Dogs can’t always tell us when something is wrong, so it’s important to recognise the subtle signs that may indicate discomfort or pain. From changes in behaviour to physical cues, being attentive can help ensure your dog gets the care it needs.
This information is for general knowledge purposes only. The details were gathered from online sources, and symptoms can vary depending on the dog and situation.
1. Changes In Appetite
Food refusal often signals something’s amiss with your furry friend. A dog that suddenly leaves kibble untouched or shows decreased interest in treats may be experiencing oral pain or internal discomfort.
Conversely, some dogs might overeat when hurting.
This seemingly contradictory response stems from stress hormones triggering increased hunger. Monitor both eating patterns carefully, whether it’s reluctance to chew or unusual food obsession.
2. Altered Behaviour
Yesterday’s playful pup now growls when approached? Pain might be the culprit. Dogs experiencing discomfort often display personality shifts that seem to come out of nowhere.
Watch for a typically social dog seeking isolation or an independent pet suddenly demanding constant attention. Aggression toward family members or other pets can emerge when your dog hurts too much to tolerate normal interaction.
3. Limping Or Difficulty Moving
A telltale sign of canine discomfort appears in how they move. Your once-agile companion might hesitate before jumping onto the sofa or take stairs one careful step at a time.
Morning stiffness that improves with activity suggests arthritis. Sudden, severe limping could indicate an injury or foreign object in a paw. Reluctance to move at all warrants immediate veterinary attention. It could signal serious conditions like intervertebral disc disease.
4. Excessive Licking Or Chewing
Your dog’s instinct to self-soothe through licking reveals important clues about pain locations. Persistent attention to a specific area, whether joint, paw, or flank, often pinpoints the trouble spot.
Redness, hair loss, or moist dermatitis can develop from this focused grooming. Sometimes the pain source isn’t obvious; dogs with digestive discomfort might lick air or furniture. Check regularly for hot spots or swelling where your pet concentrates their licking efforts.
5. Vocalisation Changes
Unusual sounds break the silence when dogs hurt. A normally quiet pet suddenly whimpering, groaning, or yelping demands attention, these vocalizations rarely occur without reason.
Listen for context clues: Does your dog cry when climbing stairs? Perhaps joint pain is the issue. Whining while lying down might indicate abdominal discomfort. Some dogs growl defensively if touched near painful areas, not from aggression but self-protection.
6. Changes In Sleeping Patterns
Restless nights tell a tale of discomfort. A dog in pain might pace before settling, constantly readjust position, or abandon favorite sleeping spots for unusual locations like hard floors that provide better support.
Some painful conditions cause excessive lethargy. Your normally energetic companion may sleep unusually long hours. Others create insomnia-like symptoms where your pet seems unable to relax. Pay attention when sleep habits change without explanation.
7. Panting Or Heavy Breathing
Rapid breathing without obvious cause raises red flags about your dog’s comfort level. While panting normally cools dogs during exercise or heat, unexplained respiratory changes often signal distress or pain.
Shallow, quick breaths might indicate chest or abdominal pain making deep breathing uncomfortable. Look for flared nostrils, extended neck positions, or unusual sitting postures that maximize airflow. These compensatory behaviors often accompany respiratory discomfort or pain elsewhere in the body.
8. Facial Expressions
Dogs speak volumes through subtle facial changes. A pained expression often features squinted eyes, furrowed brow, or tightened muscles around the muzzle, creating what veterinarians call the “pain face.”
Forward-folded ears or vacant stares suggest discomfort too. These expressions typically appear before more obvious symptoms develop. Take photos of your dog’s normal expressions to help identify concerning changes later. Even slight differences in how they hold their mouth or eyes can reveal hidden suffering.
