Is My Dog In Pain?

It’s awful to think your dog might be in pain. Pain in dogs is a topic that’s recently been more widely researched, and we’re getting to learn more about it all the time.  It can be really tricky to notice, as dogs often conceal their pain as a survival mechanism. So how can you tell if your dog is in pain?

In this article, we’re going to have a look at whether dogs feel pain and how you can tell if your dog is in pain. We’ll give you some advice on when you should visit a vet if your dog is in pain, as well as our tips for how to help if you suspect your dog might be in pain.  

Download the Zigzag app for a full puppy training programme, to teach your dog from the very beginning all of their essential life skills, and you’ll also have access 24/7 to a team of professional dog trainers to help you with your puppy, via our in-app chat. 

Do dogs feel pain?

Yes, dogs feel pain much like humans do. In fact, pain in dogs is extremely common and frequently goes undiagnosed. Pain can be caused by an injury or illness, but it can also be developmental, and it can be present for a long time before we notice. 

Read more in our guide to puppy behaviour and puppy body language.

Is my dog in pain? The signs and symptoms 

Dogs communicate with us via their behaviour and body language, and different dogs will have different ways of expressing this depending on the cause of the pain. 

Here are some signs to look out for if you think your dog is in pain:

Whining or crying

Vocalisation is one of the most obvious signs that your dog is in pain, they might cry, howl, whine or yelp when in pain. 

If you have a vocal puppy, and you’re not sure why, take a read of our guide, why is my puppy barking at nothing?

Limping, crabbing or hopping 

If you see your dog limping, or looking like they skip or hop every now and again, this points to them being in pain. 

You’ll often see this in breeds such as Chihuahuas and Terriers, and it’s commonly associated with patella or kneecap problems.

Stiffness or change in posture

If your dog seems stiff when they walk, is hunched or their posture changes at all, then this can be a sign of pain or discomfort.

It might not be something joint or musculoskeletal when this happens, dogs with tummy problems can often appear hunched over as their stomach is sore or tense. Read more in our guide to puppy vomiting, and puppy diarrhoea. 

Flinching when you touch them

Skin sensitivity, flinching when they are touched, or shying away from petting can be a sign that your dog is in pain. 

Panting

An increase in breath rate can be a sign that a dog is not comfortable and may be stressed, which could be related to pain. 

Read more in our article on puppy panting. 

Lack of appetite

When dogs are in pain, it can often cause a lack of appetite. If the pain is related to their gastrointestinal system, and it hurts or feels horrible when they eat, then it’s no wonder they might not want to eat, right?  

Read more in our guides how much to feed a puppy, and how to home cook for your dog.

Licking and biting paws

A common signal that a dog is in some discomfort is by them licking or biting their paws. There might be nothing wrong with the paws themselves, but they are doing it to make themselves feel better.

Lethargic or quiet

If your dog suddenly goes lethargic, doesn’t seem to want to move much, or spends a lot of time suddenly sleeping, then they could be unwell and/or in pain. 

Clingy or not wanting to be left alone

Dogs that are in pain, naturally want to be with the person that makes them feel better, and that’s often us.

Read more in our articles why is my dog so clingy, and puppy separation anxiety.

Aggressive or bad-tempered

If your dog is grouchy, or even aggressive, it can be a sign that they’re sore or in pain. Imagine what it’s like if you have a headache it can make you pretty uncomfortable, and you’ll get cross with people, well dogs can be pretty similar. 

When should I visit a vet?

Any sudden changes in your dog’s behaviour that indicate they’re in pain should be checked by a vet. Dogs are very good at masking pain, so by the time they are showing signs of being uncomfortable and in pain, it’s time to get some professional help. 

Of course, dogs can suffer minor mishaps and limp if they slip or trip, but if this goes on for an extended period then it’s good to check that they haven’t done any damage, and can receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Make sure Vet visits go well with your puppy by checking out our article puppy’s first vet visit.

How can I help my dog if they’re in pain

If your dog is showing signs that they are in pain, then we owe it to them to help. Do what you need to do to immediately help them with their discomfort, this will really vary depending on where they are showing that they are in pain, but could include:

• Carrying a limping or lame dog is one way to help them with their pain
• Removing anything that might be hurting them, like a thorn or splinter
• Keeping a diary of what they eat and the activity they do to see if you can locate why they might be in pain 
• Take video of their behaviour so you can refer back to it and see if they’re doing better, or worse!
• Provide them with a comfortable place to sleep – an orthopaedic or raised bed are appreciated by most dogs, especially those who have joint or muscle pain
• Modify their exercise – avoid jumping in and out of cars, and carry them up and down stairs. You may also want to reduce their walks, or only walk in grassy areas to avoid overworking their joints.
• Keep them calm – if they’re in pain, they likely need to rest and have some quiet time. 
• Talk to your vet – they really will be the best person to speak to if you suspect your dog is in pain. 

Thank goodness, we are learning more and more every day about canine pain and how to treat it. Although it may be tempting, we advise against trying to diagnose your dog’s pain online; and instead, consult your vet for help. Recording your dog’s behaviour on camera and playing it back for them can be really useful. You should also keep a diary to see if you can identify any triggers, such as allergies, or what may have caused your dog’s pain.

To learn more about puppy behaviour, have a read of our guides like why is my puppy acting distant, or why does my puppy follow me everywhere or even finding out if you should let your puppy sleep in your bed? 

Download the Zigzag app today, and not only will you learn more about the fascinating world of puppies, you’ll also get a programme based on their stage of development and based around those breed quirks we know they have! Contact the puppy coaches if you’re stuck, they’re professional dog trainers, and are there to help 24/7.