It's not always very easy to tell when dogs are in pain. There isn't always whimpering, limping, licking, or whining in the ways you'd typically expect.
Of course, there are some obvious signs as well, but it's important that you're able to spot the subtler signs. We're going to take a look at the signs that your dog may be in pain, ranking from most subtle to most obvious.
It's wise to have these in the back of your mind as your dog starts to age, because common issues often go overlooked and they can seriously impact your dog's quality of life. So, let's take a look at some of the most common signs of pain in dogs and which issues could be at play.
- 10 Common Signs of Pain in Dogs (from Subtle to Obvious)
- 10. Changes in Posture or Gait
- 9. Tiredness, Lethargy, Lack of Enthusiasm
- 8. Unusual Facial Expressions
- 7. Changes in Appetite or Drinking
- 6. Altered Grooming or Excessive Grooming
- 5. Shifting, Inability to Settle
- 4. Vocalizations (Whining, Moaning, Yelping)
- 3. Panting or Shaking without Cause
- 2. Limping or Reluctance to Walk
- 1. Guarding & Changes in Behavior
- Conclusion
10 Common Signs of Pain in Dogs (from Subtle to Obvious)
It's important to note that these signs don't always indicate pain. Dogs are funny sometimes, and they'll do very quirky things one time, startling you into thinking there's something wrong.
Generally, underlying issues that cause pain will cause your dog to show the signs below for an extended period of time. So, if your dog is continuously showing the signs of pain below, it's time to visit your veterinarian.
10. Changes in Posture or Gait
Dogs that start tucking their tail, hunching, or walking with stiffness may be doing so in response to pain. These changes are sometimes caused by arthritis, abdominal issues, or strain on certain muscles.
Posture changes can be your dog's way of favoring a certain leg or body part, avoiding sharp pain as they step. It can also be due to stiffness or lack of movement in certain joints.
9. Tiredness, Lethargy, Lack of Enthusiasm
Reduced activity and zest for life are commonly mistaken for tiredness or just shrugged off as a "different mood" in dogs. When your dog has less energy for a span of days, there's a chance they're dealing with a mobility issue like osteoarthritis or chronic illness.
Reduced activity is a concerning sign because it's not always easy to diagnose, and could be caused by serious underlying conditions like kidney or heart disease as well as more common hip & joint issues.
Lack of activity often contributes to changes in sleep & rest patterns. Some dogs might have a harder time settling into a comfortable sleep position, while others may be awake at unusual times, may display unusual behaviors as they're trying to settle down for bed, and more.
8. Unusual Facial Expressions
Unusual facial expressions like squinting, abnormal smiling, strange ear positions (like pinning), or even lip licking can be signs that something's causing your dog pain.
In many causes, facial expressions indicate pain in the face and head. Your dog could be facing an ear infection, dental disease, irritation in the face, or these signs could be indications of generalized pain in the body.
If your dog starts showing facial expressions that they don't normally, it's a pretty good sign that there's something unusual happening and you should see your vet.
7. Changes in Appetite or Drinking
If your dog stops eating or drinking, or is suddenly much hungrier or thirstier, this could be a sign of internal pain or systemic issues. Liver and kidney issues can contribute to changes in food and water consumption.
Alternatively, dogs may avoid food and water if they have oral pain or gastrointestinal pain. In any case, changes to your dog's normal feeding habits should be monitored closely. This sign is one of the most likely to reflect an underlying issue, and you should discuss it with your vet.
6. Altered Grooming or Excessive Grooming
If your dog starts grooming in ways they don't typically groom, or if they start excessively grooming, it's could be a sign of discomfort or pain.
In many causes, dogs will lick or groom the area of the body that's causing them pain even if the pain is inside the body. It's almost as if they're pointing to the pain and saying "here, this is where I'm feeling something strange."
Grooming and licking excessively are also tell-tale signs of allergies or topical discomfort. Topical skin issues get over-groomed and can often become much worse as a result. Licking, biting, and scratching can lead to open sores and hot spots that lead to infections.
5. Shifting, Inability to Settle
Dogs with joint pain or spinal pain will often shift excessively before getting comfortable, potentially never getting comfortable. The pressure their body puts on the affected area is too significant for them to settle down.
The inability to settle down could also be a sign of abdominal discomfort from issues like bloat or pancreatitis.
It's important to note that many dogs already rustle around quite a bit before getting comfortable. The thing to watch for is change in behavior compared to your dog's normal routine.
4. Vocalizations (Whining, Moaning, Yelping)
Vocalizations are often linked to sharp pain, acute injury, fractures, or other forms of severe pain.
If your dog starts yipping, whining, or moaning without any clear reason, it's time to visit the vet. They're communicating their pain and letting you know that something is wrong. In this case, you don't need to wait for prolonged vocalizations to be sure that something's wrong.
In most cases, sudden vocalizations like these mean that your dog is in pain and should be seen by a veterinarian.
3. Panting or Shaking without Cause
Sudden panting or shaking are serious signs that something is wrong. These symptoms could mean that your dog is in serious pain or they are experiencing a severe internal issue.
If your dog is panting or shaking, you should rush them to the veterinarian. Pancreatitis, bloating, and even poisoning could cause these symptoms, so it's extremely important to seek help in these instances.
2. Limping or Reluctance to Walk
Limping and refusal to walk are clear signs of arthritis or injury. Ligament tears, fractures, sprains, dislocations, and paw injuries may also contribute to limping or refusal to walk.
Many people see their dog limp slightly and assume that it will go away, or that it will be fine. If your dog has an unexplained link, especially one that comes on suddenly, this is a very strong sign that something has occurred.
Sudden limps are most often signs of injury or arthritis flare ups. Limps that come on gradually are often the signs of worsening hip & joint pain from issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia.
1. Guarding & Changes in Behavior
If your dog starts snapping, growling, baring teeth, hiding, or showing signs of aggression, it's an extremely strong sign that they're in a significant amount of pain.
They might be guarding the painful spot to prevent anyone from getting near it. They might be in so much pain that their personality changes temporarily. These types of aggressive, defensive behaviors tend to indicate more severe sources of pain such as infections, disease, cancer, fractures, spinal pain, or severe joint pain.
Conclusion
The signs of pain above range from subtle to severe, but they're all worth looking into. Your dog won't always tell you how they're feeling, so you need to take any indication of pain as a cause for concern.
If you're ever unsure about a sign your dog is giving you, contact your vet. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your best friend. If you'd like to learn more about natural ways to support your dog's sense of comfort and well-being, take a look at Lolahemp's selection of products for dogs.
