How to Know If a Dog Is in Pain

Many dogs are remarkably good at hiding pain. In the clinic, I have seen sweet, quiet dogs with serious issues who never cried once. At the same time, some dogs are very vocal, so pain can look different from one pet to the next. That is why learning the subtle signs matters so much. When you can spot pain early, you can get help sooner and prevent a small problem from turning into a big one.

Below, I will walk you through what pain can look like in real life, what is normal aging versus not, and when it is time to call your vet right away.

Why dogs hide pain

Dogs do not think about pain the way we do. Many dogs keep eating, wagging, and following you around even when something hurts.

• Instinct: Animals often hide weakness because it can make them vulnerable.
• Excitement and stress: During visitors, play, or a vet visit, some dogs may seem less painful for a short time.
• Chronic pain becomes “normal”: A dog with arthritis may slowly change over months, so the family adjusts without realizing it.

That is why it helps to compare your dog to their own usual self, not to other dogs.

Common signs of pain

Pain signs tend to fall into a few categories: movement changes, behavior changes, facial and body cues, and changes in daily habits like eating and pottying.

1) Movement and posture

• Limping or favoring a leg, even mildly
• Stiffness when getting up, especially after rest
• Reluctance to jump onto the couch or into the car
• Slowing down on walks or stopping more often
• Bunny hopping (both back legs moving together), which can be seen with hip or knee pain and other orthopedic or neurologic issues
• Hunched back or a “tucked” abdomen, which can point to belly or back pain
• Head held low or neck held rigid, which can suggest neck pain

2) Behavior and mood

• Less social, hiding, or seeking isolation
• Clingier than usual, following you constantly
• Irritability, growling, or snapping when touched
• Restlessness, trouble settling, pacing
• Decreased interest in play or toys they normally love

3) Face and body language

Veterinary teams often watch the face closely because it can reveal discomfort quickly. A helpful note here: some cues are not pain-specific. They are signs of stress or discomfort that can show up with pain, especially when combined with other changes.

• Squinting or tightly closed eyes
• “Whale eye” (showing the whites of the eyes) and a tense look, which more often signals stress or discomfort and may occur with pain
• Pinned back ears
• Tense mouth, lip licking, or yawning when not tired (often stress, nausea, or discomfort, and sometimes pain)
• Increased panting when it is not hot and they are not exercising

4) Eating, drinking, and self-care

• Reduced appetite or eating more slowly
• Dropping food, chewing on one side, or yelping when chewing (possible dental pain)
• Increased drinking can signal illness (kidney disease, hormone problems, medication side effects, and more). Call your vet, especially if it is new or paired with other signs.
• Over-licking one spot (paws, joints, belly) or chewing at the skin
• Looking unkempt or less “put together” than usual, which can happen when a dog feels unwell

5) Sleep and energy

• Sleeping more or seeming less engaged
• Sleeping less because they cannot get comfortable
• Changing sleep spots, especially avoiding stairs or hard floors

6) Vocalizing (not always)

Some dogs cry, whine, or yelp, but many do not. Vocalizing is a sign to take seriously, but the absence of it does not mean your dog is fine.

• Whining, whimpering, or groaning when lying down
• Yelping when picked up or when a certain area is touched
• Unusual barking, especially at night

Acute vs chronic pain

Acute pain (sudden)

This is pain that comes on quickly, like after a fall, a bite, an injury, or a sudden illness.

• Sudden limping or refusing to bear weight
• Crying out, trembling, rapid panting
• Protecting one area, not wanting to be touched
• Sudden vomiting, bloated abdomen, or collapse (these are emergencies)

Chronic pain (ongoing)

Chronic pain is common with arthritis, dental disease, ear infections that keep returning, allergies, and some spinal issues.

• Slowly decreasing activity and stamina
• Stiffness that improves after warming up
• Less jumping, less playing, more “couch potato” behavior
• Slow weight gain from moving less

Chronic pain is often mistakenly blamed on “just getting old.” Aging happens, but pain is not something your dog should have to live with.

Where pain hides

Dental and mouth pain

Dental disease is one of the most common sources of hidden pain. Dogs can keep eating even with painful teeth.

