17 Hidden Signs Of Pain In Dogs And How You Can Help

Do you know the warning signs of pain in dogs? As proud pet parents, we sure would like to think so. But the truth is, this can be very difficult to recognize.

Even though our fur babies feel pain just like we do, they don’t always show it in the same way. They are notorious for hiding their pain.

And because of the whole not talking thing, their symptoms are not always so clear. Knowing these hidden signs of pain in dogs could save the life of your precious pooch.

Signs of pain in dogs can include shaking and/or trembling, excessive grooming/licking, panting without exercise, exertion, or warm weather, changes in posture, suddenly showing aggression, limping, isolating from the family and/or sudden change in affection, sudden change in appetite/drinking, unusual drooling, changes in sleep patterns, potty setbacks, more vocal than usual, increased respiration and/or heart rate, changes in the eyes, loss of interest in exercise, declining mobility, other behavioral changes – your pup “is just not acting right”.

Our fur babies, our furry family members — they are our fur kids and we adore them. We do everything we possibly can to keep them healthy. Our cozy canines are vaccinated, they get their regular check-ups, and we make sure we are feeding them the healthiest dog food we can.

We are following all the advice our veterinarian gives us to make sure we are the best pet parents we can possibly be.

But what about the behaviors we need to watch for in-between those vet visits? How can we tell if our furry bestie needs our help? How do we know when he is in pain?

While there are obvious signs of pain in dogs, sometimes getting down to the nitty-gritty of recognizing the less-obvious behaviors is downright challenging.

You are going to learn all about how to tell if your dog is in pain before chronic pain becomes the “new norm” for your precious pooch.

After learning about these hidden signs of pain in dogs, you will be able to quickly recognize these behaviors in your best buddy and get him the help he needs.

This post is all about how to recognize the signs of pain in dogs that your canine companion may be trying to tell you.

Recognizing the Signs of Pain in Dogs

What do you do when your active fur buddy is reluctant to play or interact with you? Why is he moving away from you to avoid touch? Is panting a sign of pain in dogs?

Are we noticing these behaviors are common after exercise? Maybe they’re more evident in the mornings? Or evenings? Do we notice a change in our once energetic playmate after taking a long walk?

These, along with other signs, can be an indication that your normally perky pup may be feeling pain or discomfort.

And the scary thing is — these signs your dog is sick may not always be noticeable. It is very important to pay attention to any pattern if we notice changes in our dog’s behavior.

Taking notes when noticing any changes in your lively canine will help your vet tremendously in determining the best way to treat him.

Signs Your Dog May Be In Pain

Our dogs are notorious for hiding pain and are unable to tell us (in human words) why they are hurting. The last thing we want for our cozy companions is to be ill or in pain because we did not recognize the warning signs.

While we can’t possibly pinpoint everything, it’s up to us to recognize as many subtle signs as possible so that we can get them the help they need.

Here are some of the signs of pain in dogs that your furry fellow may be trying to communicate to you.

Shaking and/or trembling

Excessive grooming/licking

Panting without exercise, exertion or warm weather

Changes in posture

Suddenly showing aggression

Limping

Isolating from the family and/or sudden change in affection

Sudden change in appetite/drinking

Unusual drooling

Changes in sleep pattern/unable to sleep/sleeping more/restlessness

Potty Setbacks

More vocal than usual (whimpering/whining)

Increased respiration and/or heart rate

Changes in the eyes

Loss of interest in exercise

Declining mobility

Other behavioral changes — your pup “is just not acting right”

1. Shaking or Trembling // Causes of Pain in Dogs

This common sign of pain in dogs can be caused by several things, including kidney disease, arthritis, distemper, or physical trauma.

It is often paired with other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, limping, or stiffness while walking.

It can also be caused by temperature changes or being too cold, or fear and anxiety.

But chronic or extreme shaking or trembling in the body or legs should always be checked out by your veterinarian.

Although shaking or trembling can be signs of pain in dogs, it could also indicate something more serious such as poisoning. Dogs who have swallowed large amounts of chocolate or the sugar-free sweetener xylitol may often suffer severe muscle tremors.

