Is Your Dog in Pain? Common Signs Most Dog Guardian’s Miss

Pain in dogs is often far from obvious. By instinct, dogs tend to hide signs of discomfort, making it easy for even attentive guardians to overlook subtle changes. Many dogs suffer in silence - absence of limping or vocalising does not mean they are free from significant pain. Consider how a dog might behave after being hit by a car: quiet, withdrawn, and subdued. Dogs are remarkably adept at coping with chronic pain, gradually adapting in ways that can make them appear outwardly fine. To the untrained eye, it may seem as though they have recovered, when in reality, the pain persists beneath the surface.

Pain, especially when acute or chronic, can affect every part of your dog’s well-being - from their mobility and appetite to their behaviour and social interactions.

By paying close attention to body language, movement, grooming habits, and emotional cues, you can pick up on early signs that your dog may be hurting. Below are some of the most common (and often overlooked) signs of pain in dogs, from physical posture changes to shifts in sleep and mood.

Movement and Mobility Changes 

• Posture changes - holding their body differently, lowered tail position, roached back (hunched back), lowered middle back and higher rump, leaning forward or backward or shifting weight between legs, less tail wagging than normal or completely stopped wagging tail.
  
  
• Mild limping that comes and goes - especially after rest or during certain movements.
  
  
• Slower lying down and getting up - or slower to start lying down then appearing to drop to the floor mid-way which may make a loud thud with a larger dog. Appearing to look worried when they do this, eyes may be wide open.
  
  
• Avoiding stairs or jumping up - reluctance to do activities they previously did easily.
  
  
• Stopping, sitting or lying down or slowing down on walks - not stubbornness, it could be pain.
  
  
• Stiffness and being slower following play/exercise
  
  
• Jumping onto or off furniture - more caution or unable to jump onto or off the couch, bed or car like they used too. Or accidents/falls when trying to do so.
  
  
• Unable to do full body shake - from nose to tail. Record your dog in slow motion shaking after a bath or swimming. Is there a ‘break’ part way down the body in their shake?
  
  
• Stopped stretching like they used to - no more “downward dog” or stretching back legs when getting off furniture.
  
  
• Lameness - a mild or intermittent limp that comes and goes, especially after rest or exercise / chasing a ball or fence running.
  
  
• Difficulty toileting or walking when pooping - getting into the position to defecate can be very painful for a dog in chronic pain. Your dog may look uncomfortable trying to get into position. A male dog may stop cocking his leg and squatting to urinate. Difficulty toileting can result in constipation or urinary tract infections.

Behavioural and Mood Shifts 

• Restlessness, especially at night - difficulty getting comfortable, circling excessively, getting up and down repeatedly, or pacing.
  
  

• Subtle changes in sleep patterns - sleeping more or less than usual, or in odd locations.
  
  

• Following you less or becoming more withdrawn - a shift in social behaviour can indicate discomfort.
  
  

• Avoidance - avoiding usual activities, less interest in walks, play, or greeting people, avoiding being touched in specific areas. Becoming distant or disconnected. Hiding from people or other animals.
  
  

• Aggression - uncharacteristic irritability, snapping or growling at people or other animals unexpectedly. Out of character aggression or reactivity with other dogs when out.
  
  

• Depression
  
  

• Decreased appetite or slower eating - not refusing food outright, but showing less enthusiasm.
  
  

• Reluctance or not eating/drinking - may need food/water bowls elevating as it’s painful for elbows or neck to reach ground level bowls.
  
  

Licking, Grooming and Self-Soothing 

• Excessive licking, chewing, gnawing or grooming - especially of the front paws or a specific area, sometimes leading to bald patches. Obsessive front paw licking/chewing may indicate nerve pain originating from the neck/spine which causes a pins and needles sensation in the paws.
  
  

• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face - could indicate dental or oral pain.
  
  

Vocalisation and Expression Changes 

• Change in vocalisations - subtle grunting, whining, or sighing more than usual. Groaning when lying down, no matter how subtle.
  
  

• Facial Tension - expression changes like squinting, pinned-back ears, or a tense jaw (known as "pain face" or “pain grimace”).
  
  

Physical Sensitivities and Body Cues

• Skin twitching/spasming - flickering and twitching of the skin when patting or stroking your dog.
  
  

• Flinching or avoiding touch in specific areas - even if they don’t growl or snap.
  
  

• Abnormal fur patterns/growth - patches of dull or flat coat compared to rest of the coat. Bald patches. A change in hair growth in an isolated area. Swirls and other patterns that are not usual for the dog.
  
  

• Hot or warm spots - very slowly with a flat hand, feel all over your dog's spine and joints. Can you feel any warm or hot areas? This indicates inflammation.
  
  

• Panting - a common stress response to pain, especially when not hot.
  
  

• Tremors, trembling, shaking, leg spasming
  
  

If your dog is showing one or more of these signs, don’t dismiss it as simply “getting old” or “just being lazy.” These behaviours are your dog’s way of communicating that something isn’t right. Trust your instincts, as you know your dog best.

Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect pain, even if the signs seem subtle or come and go. Early detection and management can greatly improve your dog’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Pain may be silent, but your dog’s behaviour speaks volumes. You just have to know what to look for.

And don’t forget that we have a broad range of natural remedies available at Aussie Pooch. With nutraceuticals to support joints & arthritis, we’re sure to have an effective and natural solution to ease your dog’s pain. 

If you’re still not sure if your dog might be in pain or how to best address your dog’s pain, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help and refer you on to a qualified professional.