Signs of Pain in Dogs

It's heart-wrenching to think that your dog could be in pain, but that you might not be able to recognize it. Dogs typically show signs that they're in pain. By understanding the signs of pain in dogs, you can recognize it early and help to relieve their discomfort before it gets worse. 

This article covers the key signs of pain in dogs, as well as some potential ways to relieve it. Let's take a look. 

The Most Common Indicators of Dog Pain are Behavioral Changes

If your dog is in pain, they will alter their behavior the majority of the time. Even if they're doing a good job of masking the physical pain, their mood will likely take a toll.

1. Aggression:  Dogs often get defensively aggressive when they're in pain, particularly when they're being touched. They will snap or indicate aggressively, and this is to avoid painful physical touch in most cases.
   
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2. Restlessness:  When restlessness is caused by pain in dogs, it's often because they can't settle in a comfortable position. It could also be due to anxiety caused by their pain. In any case, restlessness is a common sign that your dog is in some form of pain.
   
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3. Whining:  Dogs whine when in pain for a few possible reasons. The first is to communicate their distress to you in hopes that you may be able to help. Their vocalizations could also be direct responses to their pain, almost like a wince. They might also be whining in hopes that you will comfort them emotionally.
   
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4. Respiratory/Cardiac Symptoms:  Dogs pant, breathe laboriously, or have tachycardia (accelerated heart rate) when in pain due to stress and the body’s response to discomfort. Pain triggers stress hormones, increasing heart and breathing rates, often as a coping mechanism.
   
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5. Self-Soothing Actions:  Self-soothing behaviors, like excessive licking or grooming, occur in dogs when they're in pain as a way to comfort themselves or distract from discomfort. It can also signal anxiety or an attempt to alleviate localized pain.
   • Excessive Licking

Physical Symptoms of Pain in Dogs

Physical symptoms are often a sign of more significant pain in dogs, and the nature of the physical symptom typically indicates where the pain exists. Just because your dog is limping, however, doesn't necessarily mean that they're in excessive pain. 

1. Limp:  When dogs limp due to pain, it’s often a sign of injury or discomfort in the legs, joints, or paws. Limping can be a protective mechanism, as the dog tries to avoid putting weight on the affected limb to reduce further pain. It may indicate issues like arthritis, fractures, sprains, or soft tissue injuries. Limping is usually accompanied by other signs like changes in gait or reluctance to walk or play.
   
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2. Tremor:  Tremors in dogs, often caused by pain, anxiety, or neurological issues, occur as an involuntary response to discomfort. Painful conditions like muscle strains or internal injuries can lead to shaking, while anxiety or fear can also trigger tremors. Tremors may be localized to one area or affect the entire body, depending on the underlying cause.
3. Abnormal Gait:  An abnormal gait in dogs, often a sign of pain, occurs when they modify their walking pattern to avoid discomfort. Conditions like joint issues or muscle strains can cause limping, dragging, or uncoordinated movement.
   
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4. Changes in Posture:  Changes in posture, such as hunched back or altered sitting positions, often indicate pain in dogs. Unlike an abnormal gait, which affects how they walk, posture changes reflect how they position their body to minimize discomfort or protect injured areas.
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What to Do if Your Dog is Showing Signs of Pain

If your dog is showing signs of pain, the best thing you can do is contact your veterinarian right away. Even seemingly small signs of pain in your dog could indicate a deeper issue, and the truth is that there's no way of knowing unless you visit your veterinarian. 

If you're curious about pain relief options for dogs, you can learn more by reading the articles below:

• Can Dogs Have Aspirin?
• Carprofen for Dogs
• Common Prescription & OTC Pain Relief Options for Dogs
• Dog Tooth Pain Relief Ideas
• Natural Arthritis Relief for Dogs
• Can Hemp Treats Help Joint Pain in Dogs?
• Can Dogs Have Human Painkillers?
• Top Natural Anti Inflammatories for Dogs

Conclusion

There are some tell-tale signs of pain in dogs, and dogs typically let us know when they're feeling any sort of discomfort. Whether they show behavioral or physical signs of pain, dogs should always visit a veterinarian if they're showing any signs of pain. 

Veterinarians are the best individuals to decide which pain relief options you should explore, and how to best treat your dog's discomfort.