For a lot of us low-carb dieters, xylitol is a staple in our pantry. But this sugar-free sweetener can be a death sentence for our precious fur babies. For dogs, ingesting xylitol can lead to seizures or even death.

2. Excessive Grooming or Licking

Is excessive licking a sign of pain in dogs? Sometimes dogs in distress will lick their paws, or other areas of their body, to relieve stress or anxiety. This behavior acts as a soothing or calming action for them.

When our playful pups get injured, they will lick the wound to clean and care for it. Even when the pain is internal, our sweet canines will still lick themselves in the area of discomfort in an attempt to alleviate the pain — even if it isn’t visible.

Excessive licking could also indicate that your pooch is in pain and may be trying to self-heal.

While it’s normal for dogs to lick themselves, if it becomes an obsessive behavior other than a casual habit, it’s possible that your pet is in pain. Especially if it’s an area that your furry friend has not paid much attention to in the past.

3. When Should I Worry About Dog Panting?

As pet parents, we are accustomed to seeing our happy hounds pant. So it typically doesn’t register that this could be a sign of pain in dogs.

While some panting is normal when your spirited pooch is exercising, or when he’s in a warm environment, excessively panting at odd times can be a sign of stress, with the underlying cause being pain.

Panting in the middle of the night, or not after exercise or heat, may be a need for a visit to your veterinarian in order to look for the cause.

Although the reason for heavy panting suddenly and unexpectedly is difficult to pinpoint, it should be a cause for concern.

4. Changes in Posture

There’s just something different about our cuddly canine’s posture when he is in pain. Their stance seems “off”. Posture changes are very important in determining if your furry bestie is in pain. Dogs will usually put themselves in a “position of comfort” in order to minimize that pain.

Some dogs will try to remain as still as possible, while others are constantly moving around in an attempt to find a comfortable position. Even though it’s still tough to determine if certain changes in posture are a sign of pain in dogs, there are a few stances that experts say to be aware of.

According to Preventivevet.com, “dogs who are in pain may assume a very rigid, “sawhorse-type” stance, while others may assume the “prayer position” with their front legs on the ground, their butt up in the air, and a stretch through their abdomen.”

Dogs in pain may also present with an arched or sunken back, flattened ears, and/or a tucked tail in a dog who normally has a perky/upward tail.

5. Change in Tempermant Leading to Aggression

Nothing is more upsetting to a pet parent than for their loving fur companion to suddenly become aggressive. Even the most docile dog may lash out when they are hurting. If your cheerful canine’s demeanor is changing, this should be a red flag.

If your furry bestie starts showing his teeth, growling, or snapping, you should know that he is probably acting out of pain. Be cautious but don’t take it personally. To your loyal pooch, this is the only way he knows to communicate with you that he is in pain and doesn’t want to be touched.

Such extreme behavioral changes will always require a vet consultation. They will be able to help you understand if your pup’s acts of aggression are behavioral or a response to undiagnosed pain.

6. Limping

Limping is a clear sign of pain in dogs. Even though this sounds obvious, limping should not be taken lightly, especially if you don’t see anything evident that would cause this behavior.

Dogs limp for many reasons. Many will experience degenerative arthritis which causes painful stiffness and limping. For others, it could be a sign of joint pain in dogs or hip pain in dogs, among others.

Your veterinarian will be able to determine the best course of action to take for your little limping buddy.

7. Isolating from the Family

Behavioral changes can be a strong indication that your fur baby may be in pain, especially a decrease in social interaction. Some dogs will withdraw from their family and hide due to pain. While others start to seek constant affection and attention from their family.

While this is confusing for us, it is very individual for them.

If your jolly pup is suddenly hiding or wanting to spend time alone, or avoiding your touch, this could be an indication that something is just not right.

8. Change in Eating Habits // Signs Your Dog is Sick

If your usually hungry hound suddenly stops eating, he could be feeling pain or discomfort.

