach their hind end.

What Behavioural Changes Indicate Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain typically causes more subtle changes, and they may be mistaken for general grumpiness or ageing.

How Do Withdrawal or Irritability Reveal Underlying Issues?

If a dog is suddenly spending less time with their family, hiding away, grumbling when touched, or showing reluctance to join in with games or exercise, it is worth taking note.

This can be a sign that they’re not feeling well or have some source of discomfort.

Can Aggression Be Linked to Physical Pain?

For anxious dogs or those in a lot of pain, if they feel threatened or are worried about being touched in a sensitive area, they may react with aggression when approached or stroked.

We can also see, for example, dogs with neck or back pain who react when their harness is put on.

Most dogs communicate using their body language, exhibiting signs of anxiety before becoming aggressive.

This can include lip-licking, yawning, freezing still, showing 'whale eyes,' and growling.

How Can You Assess Pain in Dogs at Home?

Owners are often the best experts when it comes to their own pets, and if they’ve noticed behavioural changes or altered movements, this may well mean that some pain is present.

What Simple Checks Can Help You Identify Discomfort?

It is a good idea to notice how your dog moves. This includes activities such as standing up, walking, using stairs, and running. Are they hesitant or stiff? Do they put more pressure on one leg vs the other?

If you feel comfortable doing it, it is a good idea to run your hand all over their body, noticing if any area touched results in them tensing or acting worried.

If you are suspicious, they react; repeat the test to see if the same area causes the same reaction.

When Should You Use a Pain Scale or Tracking Method?

Sometimes pain can come and go or be hard to identify.

Both veterinarians and owners can use tools like diaries and pain scales to gain a clearer understanding of the overall picture.

One example is the pain scale developed by Colorado State University, which is available online to all.

When Should You Take a Dog to the Vet for Pain?

None of us likes to think of our dog in pain, and any new pain or ongoing pain that is no longer well-controlled warrants veterinary intervention.

Contact us if you would like to book a check-up to discuss any recent signs your pet has been showing.

What Red-Flag Symptoms Require Urgent Attention?

Some red-flag symptoms would include:

• Food refusal
• Difficulty moving
• Inability to gain weight
• Yelping or moaning
• Rapid or laboured breathing

How Do Vets Diagnose Pain in Dogs?

Veterinarians will listen to you describe how your pet has been acting and will perform a nose-to-tail check, assessing their joint mobility and nerve reflexes.

Depending on findings, they may also perform some diagnostic tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds.

How is Pain in Dogs Treated?

Most veterinary teams will take a multi-modal approach to treating or managing pain. This means utilising various treatment methods together to control the pain as quickly and effectively as possible.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Managing more chronic pain can include interventions like physiotherapy, acupuncture, weight management, and the use of nutraceuticals (joint supplements).

For both acute and chronic pain, we tend to turn to medicine such as anti-inflammatories and pain relief like non-steroidals, opioids or Gabapentin. It is typical to use more than one pain relief at the same time.

Can Lifestyle Changes Help Reduce Chronic Pain?

Lifestyle changes can be very helpful for managing day-to-day discomfort. This can include using non-slip mats, ramps, orthopaedic beds, and avoiding excessive exercise.

Many dogs will deal with chronic pain for years, and small alterations to their home and lifestyle can have a real impact on how they cope.

Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Dog

You can call an emergency vet any time, 24/7, if you’re concerned your dog is in severe pain or is not coping.

Signs a Dog is in Pain FAQs

What Are the First Signs That a Dog Is in Pain?

Initial signs of being in pain include sleeping more, exercising less, a limp, or a reduced appetite.

Should I Give My Dog Human Painkillers?

Never give a dog human painkillers unless under the advice of your vet, as some are highly toxic.

How Quickly Should I Act If My Dog Shows Pain Symptoms?

Contact your vet right away if you suspect your dog is in a lot of pain. For mild discomfort causing a slight limp or behavioural change, it should be okay to contact your vet clinic when they open, to book a routine appointment.