Overview

Recognizing the signs of pain in dogs is essential for maintaining their health and quality of life. As a pet guardian, you are in the best position to detect subtle changes in your dog’s behavior or physical condition that may indicate discomfort. Since dogs cannot verbally communicate their pain, understanding their nonverbal cues is critical for early identification and management. Proactive pain recognition can help slow the progression of chronic pain and improve your dog’s quality of life. Working with your veterinarian to address and treat pain ensures your dog remains as comfortable as possible for years to come.

Understanding pain in dogs

Pain is a complex experience that all living creatures can feel, and unique to the individual experiencing it. There are different types of pain depending on the underlying cause and body part affected, but in its simplest division, it can be categorized as acute or chronic pain. 

Acute pain: 

• Generally associated with tissue damage and serves a biological, self-limiting purpose during the healing process. 
• Can result from injuries, surgeries, infections, or inflammatory conditions 
• May range from mild to severe, lasting for a few hours to several days. 
• Can generally be well-managed using pain medications. 

Chronic pain: 

• Unlike acute pain, chronic pain persists beyond the duration of tissue healing.
• No clear biological purpose or endpoint. 
• Commonly associated with chronic diseases like arthritis. 
• Without management, can lead to hypersensitivity, causing pain sensations to spread beyond the injury site and significantly diminish quality of life. 

Recognizing the signs of pain

Dogs may express signs of pain differently depending on the breed, individual, age and chronicity. Behavioral changes due to pain often develop gradually, so being attentive to your dog’s daily habits is key, as these subtle behavioral cues will be more readily detected early on by someone most familiar with the dog. 

Here are some changes to look out for that could indicate pain:

Changes in mobility

• Altered posture: Your dog may sit or lie down more often, hold an arched back, carry their head low, or position their tail abnormally.
• Stiffness or limping: They may favor one limb or exhibit difficulty walking.
• Trouble moving: Difficulty sitting, climbing stairs, or getting up from a resting position.

Changes in activity level

• Restlessness: Pacing or an inability to settle.
• Lethargy: Your dog might seem unusually tired or unwilling to move.
• Reluctance to exercise: Slower walking or hesitation to engage in physical activities.

Behavioral changes

• Vocalizations: Whimpering, yelping, or groaning.
• Social withdrawal: Hiding or avoiding interaction.
• Increased neediness: Seeking more attention and affection than usual.
• Reactions to touch: A normally affectionate dog may now react negatively to being touched or held.
• Excessive grooming: Licking or chewing at a specific area on the body.
• Irritability or aggression: Uncharacteristic snapping or growling. 
• Panting: Excessive panting even at rest.
• Facial expression changes: Change in expression such as flattened ears, grimaces, or glazed eyes.

Changes in daily habits

• Loss of appetite: A reduced interest in food.
• Altered sleeping patterns: May sleep more or cannot get comfortable trying to sleep
• Accident in the house: Urinating or defecating indoors uncharacteristically.

What to do if you suspect your dog is in pain

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Before the appointment, try to document your dog’s behavior by taking photos, videos, or written notes to share with your veterinarian. Anxiety or fear may mask certain pain behaviors in a clinic setting, so these observations from home can provide critical insights.

Your veterinarian will evaluate your dog’s condition with a thorough physical exam to identify the cause of their pain and develop a tailored treatment plan. Testing may involve radiographs (x-rays), blood work, or other diagnostics, depending on your dog's history and physical exam findings. Once treatment begins, monitoring your dog’s progress and maintaining regular communication with your veterinarian is essential to ensure its comfort and recovery.

For more information on treating painful conditions in dogs, such as osteoarthritis, click here. 

Updated Dec. 2024