A change in eating habits could indicate anything from digestive issues to obstruction in the intestines.

Pain could be causing your beloved pup to get nauseous. Or the anxiety and stress caused by the pain could cause your baby to lose his appetite.

You may also notice that your snuggly canine is not wanting anything but soft foods. This could indicate that your buddy is suffering from mouth or dental pain.

He may be drinking more water, or less water, be vomiting, and/or having bouts of diarrhea.

9. Unusual Drooling

Excessive drooling is a common sign of nausea. Dogs often drool, or hyper salivate when they are in pain or anxious.

If your handsome hound is not usually a drooler and suddenly becomes extra-slobbery, it may be time for a visit to the vet.

10. Restlessness and Changes in Sleep Patterns

Many dogs nap throughout the day, but a significant change could indicate that something is wrong.

There are a lot of similarities between human pain and animal pain. Just like humans, our fur babies who are in pain tend to sleep more. Whether it’s their body’s way of trying to self-heal or the fact that it’s just difficult for them to move around, this may be a need for a visit to your vet.

On the other side of the coin, some dogs may be more restless because they just can’t seem to get comfortable. It may be difficult for them to sit or lie down. You may notice them in an unusual position or have trouble staying in one position for too long.

And, just like we worry about our human kids, we also agonize over our fur kids when we think they may be sick or in pain.

Are they sleeping too much? Not enough? Are they too still? Why are they so restless? It’s all so confusing … and concerning.

Some fur babies will try to remain as still as possible, while others are constantly moving around, trying to find a comfortable position. They may feel exhausted and sleep habits may be erratic.

11. Potty Setbacks

If your housetrained pooch suddenly starts having accidents or vomiting inside the house, this could indicate signs of abdominal pain in dogs.

If they are in pain, this is completely involuntary on their part. Stress and anxiety from their pain could be making it hard for them to control their bladder.

It also may be painful for your queasy canine to urinate or defecate, or he may not be able to move quickly enough to make it outside in time.

Either way, it’s important that you don’t scold or punish them for this accidental behavior. A dog in pain can’t tell you how they’re feeling and, if they are housetrained, this could be a tell-tale sign that something is wrong and may be a need for a visit to your veterinarian.

12. More Vocal than Usual – Dog Whimpering in Pain

Whimpering and whining — the sound that breaks every pet parents’ heart. While some dogs remain very quiet when they are hurting, others, like younger pups that may have never really experienced pain, may cry out for help.

Lots of times your precious pooch will be more vocal to try to communicate with you that he is in pain. Yelping, growling, and even howling could be your dog’s way of telling you that something just isn’t right.

13. Changes in Breathing

Dogs experiencing pain may have a faster and more shallow breathing pattern than normal. They may also have an increase in their heart rate.

If your easy-going fur baby is panting even though he hasn’t been exercising, or his breaths seem faster or shallower, these signs your dog is sick could indicate that it hurts him to take a breath.

how to tell if your dog is in pain from arthritis

14. It’s All in the Eyes

The eyes can be great indicators for signs of pain in dogs. The pupils will often become larger (dilated) if the pain is somewhere else in the body, and smaller (constricted) if the pain is in one or both of the eyes.

Dogs in pain will typically squint, or they may paw at them or drag them along the carpet. Their affected eye or eyes may appear bloodshot if they are in pain.

15. Loss of Interest in Exercise // Hip Pain in Dogs?

If your active running buddy appears to lose interest in running and jumping, he may be protecting himself from pain. He may appear unable to go on walks or lag behind on routine outings.

It could be that daily walks are causing his hips to hurt, or pain in his back and/or muscles.

If your bouncy baby has suddenly decided to put the breaks on outside exercise, there could be a comfort or health issue causing this change.

Check with your veterinarian if you suspect exercise is painful for your furry friend.

16. Mobility Issues // Back Pain in Dogs?

As we get older, it seems like things just start to hurt. Why is that? Usually, it’s because our arthritis has kicked in and our muscles are sore, or they are feeling weak. It’s the same for our fur babies.

