How does a dog let you know they are in pain?

A dog lets you know they are in pain by limping, which means they're in greater pain than their self-preservation instinct to hide pain can cover up. They may also be invisibly licking at a wound, waiting until everybody is asleep or in the next room to do so. If the wound is bad enough, they may visibly lick at it, making it their life's work to lick it until it goes away. Failing to do the things they once did, such as jumping, can also be a sign of chronic pain in dogs. Additionally, dogs may take longer to get up, such as taking a second or two to raise their butt to stand, or they may display abnormal posture, like sitting crooked with the same leg sticking out all the time. Crying out or whining can be an obvious sign of pain, but it's not the only indicator. Changes in personality, such as snapping at people, can also be a sign of physical discomfort. Other signs of pain in dogs include reluctance to move, loss of appetite, panting, shivering, and drooling.

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. 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. Behavioural changes can be a strong indicator of pain, and a decrease in social interaction is one of the most common. Has your usually friendly dog started showing signs of aggression? Do they avoid contact or no longer greet you at the door? 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. Some dogs may also refuse to move from a position once they have settled and attempts to force them may result in signs of aggression so always be observant of any warning signs your pet may be trying to give you. A loss of appetite, especially if your dog has always enjoyed their food, is a common indicator of pain. When a dog becomes hurt, their first instinct is to clean and care for their wound by licking the area. If your dog is excessively licking or chewing an area it is always best to visit your vet. Dogs who are in pain tend to sleep more. It can be their body’s way of trying to heal or it may be difficult for them to move around and be active. Other dogs may exhibit restlessness and an inability to get comfortable. 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'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, excessive licking where they feel pain, irritability or growling, whimpering or howling. 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, difficulty eating.