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Parenting a sick or injured dog can be a little stressful, in part because they can’t tell you how they feel or where it hurts. But even though your dog can’t speak, they’ll let you know when they’re in pain. Changes in their behavior, physical movements and body language, and vocalizations like barking and whining can be good signs that they are communicating with you about their level of pain.
Generally, pain happens to prevent further injury or harm. If your dog hurts their foot, pain keeps them from putting weight on that foot and making the injury worse. Similarly, if your dog has an upset stomach because they ate something that disagreed with them, they’ll likely vomit to get rid of the snack that caused the problem.
Finding the underlying cause of their pain can help guide your next steps, whether that involves calling your veterinarian or monitoring them at home with a little TLC. We reached out to veterinarian Dr. Chryle Bonk to get more insight on the most common signs of pain and illness in dogs, plus how to tell when it’s time for a trip to the vet.
Physical Signs to Look For
If your dog is in pain, you may notice:
- Changes in posture: This might include tucking their tail, crouching, flattening their ears, and standing with a humped back, Dr. Bonk explains. A dog in pain may also sleep in a tightly curled position.
- Stiff movements: A dog in pain may seem reluctant to move. If they have to get up, they may walk more slowly than usual or even limp.
- Slower reflexes: Your dog may not respond as quickly as usual when you call their name, put down their food bowl, or toss a favorite toy.
- Changes in breathing: You may notice your dog panting or breathing faster than usual.
- Shivering, shaking, or trembling: If you notice your dog shaking all over, you can try gently running your hands along their body to find the specific spot that’s causing them pain. Trembling in their back legs only may point to arthritis.
Behavioral Signs to Monitor
Dogs in pain may behave differently than they typically would. For instance, you might notice they:
- Have less of an appetite, even for treats or their favorite foods
- Seem lethargic and spend a lot of time sleeping
- Seem restless and fidgety when they sit or lie down, which can mean they’re having trouble getting comfortable
- Don’t have much interest in interacting or playing with you
- Hide or avoid you and other pets
- Lick, bite, or scratch a specific spot on their body
- Suddenly show aggressive behavior, like snapping, growling or baring their teeth at you or other pets
- Whine, cry, or whimper for no apparent reason
Facial Expressions
Dr. Bonk says pain can really bring out the “puppy dog eyes” when your dog looks at you. Your dog may also:
- Squint
- Seem reluctant to open their eyes
- Grimace
- Have a vacant stare or pupils that seem very large
However, Dr. Bonk emphasizes that most dogs are very stoic and try not to show pain.
Instead, you may just notice they seem a little off. Maybe they’re eating less or tiring out a little sooner on your regular walk. They might simply seem a little more clingy or standoffish than usual, or they may not want to follow their playtime and exercise routine.
So, even if you don’t notice any of the symptoms above, it’s always a good idea to check in with your vet if your dog doesn’t seem like themselves.
What Is the Cause of My Dog’s Pain?
Many different illnesses can cause pain for dogs. A few of the common examples include cancer, parvo, fungal infections, and heartworm.
If your dog’s pain comes from their musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, muscles, or connective tissues—they may get tired quickly, avoid exercise, and have trouble walking. You might also notice swelling in the injured area, bleeding, bruising, or a rash.
On the other hand, if your dog’s pain comes from an internal organ, they may have a fever, vomiting, and trouble breathing. They may not want to eat, and you might notice changes in their urination and bowel movements, like constipation.
Can you give a dog human painkillers?
It’s never safe to give a dog human medication for pain.
Most human painkillers are toxic to dogs, but all human painkillers, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can cause damage if you give your dog the wrong dose, Dr. Bonk explains.
Instead, seek veterinary advice to treat your dog’s pain. Not only can they help find the cause of your dog’s pain, they can also prescribe safe and effective pain relief.
When to Call a Vet
If your dog shows signs of pain, injury, or illness, the best thing you can do as a pet parent is take them to the vet right away. It’s especially important to reach out to your vet if your dog has signs of pain for more than a day or two.
That said, it’s best to call your vet immediately if they also have other symptoms, like trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, or an open wound. Let your vet know how long your dog has had pain, along with any other concerning signs you’ve noticed.
When transporting your dog to the vet, keep smaller dogs in a carrier so they don’t hurt themselves further if they get agitated on the ride. If you have a larger dog and you don’t know where they’re injured, keep them on a stretcher (you can make your own with any large, firm flat object).
If you’re not sure where your dog is injured and don’t know the best way to transport them, your vet can always offer more guidance.
How to Comfort a Dog in Pain
If you’re caring for a dog in pain, Dr. Bonk recommends offering them a thick, supportive bed. An orthopedic bed can work particularly well for dogs with arthritis and joint injuries, but it can also be a great option for senior dogs prone to aches and pains.
Without a doubt, you’ll want to give your dog lots of love and attention. But it’s important to take care and avoid picking them up, touching them in painful areas, or asking them to do anything that may increase their pain.
For example, if your dog has mouth pain that makes it hard to eat, you might offer wet food or kibble soaked in water instead of their regular dry food. When they have a leg injury that makes them limp, you’ll want to keep your walks short and save long hikes for when they’ve healed.
Though it might go without saying, the best thing you can do to help your dog is making an appointment with your vet. A vet can prescribe the right medication for your dog. They can also recommend helpful steps you can take at home to ease your dog’s discomfort, from making sure they have plenty of time to rest to keeping them hydrated.
You might even try offering special treats to tempt their appetite (with your vet’s approval!). And if your dog needs pain medication, your vet will prescribe it—you can’t buy over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief for dogs.
Always make sure to follow your vet’s instructions for giving your dog their medication. Give your dog the directed dose at the recommended times. Feeding them medication with a meal, unless otherwise stated, can help with any side effects of nausea or loose stools. If you’re not sure about the best way to get your dog to take their pills or liquid medication, call your vet for more guidance.