When a dog starts to move more slowly than they used to, there is a reason. Sometimes that reason is joint pain and stiffness, and sometimes it can be something more serious that is causing his pain.

If your pup has sustained an injury or is dealing with arthritis, you may notice changes in their mobility.

You may notice he is struggling to get up from a down position. Or he may be reluctant to jump or use the stairs.

Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on how to tell if your dog is in pain from arthritis.

If your cozy canine suddenly decides he prefers the floor to snuggling up next to you, this could be a sign that jumping up is painful for him.

Always discuss any change in behavior or changes in normal activity with your veterinarian. Some of these signs of pain in dogs can be seen with other serious medical or behavioral problems as well.

17. Other Behavioral Changes

Wondering how to tell if your dog is in pain? Maybe you’ve noticed that your furry bestie that once greeted you at the door with a wagging tail and so much excitement he couldn’t stand it — now doesn’t even get up when you walk in?

Or maybe your once chipper and friendly pooch now seems tired and listless? These behaviors could be signs of pain in dogs.

Knowing your caring canine’s “normal” attitude, energy level, sleep patterns, appetite and thirst, gait, and other physical and behavioral patterns will help you quickly recognize when something is “off” or different in your pup.

After all, how can we know what is normal, if we don’t know what’s not normal?

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How We Can Help

Do dogs hide pain? Of course they do. As humans, sometimes I think the entire world knows when we’re in pain. But our furry family members will often suffer in silence.

Here are a few things that you can do to ease your furry fellow’s suffering.

First and foremost, CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN – leave it to the experts to examine the underlying issue that is causing your precious pup’s pain. This is always the safest course of action when you notice different or unusual behaviors that are worrying you.

While waiting for your vet appointment, continue to observe your fur baby, taking notes and documenting any behaviors that are concerning or any behaviors that “just aren’t normal” for your pooch. Documenting is crucial because sometimes when dogs are at the vet clinic, they can become excitable and may not show the same symptoms they do at home.

Stop walks or activities that appear to be causing your cozy canine’s pain until he has been seen by the vet and given the all clear.

Taking a short video of your furry bestie while he is experiencing these unusual behaviors can help your veterinarian greatly in determining the right course of action for your pup. Be sure to include what he was doing before the behavior, and how he acted after.

Avoid running to the medicine cabinet to treat your ailing pooch. Medications such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol can be dangerous to dogs. If you think your pup would benefit from medication before your appointment, be sure to ask the veterinarian to make sure it’s safe for your pup.

How to Comfort a Dog in Pain

Be present. Your comforting presence can soothe your pooch like nothing else. Just your company may be the key to a better mood mentally, even when he is feeling so poorly physically.

Make your fur baby comfortable with soft bedding and soft blankets. Your ailing canine may feel anxious due to his pain, and a quiet, stress-free environment may lessen his anxiety.

Be aware that every dog is unique and may express their pain in many different ways.

The bottom line is to know your pup! We are their #1 advocate and we want to make sure our furry besties are living their best lives possible.

{RELATED POST: 19 Surprising Signs Of Anxiety In Dogs And What You Can Do To Help}

Recognizing the signs of pain in dogs or understanding how to tell if your dog is in pain can be challenging. Being aware of any behavioral change in your precious pooch is key. Anything outside of your pup’s normal behavior should get your attention.

Can the signs of pain in dogs be confusing? Most definitely! Sometimes the onset of an illness is so gradual that we fail to recognize the signs.

But trust your instincts. You’ll know when something “just isn’t quite right” in your cuddly, furry family member.

Never hesitate to consult your veterinarian anytime you are concerned. Our little fur babies literally trust us with their lives and it’s our responsibility as proud pet parents to make sure they are healthy and happy.

17 Hidden Signs Of Pain In Dogs And How You Can Help

This post is all about how to recognize the signs of pain in dogs that your canine companion may be trying to tell you.

Recognizing the Signs of Pain in Dogs

Signs Your Dog May Be In Pain