Parenting a sick or injured dog can be 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 with other signs, like changes in their behaviour, physical movements and body language, and vocalisations like barking and whining.
It’s natural to want to help your dog feel better. Finding the underlying cause of their pain can help guide your next steps, whether that involves calling your vet 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.
Common Signs Of Pain In Dogs
Like humans, dogs show pain and stress in different ways, depending on factors like their personality and the type of pain they’re dealing with.
Physical signs of pain
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 favourite 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.
Changes in behaviour
Dogs in pain may behave differently than they typically would. For instance, you might notice the following symptoms:
- reduced appetite, even for treats or their favourite foods
- lethargy and spending a lot of time sleeping
- restless and fidgety when they sit or lie down (which can mean they’re having trouble getting comfortable)
- low interest in interacting or playing with you
- hiding or avoiding you and other pets
- licking, biting, or scratching a specific spot on their body
- sudden aggressive behaviour, like snapping, growling or baring their teeth at you or other pets
- whining, crying, or whimpering 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 emphasises 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 Signs Of Illness Accompany Pain?
Pain can come from anywhere in a dog’s body, and many different illnesses can cause pain for dogs. A few examples include cancer, parvo, fungal infections, and heartworm.
You’ll generally notice different signs of illness, depending on whether your dog has an underlying health issue or where their pain comes from.
Some general signs to pay attention to include:
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.
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.
What To Do If Your Dog Is In Pain
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, diarrhoea, 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.
Can you give a dog human painkillers?
It’s never safe to give a dog human painkillers.
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.
What to do while a dog is taking canine pain relief
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, which means giving them the directed dose at the recommended times. You may need to give your dog painkillers every eight hours or every 12 hours, for example, depending on the type of medication prescribed and your dog’s symptoms.
Your vet will also explain how long to keep giving your dog the medication. If you’re not sure about the best way to get your dog to take their pills or liquid medication, 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 orthopaedic 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 to make 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!).