How to recognize if a dog is in pain?

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. 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? This information will help you and your vet to build a picture of the problem, control it appropriately and monitor for changes.

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. Increased Vocalisation is one sign your dog may show if he is in pain, dogs often communicate that they are in pain by making more noise, this can be in the form of whimpering, yelping, groaning, grunting, whining and howling. Panting excessively is a common sign that a dog is in pain, the breathing can be faster, with shallower breaths, sometimes the panting is accompanied by trembling. Posture Changes can also indicate pain, when a dog is in pain they often assume a different stance, these include the prayer position with their front legs on the ground, their rear end up in the air and a stretched out middle. A Change in Temperament & Behaviour can also be a sign of pain, a dog that is normally friendly can become aggressive or try to bite when they are in pain, some dogs become less social – withdrawing from their family and hiding due to 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.

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, 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.

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. Has your usually friendly dog started showing signs of aggression? Do they avoid contact or no longer greet you at the door? 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. 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. Changes in sleeping habits and restlessness Is your dog no longer sleeping like they usually do? Dogs who are in pain tend to sleep more. 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.