How to Tell If Your Dog Is in Pain

Dogs communicate their discomfort with subtle changes in their behavior, posture, and habits. Recognizing these signs helps you maintain your dog’s health and know when veterinary care is needed.

Body Language of a Dog in Pain

Based on their evolutionary history, showing weakness could make a dog vulnerable, so they instinctively hide pain. That means by the time your dog shows signs of pain, she has probably been suffering in silence for a while. Your best way to detect pain is vigilance and observation of your dog’s normal routine.

According to Dr. Aly Cohen at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs express signs of pain differently depending on breed, individual makeup, and age. Behavioral changes due to pain often develop gradually, so paying attention to your dog’s daily habits is key. These subtle cues will be detected early on by someone most familiar with the dog:

Changes in mobility

• Your dog may sit or lie down more frequently, hold an arched back, carry their head low, or position their tail abnormally.
• They may favor a limb or have difficulty walking.
• Your pup may have difficulty sitting, climbing stairs, or getting up from a resting position.

Changes in activity level

• You may notice pacing or an inability to settle.
• Your dog might seem unusually tired or unwilling to move.
• She may walk more slowly or be reluctant to walk at all.

Behavioral changes

• He may whimper, yelp, or groan.
• You may find they are hiding or avoiding interaction.
• Conversely, they may seek more attention and affection than usual.
• A dog who’s normally affectionate may now react negatively to being touched.
• She may lick or chew at a specific spot on her body.
• Your dog may uncharacteristically snap or growl.
• They may exhibit excessive panting even at rest.
• You may notice a change in expression such as flattened ears, grimaces, or glazed eyes.

Changes in daily habits

• Your dog may exhibit loss of appetite or reduced interest in food.
• He may sleep more or cannot get comfortable when trying to sleep.
• Uncharacteristically, your dog may urinate or defecate indoors.

Signs Your Dog Is in Pain

Dr. Victoria Carmella, a Massachusetts-based clinical veterinarian, says: “Subtle signs of pain or discomfort in pets can often be challenging to identify and can easily be mistaken for normal aging. Common indicators such as reluctance to jump or use stairs, difficulty rising, or noticeable changes in behavior or demeanor, may signal underlying pain.”

Dr. Carmilla says pain in animals can manifest differently depending on its location. “For example, pain caused by an ear infection, for example, can be realized by a dog that is reactive to their ears being touched. Being attentive to your pet’s behavior and responses is essential in identifying the source of any discomfort or pain they may be experiencing.”

If you notice any change in your dog’s normal behavior, energy levels, or movements could be a sign of pain. “Trust your instincts. If something seems ‘off,’ it’s worth investigating,” says Dr. Carmella.

Diagnosing Your Dog’s Pain

Early intervention can improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life, so if you observe any of the symptoms listed or simply feel that your dog isn’t acting like themself, it’s always best to talk to your veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination, diagnose the cause of the pain, and recommend the appropriate course of action, whether it’s medication, physical therapy, or further diagnostics.

“To diagnose the source of your dog’s pain, a veterinarian will begin with a comprehensive physical examination, which is essential for identifying and localizing the source of pain,” Dr. Carmella says. Other tools like X-rays or bloodwork may help rule out underlying conditions and contribute to a more complete assessment of your pet’s overall health.

Once your veterinarian determines a need for pain management, a range of treatment options are available. For mild to moderate cases of joint pain, for example, supplements may help promote joint health and alleviate discomfort, according to Dr. Carmella. “In more severe cases, prescription medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be necessary.”

“Complementary therapies, including acupuncture, physical therapy and rehabilitation, can also play an important role in a pain management plan,” Dr. Carmella says. For specific underlying conditions, your veterinarian may prescribe other medications and create an individualized treatment plan to help alleviate pain.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to Control Pain

“Dogs are living longer and healthier lives thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and innovation in animal drug development. With active lifestyles that extend into advanced age, many dogs are diagnosed with osteoarthritis,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For that reason, the FDA has approved several NSAIDs for dogs to control pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Also, FDA has approved several NSAIDs to control postoperative pain and inflammation with dogs of all ages who undergo surgical procedures.

According to the FDA, NSAIDs are a mainstay of pain management, but warns “these drugs can cause side effects, some of which can be serious.”  It cautions that veterinarians are in the best position to inform dog owners about these side effects and should “discuss the benefits as well as the risks of an NSAID.”

Are Over-the-Counter Medications Safe?

Don’t reach into your own medicine cabinet. While humans and animals may experience similar symptoms, what works for a person may not work in a dog.

More importantly, there are differences in how animals and people absorb and metabolize drugs. These differences can affect the efficacy of a medication as well as its toxicity. Tylenol, of example, can kill your dog. Even small amounts of ibuprofen can be lethal to your pet.

Not only should you not give human medications to your dog, it’s important to prevent pets from accidentally ingesting medications. The report recommends keeping medications out of the reach of dog. “If you have a counter-surfing pet, you may need to keep medications inside a closed cabinet. Even when the bottle is closed, an animal can chew its way in if something smells appealing enough, according to the report.”

Pet-specific over-the-counter supplements tailored to your pet’s needs, Dr. Carmella says, can be a safe and effective option to help support your pet’s bone and joint health, as can supportive care like ice packs. Most human medications are not safe for use in dogs, so it is essential to consult your veterinarian before administering any medication for pain management to your pet.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Pain in Dogs

If your dog’s pain is left untreated, it can lead to long-term physical, behavioral, and quality-of-life consequences that diminish their well-being.  “Chronic pain often leads to behavioral changes such as irritability or depression. As pain persists, it may also cause a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss and potential gastrointestinal disturbances,” Dr. Carmella says. Early intervention is crucial to prevent these complications and ensure optimal care for your pet.

Do You Suspect Your Dog is in Pain?

Dr. Carmella says remember that you know your dog best. “If you observe any changes in your pet’s behavior, activity level, appetite, or overall demeanor, it could potentially indicate underlying issues, such as discomfort or pain.” Early detection of potential health problems is crucial for ensuring your pet receives the appropriate care. Consulting with your veterinarian is always recommended to assess and diagnose any concerns.