- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
As a pet parent, you’re in the best position to notice when something’s off with your dog. Early signs of pain in dogs can include changes in energy, movement, or mood—and acting quickly when you notice these signs can make a big difference in their comfort and recovery.
Dogs often hide pain well, explains Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and vet at The Veterinary Content Company
That’s what makes it so essential to pay attention to changes in your dog’s behavior, posture, or routine, even when these changes seem minor. Knowing what to watch for can help you make sure your dog gets the right care.
Read on to learn how to recognize signs of pain in dogs, determine possible causes, and keep your dog comfortable. Plus, find out when it’s best to call the vet.
Different Ways Dogs Show They’re in Pain
If your dog is experiencing pain, you might notice shifts in their movement, activity, or breathing patterns.
Since dogs often mask their discomfort, Dr. Woodnutt advises paying close attention to even the smallest changes.
Here are some signs that could suggest pain in dogs.
Mobility changes
Dogs with limb pain often move differently or less frequently. You might notice:
- Limping or favoring one side
- Stiffness when getting up from rest
- Hesitating or refusing to jump on furniture
- Trouble taking stairs, including “bunny hopping”
- Slower walking pace or shortened stride
Activity level changes
If movement causes pain, dogs may reduce their activity to avoid discomfort. You might notice:
- Sleeping or resting more than usual
- Less interest in play or walks
- Refusing to walk or stopping mid-walk
- Not pacing or following you like they usually do
Behavioral changes
Pain can lead to unexpected mood shifts or reactions. You might notice:
- Increased irritability or aggression
- Growling or snapping when touched, especially while resting or sleeping
- Avoiding people or other dogs
- Unusual clinginess or restlessness
Lifestyle changes
Pain can show up in your dog’s daily habits. You might notice:
- Dropping food or only eating from your hand (often due to dental pain)
- Sleeping more, sometimes less if discomfort prevents deep rest
- Excessive licking of a specific area, like a sore joint
- Lack of interest in favorite routines or activities
Altered posture
Joint or muscular pain can affect how a dog holds their body. You might notice:
- Eating only when food is placed on the floor
- Arching their back or hunching
- Standing with legs splayed or oddly positioned
- Sitting or lying in different positions than usual
- Reluctance to stretch or fully lie down
Unusual breathing patterns
Pain can influence how your dog breathes, especially during movement or activity. You might notice:
- Panting more than usual, even when they aren’t hot or exercising
- Breathing faster or more shallowly
- Pausing to catch their breath after simple activities
Causes and Types of Pain in Dogs
Understanding the difference between acute and chronic pain can help you get your dog the right kind of care.
Acute pain
Short-term, or acute, pain usually happens due to an identifiable event, explains Dr. Brad Hinsperger, veterinarian and director at Kingsdale Animal Hospital. For example, acute pain can happen after surgery, infection, or inflammation.
This type of pain generally improves as the tissue heals, especially with medication and rest. Generally, vets can manage acute pain easily, especially when they address it early.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain can develop slowly and linger, beyond the time it takes tissue to heal. It commonly happens with chronic diseases like arthritis.
Long-term pain can last for many weeks or months, even longer, because the underlying disease continues or the nervous system becomes sensitized, Dr. Hinsperger says.
Over time, chronic pain can lead to increased sensitivity, spreading discomfort, and a decline in your dog’s quality of life. Ongoing treatment and monitoring can help provide some relief.
Identifying Your Dog’s Level of Pain
You certainly might notice if your dog starts acting differently, but you still might not know what’s causing their discomfort or how much pain they’re in.
Dogs instinctively hide pain—and pain tolerance differs from dog to dog, Dr. Hinsperger adds, which can make it even more challenging to assess a dog’s pain level at home.
Veterinarians use specialized pain assessments and scoring tools to get a clearer picture of your dog’s condition and make sure they get the best care.
That said, you can still use some general signs to help determine whether your dog is experiencing mild or severe pain.
Mild pain
A dog experiencing mild pain may:
- Seem slightly unsettled or restless
- Seem uncomfortable when resting
- Have drooping ears
- Lick a specific area on their body
- Cry or whimper
- Fail to respond when called
- Have less of an appetite
What to do
If you notice any of these signs, monitor your dog at home for 24–48 hours, Dr. Hinsperger recommends.
If their discomfort seems to get worse or lasts for more than two days, contact your vet for guidance on next steps.
Severe pain
A dog experiencing severe pain may:
- Show uncharacteristic aggression, even toward familiar people
- Protect or guards the painful site
- Seem unwillingness to move
- Seem unaware of their environment
- Resist your efforts to distract them or get their attention
- Have little appetite and refuse even high-value treats
You should treat signs of severe pain as an emergency and seek veterinary care for your dog right away, according to Dr. Hinsperger.
How To Help Your Dog Stay Comfortable
Dr. Hinsperger shares the following tips to help dogs experiencing both short-term and chronic pain.
Call your vet
If you think your dog may be in pain, a visit to the vet should be your first step.
The goal of this visit is to determine whether your dog is dealing with acute pain or chronic pain, Dr. Hinsperger explains.
This assessment can help your vet diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan to manage your dog’s discomfort effectively and safely.
Cold or hot therapy
Cold therapy works best for short-term pain, like that experienced after surgery or an injury. Applying cold packs helps reduce inflammation and eases pain by numbing the area.
Heat therapy can help treat chronic conditions like arthritis by increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles, both of which can help ease stiffness.
When applying cold or warm packs, never place them directly on your dog’s skin. Use a thin towel as a barrier and leave the packs on for only about 10-15 minutes at a time.
Modify exercises
Controlled physical activity plays an important part in managing both short-term and long-term pain. A short walk (on a leash) can help dogs recovering from injury or surgery stay mobile.
For chronic pain, low-impact exercise like swimming or underwater treadmill sessions can help strengthen muscles and reduce joint strain.
Tailoring exercise to your dog’s needs supports their healing and comfort, so always ask your vet about the best type of exercise if you’re not sure.
Pain medications
Medications can help manage your dog’s pain, but Dr. Hinsperger cautions against giving your dog any medications not approved or prescribed by your vet.
Your vet may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for short-term pain relief. They may prescribe others, like gabapentin, for managing long-term or neuropathic pain.
Mobility and environmental aids
Supporting your dog’s movement and comfort at home can go a long way toward improve their quality of life.
If your dog has trouble getting around due to mobility issues caused by pain, things like ramps, orthopedic beds, harnesses with handles, and non-slip flooring can all make a difference.
For example, a harness with a handle can assist dogs recovering from surgery, while non-slip mats reduce the risk of falling. These aids can help your dog recover without further injury and assist with long-term pain management.
Alternative therapies
Complementary treatments like acupuncture, massage, laser therapy, and therapeutic ultrasound may reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and relieve pain.
These therapies can be part of a comprehensive pain management plan for both acute and chronic conditions, but they generally work best alongside conventional medical treatments, like medication.
