How to Know When Your Dog Is in Pain

Many dogs are incredibly good at hiding pain. In the clinic, I have seen sweet, waggy dogs with serious issues who never once cried or limped. That is why learning your dog’s “quiet” pain signals matters so much. When you can spot discomfort early, you can get help sooner, prevent worsening injury, and keep your dog’s quality of life strong.

This guide walks you through the most common signs of pain in dogs, what they can look like at home, and what to do next.

Why dogs hide pain

Most dogs do not show pain the way humans expect. Instead of crying, they often withdraw, move differently, or act “off.” There are a few reasons:

• Instinct: In the wild, showing weakness can make an animal vulnerable.
• Personality: Some dogs are naturally stoic. In my experience, you may see this more often in certain working or highly driven dogs, but it is not a rule.
• Slow progression: Arthritis, dental disease, and many chronic conditions worsen gradually, so changes can be subtle.

That is why the best pain detection tool you have is knowing what is normal for your dog and noticing when “normal” shifts.

Most common signs your dog is in pain

Pain signs are often a mix of body language, behavior changes, and movement changes. You might only see one or two at first.

1) Behavior changes

• Less social: Hiding, staying in another room, avoiding family activity.
• Clingy or needy: Following you closely, seeking constant contact.
• Irritability: Growling, snapping, or “grumpy” reactions, especially when touched. New biting or sudden aggression is a big red flag that deserves a veterinary check.
• Restlessness: Pacing, difficulty settling, changing positions frequently.
• Depression-like quietness: Lower enthusiasm for play, walks, or greeting you.

2) Changes in movement

• Limping: Intermittent limps can still indicate real pain.
• Stiffness: Especially after rest or in the morning.
• Slow to rise: Taking longer to stand up from lying down.
• Difficulty with stairs or jumping: Hesitating, refusing, or “bunny hopping” up stairs.
• Shorter stride: Walking more slowly or taking smaller steps.
• Head bobbing: Often seen with front leg pain. A common pattern is head up when the painful leg hits the ground, then head down when the comfortable leg takes weight.

3) Body language clues

• Tense posture: Tense abdomen, hunched back, tucked tail.
• Guarding: Protecting a body part, turning away when you reach toward it.
• Pinned ears or furrowed brow: A worried, strained facial expression.
• “Whale eye”: Showing the whites of the eyes, especially when approached or touched.
• Shaking or trembling: Not always fear, sometimes pain.

4) Appetite and bathroom changes

• Reduced appetite: Pain can lower appetite, especially dental, GI, or abdominal pain.
• Drinking changes: Either more or less, depending on the cause.
• Accidents in the house: Dogs may avoid going outside if getting up hurts.
• Straining: Difficulty urinating or defecating can be painful and urgent.

5) Vocalization (not always present)

• Whining, yelping, groaning: Especially when changing position or being picked up.
• Excessive panting: If the room is cool and your dog is not exercising, panting can be a stress or pain signal. It can also be caused by anxiety, fever, heart or lung disease, hormonal conditions like Cushing’s, or medication side effects, so it is worth checking in with your vet if it is new or persistent.

Important: A dog can be in significant pain without vocalizing at all. Silence does not equal comfort.

Pain patterns by body area

Where the pain is coming from changes how it shows up. Here are patterns I commonly see.

Muscle and joint pain (arthritis, injury, hip dysplasia)

• Stiffness after rest
• Hesitation to jump into the car or onto the bed
• Licking at joints (wrists, knees, hips)
• Muscle loss in the hind end over time
• “Good days and bad days” that seem weather-related

Back or neck pain (IVDD, strains)

• Reluctance to lower the head to eat or drink (neck pain)
• Hunched posture, tense abdomen
• Crying out when turning, being lifted, or jumping
• Walking stiffly, sometimes with a “drunken” wobble
• Weakness, knuckling, or dragging paws (urgent)

Dental and mouth pain (tooth root abscess, periodontal disease)

• Dropping food or chewing on one side
• Bad breath that is new or worsening
• Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face on furniture
• Reluctance to play tug or chew toys
• Bleeding gums or visible tartar

Abdominal pain (pancreatitis, GI obstruction, bloat, organ pain)

• Praying position (front end down, rear end up) that repeats
• Restlessness and inability to get comfortable
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or refusing food
• Bloating, tense abdomen, guarding the belly
• Shallow breathing, panting, weakness (urgent)

Ear pain (infection, hematoma)

• Head shaking, ear scratching
• Holding the head tilted
• Yelping when the ear is touched
• Odor, redness, or discharge

Eye pain (ulcer, glaucoma, foreign body)

• Squinting, tearing, pawing at the eye
• Cloudiness, redness, or a bluish haze
• Light sensitivity

Eye pain can be an emergency. Corneal ulcers and glaucoma can worsen quickly, and delaying care can risk vision.

