5 Signs That Your Dog Is in Pain

By John Morgan | Dated August 18, 2015

Dogs feel pain for many different reasons. As a pet owner you are the best person to notice when your dog is in pain. The signs may be subtle and it can often be tricky to identify where they are painful and the cause. It is important to promptly seek advice from your vet so they can determine the cause and appropriately treat it. Below are 8 signs your dog may show if he is in pain:

1. Increased Vocalisation 

Dogs often communicate that they are in pain by making more noise. This is the closest thing they have to speaking! Vocalising can be in the form of whimpering, yelping, groaning, grunting, whining and howling. It is often hard to know why they are in pain but if they cry when a certain area of their body is touched then it is most likely to be the sore spot.

2. Panting

Panting excessively is a common sign that a dog is in pain. The breathing can be faster, with shallower breaths. Sometimes the panting is accompanied by trembling. If your dog is panting at odd times such as the middle of the night, or not after exercise or heat, pay attention and look for a cause of the pain.

3. Posture Changes

When a dog is in pain they often assume a different stance. These include the “prayer position” with their front legs on the ground, their rear end up in the air and a stretched out middle. Another position is a rigid, “sawhorse-type” stance. Changes in posture can be even more subtle, such as an arched or sunken back, or a dropped/tucked tail in a dog who normally has a perky/upwards tail.

When a dog needs dog pain treatment they often assume a different stance. These include the “prayer position” with their front legs on the ground, their rear end up in the air and a stretched out middle.

4. Change in Temperament & Behaviour

A dog that is normally friendly can become aggressive or try to bite when they are in pain. This is especially if they are touched in a painful area. It is important to be very careful. Some dogs become less social – withdrawing from their family and hiding due to pain, while others start to seek constant affection and attention from their family. It is very individual. Other changes in behaviour include not wanting to go upstairs, exercise for as long or jump onto furniture. A dog’s toilet habits can also be affected by pain. For example, back pain can cause difficulty with defecation as it hurts them to pass faeces, resulting in constipation.

5. Limping

Limping is an obvious sign that a dog is in pain. Dogs become lame and limp for many reasons, mostly all of them related to pain. As dogs get older, many will experience degenerative arthritis which causes painful stiffness and limping.