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 pooches have an instinctive drive to hide pain to avoid showing weakness, and consequently, they are very good at hiding their ailments. 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. Changes in posture or difficulty moving Has your dog’s posture changed, such as seeming to hunch or be rigid. 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. 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.