Dogs may show pain through changes in behavior, movement, posture, appetite, or daily habits. Some dogs hide pain, so subtle changes from their normal behavior can be important. Also, dogs may still be in pain, sometimes significant pain, even if they’re not crying or limping.
Paying attention to these changes, whether subtle or obvious, will give you clues that will help you determine if your dog is in pain.
Common Signs of Pain in Dogs
Signs of pain in dogs are wide-ranging. Let’s go through the symptoms of dog pain:
Behavioral
- Hiding or withdrawing: In the wild, showing outward signs of pain makes a dog an easy target for predators. If your dog is hiding or withdrawing from their usual activities, they could be trying to hide their pain from you.
- Increased irritability or unusual aggression: Have you ever become irritable or testy when you’re in pain? Your dog may react the same way when they’re in pain.
- Whining, whimpering, or other vocalizations: Your dog may try their best to be quietly stoic while in pain, but sometimes the pain is just too much to stay silent.
- Decreased appetite: Pain can decrease a dog’s appetite. If your dog has started eating less, their pain may be the reason.
- Panting when not hot or exercising: If your dog has started panting irrespective of the weather or being physically active, this could be a clue that they’re in pain.
- Excessive licking or chewing of one area: If your dog’s pain is localized to one spot, your dog might lick or chew at that area because it’s uncomfortable.
- Changes in sleep or daily routines: You may notice your dog sleeping longer or not being able to sleep because of pain. Your dog may also not be able to engage in their usual daily routines, such as going out for walks or playing.
- Difficulty getting comfortable: Depending on where your dog’s pain is, they may have a hard time getting and staying comfortable. This is common for arthritis-related pain. Your dog might shift positions frequently to try to get comfortable.
Physical
- Postural changes: Postural changes due to pain in dogs include a hunched back, tucked tail, and holding their head below their shoulders.
- Tight or twitching muscles: Sometimes, muscles can be so painful that they twitch.
- Shaking or trembling: Your dog’s pain may be so severe that it makes them shake or tremble.
Mobility issues
- Limping or reluctance to move: Pain can make it difficult for your dog to walk normally or with ease.
- Difficulty standing, sitting, climbing stairs, or jumping: Pain makes it difficult for your dog to do activities that require mobility.
Dogs show pain in many ways but be aware that these signs are not necessarily specific to pain. Your veterinarian can determine the underlying cause of the signs, whether it’s pain or another medical condition.
Q1: How Can I Tell If My Dog Is in Pain After an Injury or Surgery?
Temporary pain or discomfort after certain types of surgery, such as orthopedic surgery, is to be expected, making post-surgical pain management critical. If your dog has had surgery, follow your veterinarian’s instructions for at-home pain management closely. If your dog’s pain stays the same or worsens, or your dog develops other post-surgical symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
If your dog has had an injury, such as breaking a bone, they will likely act like they’re in pain by limping, whining, or demonstrating the signs listed above.
Q2: When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet for Pain?
Watch for these signs as a signal for when to take your dog to your vet for pain:
- Pain that does not get better or worsens
- Sudden changes in behavior or mobility
- Decreased appetite and hydration
- Known injury
- Strong reaction to being touched in the painful area
- Reluctance or inability to move
Q3: When Is Pain an Emergency?
Pain becomes an emergency when other severe symptoms accompany the pain:
- Difficulty breathing
- Repeated vomiting
- Collapse, inability to stand
- Severe trauma, such as hit by car
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Swollen or painful abdomen
- Sudden and severe weakness
- Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a dangerous substance
The presence of these symptoms or situations warrants an immediate trip to the veterinary emergency hospital. Your dog will need emergency care, rather than routine veterinary care at your vet’s office.
Think Your Dog Is in Pain? Call the Vet.
Pain in dogs is not always readily obvious. In fact, it can be subtle because dogs are hardwired to hide their pain as much as possible. If you’re wondering how to tell if your dog is in pain, look for the behavioral, physical, or mobility-related signs that are listed in this article.
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is in pain. They will determine the underlying cause of the pain and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
