As dog owners, it’s common to worry about our animals. Our furry best friends can’t tell us when something is wrong! So, every time something seems off, ask yourself: Is my dog in pain? The reality is, most animals are masters at instinctively masking pain. But by knowing these five warning signs of pain, you can help make sure your dog gets the care they need.
Common Types of Dog Pain
Most experts define pain as an unpleasant sensation in the body, or your body’s warning system. When we experience acute injury, pain makes us put on the brakes to protect the injured area. We can also experience pain from illness or infections—think headaches, toothaches, and tummy pain—or chronic pain from things like arthritis.
Just like humans, our dogs can experience both acute and chronic pain. Most commonly, dogs will experience pain related to joint and bone conditions, dental and internal issues, and acute (or sudden) injuries like muscle strains, bone fractures, or cuts and wounds.
Is My Dog In Pain?
If you’re not sure, you’re not alone! Some signs are more subtle than others, especially when it comes to progressive, chronic pain.
Excessive Licking or Over-Grooming
For dogs, licking is a soothing behavior. Pets may over-groom painful areas trying to find relief. If you notice your dog obsessively licking or chewing a specific joint, it could be a sign of arthritis pain or an injury. Dogs that excessively lick at or groom their bellies may have GI pain. Excessive licking of the paws could be a sign of injury or allergies. Anytime you notice an increase in licking or grooming, check with your veterinarian about potential causes.
Limping, Stiffness, or Reluctance to Move
Sometimes limping is very obvious. For example, if your dog is not putting any weight on a leg, you know something’s wrong. Other times, it’s more subtle. Your dog might be using all four legs, but not putting their full weight on a painful limb. Or your well-trained dog might suddenly hesitate or refuse when you ask them to sit or lie down.
Other signs your dog is feeling stiff or reluctant to move include:
- Not wanting to go up or down stairs
- Reluctance to jump up/down from furniture or in and out of vehicles
- Avoiding slick floors
- Walking slower or refusing to play/go on walks
- Difficulty lying down or getting back up after resting
An injury, arthritis, or nerve-related pain can cause these signs of pain. If your dog seems restless or unusually low-energy, the next thing to watch for is how they rest.
Restlessness and Low Energy
If your dog is in pain, they might struggle to get comfortable during rest. Dogs that usually sleep peacefully might start tossing and turning, or struggle to lie down at all. Watch for pacing, excessive circling before lying down, and frequent position or location changes. If your pet seems overly restless or agitated, schedule a veterinary visit to check for hidden pain.
Appetite and Behavior Changes
Pain anywhere in the body can lead to behavior changes. Just like us, dogs tend to be crankier when they’re in pain. If your easy-going pup suddenly becomes withdrawn or doesn’t want to be touched, they could be masking pain symptoms. A dog in pain may also not be as hungry as usual. Decreased thirst or appetite, especially if it lasts more than a day, should prompt a vet visit.
Panting Without An Obvious Cause or Labored Breathing
Panting isn’t just your dog’s cooling system. It’s also a clue about their physical and mental state. Our dogs pant when they’re overexcited, anxious, and when they’re in pain! If you notice your dog panting when they’re not hot, or panting more often, it could be due to pain. If you’re unsure whether it’s panting or labored breathing, the difference matters.
Do you know the difference between labored breathing and panting? Unlike panting, labored breathing can be a medical emergency that requires quick intervention! If you think your dog is struggling to breathe, seek urgent veterinary care right away.
Panting is fast, shallow breathing. When your dog pants, they’ll likely have a relaxed mouth, and their tongue may loll out. On the other hand, labored breathing means your pet is straining to inhale or exhale. You’ll likely see the belly or chest moving visibly and heavily. While most panting dogs can sit or lie down comfortably, dogs with labored breathing often sit or stand with elbows spread wide, or stretch their head and neck straight out to catch air.
The Bottom Line
Dogs can be very good at hiding their pain! But paying close attention can give you important clues about how they’re feeling. Licking, limping, restlessness, and behavior changes are just some of the signs they may be in pain. If your dog has symptoms that last longer than a day, take them to your veterinarian right away, so they can diagnose and address the root cause of their pain.