What does a dog look like when in pain?

Chaya Moen
2025-08-15 03:51:04
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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. 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. 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. 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.

Clark Cormier
2025-08-05 17:23:07
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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. 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. Some painful dogs actually have a wide-eyed look. Other dogs may appear to be half asleep with partially closed eyelids. You may notice trembling in his legs, particularly the rear legs. 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. You may notice that once he sits, his rear legs splay off to the left or right, rather than being tucked underneath as is normal.

Jaydon Feil
2025-08-05 12:21:46
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Changes in behaviour and physical signs can indicate that a dog is 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. 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.

Doug Dietrich
2025-08-05 11:51:19
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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. Often, our dogs suffer in silence. 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. However, there are a number of behavioural signs, some more obvious than others, that can indicate pain in dogs.
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