Is there a way to tell if a dog is in pain?

Dogs are notoriously good at hiding signs of pain, which is great as a survival tactic in the wild but not so good for the owners of domesticated dogs wanting to ensure their dog’s quality of life and wellbeing. As a descendant of wild wolves, our domesticated dog breeds are practiced at hiding signs of pain and discomfort, but there are still some important clues you can look for. What are the typical signs of pain in dogs? General behaviour: Shaking, flattened ears, low posture, aggression, grumpy temperament, panting or crying, excessive licking or scratching a specific area, reluctant to play, interact or exercise, lameness (limping), stiffness after rest, loss of appetite. On touch or inspection: Licking lips, flinching, turning head, moving to avoid touch, crying or vocally reacting, panting, increase in respiratory or heart rate, warmth of area, redness of area, swelling of area. It’s important to consider that often only a few of these behaviours are seen when an animal is in pain, and whilst they may be noticeable in an acutely painful condition, in more progressive or chronically painful conditions, these behaviours may be much subtler. What’s important to look for is any pattern to changes in your dog’s behaviour. You can monitor your pet to see: Do certain behaviours become common after exercise? Are behaviours more pronounced in the morning or evening? Are you more likely to see these behaviours after a longer walk at the weekend rather than a shorter one during the week?

Dogs feel pain for many different reasons. As a pet owner you are the best person to notice when your dog is in pain. The signs may be subtle and it can often be tricky to identify where they are painful and the cause. Below are 8 signs your dog may show if he is in pain: 1. Increased Vocalisation - Dogs often communicate that they are in pain by making more noise. Increased Vocalisation can be in the form of whimpering, yelping, groaning, grunting, whining and howling. It is often hard to know why they are in pain but if they cry when a certain area of their body is touched then it is most likely to be the sore spot. Panting excessively is a common sign that a dog is in pain. Limping is an obvious sign that a dog is in pain. Dogs become lame and limp for many reasons, mostly all of them related to pain. Changes in posture can be even more subtle, such as an arched or sunken back, or a dropped/tucked tail in a dog who normally has a perky/upwards tail.

It is a dog’s instinct to hide or mask its pain, making pain difficult to diagnose. No one is in a better position to identify the subtle changes in behavior that may signal pain than human family members. When a dog is experiencing pain, the following are changes that you may notice. You may notice your dog groaning or grunting when he stands up or lays down. You may hear him whining or whimpering as he tries to get comfortable. You may notice pacing or restlessness because your dog cannot find a comfortable place to lie down. You may notice he has less energy, or decreased endurance for previously enjoyable activities like walks and play, chasing a ball, or swimming. You may notice trembling in his legs, he may become reluctant to go up or down stairs, and he may develop difficulty walking on slick floor surfaces. A dog who is painful may withdraw from his usual family interactions, he may become less engaged in his surroundings, and you may notice decreased eating and/or drinking. Some dogs will lick obsessively at areas of the body that are painful, he may chew at the offending areas, removing hair and actually damaging the skin. A dog who is painful may pant excessively, even at rest, his facial expression may be described as a grimace, and he may seem to have a vacant stare off into space. Any or all of these changes may indicate pain and should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian.

However, there are a number of behavioural signs, some more obvious than others, that can indicate pain in dogs. Dogs who are in pain may limp or show signs of stiffness. Just like humans, dogs suffering pain may go off their food. If your dog’s appetite suddenly changes or you notice any form of inappetence, you should seek veterinary advice, as this could be a symptom of a dangerous ailment. Each dog will react differently to the type and dosage level of pain relief medication, so always monitor your dog’s response.

While most pet owners believe they would know if their pet was in pain, the truth is it can be very difficult to recognise the signs a dog is in pain. Our doggos may not be able to tell us with words so we’ve put together a handy checklist of physical symptoms that can alert us to when they may be experiencing pain. To help you know what to look for, we have put together a list of the most common signs a dog is in pain: Vocalisation When our furry friends are in pain they tend to be more vocal. A hurt dog may express their pain either through whining, whimpering, yelping, growling, and even howling. Decreased social interaction or seeking attention Behavioural changes can be a strong indicator of pain, and a decrease in social interaction is one of the most common. Changes in posture or difficulty moving Has your dog’s posture changed, such as seeming to hunch or be rigid. Has the way they walk changed. Maybe their general movements have changed, like seeming to have difficulty or being slow when standing up after laying down. Are they having trouble climbing up stairs or are they not as active as they usually are. These are all signs your dog may be in pain. Decreased appetite A loss of appetite, especially if your dog has always enjoyed their food, is a common indicator of pain. Changes in grooming behaviour When a dog becomes hurt, their first instinct is to clean and care for their wound by licking the area. Physical changes There are also less obvious physical signs your dog may be in pain. These can include heavy breathing or shallow panting, increased heart rate and bloodshot eyes. Swelling of their paws, legs and face are also an indication they may be in pain.

You can spot signs of pain in your dog by carefully monitoring their behaviour and physical health. There are two ways you can spot signs of pain in your dog: Changes in behaviour and physical signs of pain. You'll know your dog's normal behaviour best and whether they're acting out of character. If you spot any unusual behaviour, it could be a sign that they're in pain. Common behavioural signs of pain include a lack of interest in playing, walking or going outside, a lack of energy or depression, a reluctance to be touched or handled, toileting indoors, or struggling to toilet. Physical signs of pain may be easier to spot, especially if your dog is normally active. These include limping, a slower walk than normal or refusal to walk, a reluctance to lie down or difficulty getting up, difficulty jumping on furniture or using the stairs, and difficulty eating.