• Bad breath, red gums, tartar buildup
• Pawing at the mouth, face rubbing on carpet
• Chewing slowly, preferring soft food, dropping kibble

Ear pain

• Head shaking, ear scratching
• One ear held differently
• Odor, redness, discharge

Joint and back pain

• Difficulty with stairs
• Reluctance to jump
• Stiffness or a shorter stride
• Sensitivity along the spine or hips

Belly pain

Belly pain can be very serious.

• Praying position (front end down, rear end up) repeatedly
• Restlessness, panting, drooling
• Vomiting, diarrhea, not wanting food
• Bloated abdomen

Other common “sneaky” pain spots

• Paw and nail injuries: Licking one foot, limping on and off, a broken nail, swelling between toes
• Urinary tract pain: Straining, frequent small pees, accidents, licking the genital area
• Anal gland issues: Scooting, licking under the tail, sudden pain when sitting

Safe checks at home

You do not need to “play vet” to gather useful information. Think of this as gentle observation, not a deep exam.

60-second scan

• Breathing: Is your dog panting at rest or breathing faster than normal?
• Posture: Any hunching, head tilt, or guarding a limb?
• Gait: Walk them on a flat surface. Any limping or uneven steps?
• Face: Squinting, tension, ears pinned, a worried look?

Gentle touch test

With calm, slow movements, lightly pet along the body. Stop immediately if your dog stiffens, turns to look, lip licks repeatedly, growls, or tries to move away.

Safety note: A painful dog can bite, even if they have never bitten before. If you suspect significant pain, skip the touch test and call your veterinarian.

A note on fever and temperature

Fever can accompany painful conditions, but I do not recommend taking a rectal temperature at home unless you have been shown how to do it safely. If your dog feels unusually hot, is shaking, seems very lethargic, or is acting unwell along with pain, call your vet for guidance.

Timing matters

Pay extra attention to pain signs after surgery, after a dental procedure, or after unusual exercise. If your dog seems worse instead of better over 24 hours, that is a reason to check in.

When pain is an emergency

Trust your gut. If your dog seems “off” and you cannot explain it, it is worth a call.

Go to an emergency vet now if you notice:

• Difficulty breathing, blue gums, or very pale gums (pale gums can be a sign of shock or anemia)
• Collapse, extreme weakness, or unresponsiveness
• Swollen, hard, or rapidly enlarging abdomen, especially with retching
• Cannot urinate, or straining with little to no urine
• Seizures, severe disorientation
• Sudden paralysis, dragging legs
• Eye injury, bulging eye, or sudden blindness
• Uncontrolled bleeding or deep wounds
• Suspected toxin ingestion (medications, xylitol, grapes or raisins, etc.)

How vets assess pain

Pain scoring in veterinary medicine often includes posture, facial tension, response to touch, movement, appetite, and behavior. Your notes are incredibly valuable because you see what happens at home.

Bring this to your visit

• When it started and whether it was sudden or gradual
• Any recent changes in activity, stairs, jumping, or appetite
• Videos of limping or unusual behavior (short clips are perfect)
• Any supplements or medications your dog is taking

What treatment may include

Depending on the cause, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Prescription pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication
• Dental treatment if the mouth is the source
• Physical therapy, weight management, or joint support plans
• Diagnostics like x-rays, bloodwork, or ultrasound

Important: Never give human pain medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to. These can be dangerous for dogs.

Comfort steps for now

While you are arranging veterinary care, a few gentle changes can help your dog feel safer and more supported.

• Rest: Keep activity calm and controlled. Short leash potty breaks only if needed.
• Soft footing: Add rugs or yoga mats on slippery floors.
• Easy access: Use a ramp for cars or couches, and block stairs if they are struggling.
• Supportive bedding: Especially helpful for stiff joints.
• Track symptoms: Write down appetite, sleep, potty habits, and any limping.

Quick checklist

If you notice two or more of the signs below for more than a day, it is worth calling your vet.

• Less interest in play or walks
• Stiffness, limping, or trouble standing up
• Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or be picked up
• Panting or restlessness at night
• Grumpiness, hiding, or avoiding touch
• Excess licking of one spot
• Changes in eating, chewing, or drinking

Do not wait if you see a single severe sign, such as not bearing weight on a leg, repeated vomiting, a distended belly with retching, sudden eye pain, or inability to urinate.

Your dog cannot tell you with words, but they are always communicating. When you learn their signals, you become their best advocate.