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15 Signs Your Dog Is in Pain

“Good-bye Beloved Walker” by rikkis_refuge is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Dogs communicate their pain in subtle ways, often through changes in behavior, posture, or habits. Recognizing these signs fast is important to address the root cause and prevent prolonged suffering. Here are 15 detailed signs that your dog might be in pain, with insights into what they mean and how you can help.

Limping or Favoring a Limb

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Limping is one of the most noticeable signs of pain in dogs. When your dog avoids putting weight on one leg, it’s usually due to an injury, arthritis, or another issue like a ligament tear or paw pad injury. Pay attention to whether the limp comes and goes or if it worsens after activity. Sometimes, foreign objects like thorns or glass can become lodged in their paw, causing sudden discomfort. 

Changes in Appetite

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A sudden lack of interest in food or water is a common indicator of pain. Dogs experiencing dental pain, such as a cracked tooth or gum infection, may avoid eating hard kibble or chewing on toys. Similarly, abdominal discomfort from issues like pancreatitis, bloating, or internal injuries can suppress appetite. If your dog skips one meal, it might not be cause for alarm, but consistent refusal to eat, combined with signs of weight loss or lethargy, could signal something more serious.

Excessive Panting

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Photo by Alexi Ohre on Unsplash

Panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate their body temperature, but excessive panting without exertion or heat can indicate pain or distress. For instance, a dog in joint pain after physical activity might pant heavily even when they’reresting. Panting can also be a sign of internal pain, such as organ issues or inflammation. 

Restlessness or Difficulty Settling

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Photo by Reed Shepherd on Unsplash

A dog that seems unable to get comfortable—pacing, circling, or constantly shifting positions—might be in pain. For example, dogs with abdominal discomfort might stretch frequently, lie on their side, or keep changing positions to relieve pressure. Joint pain or injuries can also make lying down or standing up painful, leading to increased restlessness. 

Whining, Whimpering, or Crying

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Dogs often vocalize their pain through whining, whimpering, or even yelping. These sounds are their way of expressingdistress, especially if they experience sharp pain when moving or being touched. For instance, a dog with an injured paw might cry out when you examine it or try to walk. Vocalizations might also occur during rest if the pain is constant, such as with chronic conditions like arthritis. 

Avoiding Touch or Handling

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Photo by Tillmann Hübner on Unsplash

Dogs in pain often become protective of the affected area and may avoid being touched or handled altogether. For example, if your dog has back pain, they might flinch, growl, or even snap when you try to pick them up or pet their back.This avoidance behavior is their way of saying, “That hurts—please don’t touch.” While it’s important to respect their boundaries, you should also note which areas seem sensitive and share this information with your vet.

Changes in Posture

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Photo by Joey Banks on Unsplash

Dogs often adjust their posture to minimize pain. A dog with abdominal discomfort might adopt a “praying position,” with their front legs extended and rear end in the air, to relieve pressure. Similarly, a dog with spinal or joint pain might hunch their back, hold their head low, or appear stiff when walking. These postural changes are subtle but significant signs of discomfort. 

Excessive Licking or Chewing

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Photo by Laula Co on Unsplash

Dogs instinctively lick or chew areas that hurt, whether it’s a wound, joint, or paw. This behavior provides temporary relief but can also create additional problems, like infections or sores if left unchecked. For example, dogs with arthritis may lick their joints repeatedly, while those with an injury might chew on the affected area to alleviate discomfort. 

Decreased Activity or Mobility

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Photo by Bo Backman on Unsplash

A dog in pain might become less active, avoiding play, walks, or stairs that they previously tackled with enthusiasm. This behavior is particularly common in dogs with joint or muscle pain, as movement exacerbates their discomfort. They may also struggle to get up after lying down or take longer to respond when called. If your dog seems unusually lethargic or avoids favorite activities, it’s worth considering whether pain is the cause. 

Shaking or Trembling

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Shaking or trembling can indicate pain, especially if your dog isn’t cold or frightened. For instance, dogs with joint pain, muscle strain, or neurological issues might shake as a reaction to discomfort. Trembling can also be a sign of internal pain, such as gastrointestinal distress or pancreatitis. In some cases, shaking might be accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or panting. 

Changes in Breathing

a close up of a dog with blue eyes
Photo by Илья Мельниченко on Unsplash

Unusual breathing patterns, such as rapid, shallow breaths or heavy breathing, can indicate pain. This is often seen in dogs experiencing internal discomfort, such as chest pain or abdominal distress. Pain can make it difficult for a dog to take deep breaths, leading to panting or irregular breathing. Additionally, dogs in pain may grunt or sigh more frequently as they try to adjust their position for relief.

Aggression or Irritability

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A normally friendly dog may show signs of aggression, such as growling, snapping, or baring their teeth when they’re in pain. This behavior often stems from fear or frustration as they try to protect themselves. For instance, if your dog has an injured paw, they might growl or snap when someone tries to touch it. Pain can make dogs more reactive, even toward people they trust, so it’s important to approach them gently and cautiously. 

Unusual Elimination Habits

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Photo by Tanya Gorelova on Pexels

Changes in your dog’s bathroom routine can be a sign of pain. Straining to urinate or defecate, accidents in the house, or unusual postures during elimination can indicate issues such as bladder infections, constipation, or abdominal pain. Dogs experiencing pain in their hips or knees might also avoid squatting altogether, leading to irregular elimination habits. 

Drooling or Nausea

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Photo by Kristin Vogt on Pexels

Excessive drooling, lip smacking, or vomiting can be signs of pain related to dental issues, nausea, or gastrointestinal problems. For example, dogs with tooth abscesses sometimes drool a lot and paw at their mouth, while those with stomach pain might show signs of nausea by refusing food, drooling, or retching. Sometimes, dogs with internal pain or discomfort will also lick their lips repeatedly as a stress response. 

Changes in Facial Expression

Portrait of a stray dog looking directly at the camera with a somber expression outdoors.
Photo by Rajesh S Balouria on Pexels

Dogs often express pain through subtle changes in their facial expressions. For instance, they might squint their eyes, hold their ears back, or have a furrowed brow. Some dogs develop a “glazed” or distant look in their eyes as if they’re distracted by discomfort. They may also keep their mouth slightly open or droop their head if they’re experiencing pain in the neck or jaw. 

Written by Lisa O

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