How to find out if a dog is in pain?

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. 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.

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. Likewise, he may repeatedly get up and lie down in an attempt to find a comfortable position. You may notice he has less energy, or decreased endurance for previously enjoyable activities like walks and play, chasing a ball, or swimming. A dog who is painful may withdraw from his usual family interactions. He may become less engaged in his surroundings. 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. Painful dogs who have previously been very friendly and gentle may begin to act completely out of character. He may growl when people or other pets in the household approach him, and he may lash out if handled. A painful dog may stand with his front legs back under his chest in order to take some of the weight away from painful hips or rear legs. Any or all of these changes may indicate pain and should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian.

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. What’s important to look for is any pattern to changes in your dog’s behaviour.

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. However, there are a number of behavioural signs, some more obvious than others, that can indicate pain in dogs. Because dogs can’t speak, it can sometimes be difficult to spot when they’re in pain, whether it be from injury or an underlying issue. Often, our dogs suffer in silence.

By carefully monitoring your dog's behaviour and physical health, you can spot symptoms early. 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. If your dog is showing signs of being in pain, it's essential to contact the vet as soon as you can. Your vet will ask you about the signs you have noticed, and may do a number of assessments to determine the cause of pain and suitable treatment.