Subtle signs people miss

These are the changes that often get chalked up to “getting older” or “being lazy,” but they can be pain red flags. Some overlap with the lists above on purpose, because these are the ones I see dismissed most often:

• Sleeping more and moving less around the home
• Less interest in play or play sessions are shorter
• Hesitating at doorways or on slick floors
• Slower on walks or wanting to turn back early
• Licking paws or joints repeatedly, or chewing at one spot
• New anxiety or sensitivity to being touched
• Changes in grooming like a messy coat because twisting and bending hurts

Quick at-home pain check

You do not need to “test” your dog aggressively. Think of this as gentle observation, not a home diagnosis.

Step 1: Watch them move normally

• Have your dog walk away from you and back toward you.
• Look for limping, head bobbing, hip sway, toe dragging, or reluctance to put weight on a limb.
• Notice if they sit crooked or “plop” down instead of lowering smoothly.

Step 2: Look for asymmetry

Compare left versus right.

• Are they licking one paw or one joint?
• Is one side of the face puffy?
• Is one ear redder than the other?

Step 3: Gentle touch, only if your dog seems comfortable

• Run your hands lightly along the back, hips, shoulders, and legs.
• Stop if your dog flinches, tenses, looks back at you sharply, growls, or tries to move away.

Step 4: Check daily habits

• Are they eating and drinking normally?
• Any vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or straining?
• Any changes in sleep, play, or willingness to go for walks?

Tip: Record a short video of the behavior that worries you. Dogs often act “better” in the exam room, and a video can be incredibly helpful to your veterinary team.

When pain is an emergency

Some pain signs should never wait. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away if you notice:

• Difficulty breathing, persistent panting with pale gums, or collapse
• Bloated or rapidly enlarging abdomen, unproductive retching, or extreme restlessness
• Inability to stand or sudden weakness, especially in the back legs
• Severe yelping or screaming in pain
• Eye squinting with redness, cloudiness, swelling, or a visible injury
• Open wounds, heavy bleeding, or suspected broken bone
• Repeated vomiting or vomiting with blood
• Straining to urinate with little or no urine produced (urgent, especially for male dogs)

If you are unsure, it is always appropriate to call and describe what you are seeing. A quick conversation can help you decide if your dog needs immediate care.

What not to do at home

I know the instinct is to help fast, but a few common mistakes can make things worse.

Do not give human pain meds

Do not give any human pain medication unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to. Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen are especially dangerous for dogs and can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and life-threatening complications. Acetaminophen can also be toxic at the wrong dose or in the wrong situation, so it should only be used if your vet tells you exactly what to give and how much.

Do not force exercise

For joint pain, gentle movement can help once a plan is in place. But if your dog is limping or refusing to move, forced exercise can worsen injuries.

Do not rely on supplements alone for severe pain

Evidence-informed supplements can be helpful for some dogs, especially with chronic arthritis, but sudden or severe pain needs veterinary evaluation first.

How veterinarians assess pain

When you bring your dog in, your veterinary team may use a combination of:

• History: When it started, what makes it better or worse, changes in appetite and behavior.
• Physical exam: Palpation of joints, abdomen, spine, ears, mouth, and more.
• Pain scoring tools: Structured checklists used in many hospitals to grade pain.
• Diagnostics: X-rays for bones and joints, ultrasound for abdominal issues, bloodwork to look for inflammation or organ stress, dental exam under anesthesia when needed.

Your observations are part of the medical picture. Do not worry about saying it perfectly. Even a simple note like, “She stopped jumping on the couch this week,” is valuable.

Comfort while you wait

If your dog seems painful but stable, these steps can help keep them safe and comfortable until you can be seen:

• Limit activity: Leash walks for potty only. No running, jumping, or stairs if possible.
• Create a cozy rest area: A padded bed in a quiet spot with easy access to water.
• Use traction: Rugs or yoga mats on slippery floors to prevent falls.
• Lift carefully: Support the chest and hips, or use a towel under the belly for hind-end support.
• Offer small, bland meals only if they are not vomiting and your vet has not advised fasting.

If your dog worsens, vomits repeatedly, cannot urinate, seems weak, or appears distressed, upgrade to urgent care.

Pain prevention basics

Not all pain is preventable, but many common issues become easier to manage when you build a few daily habits.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight

Extra pounds place real strain on joints and can worsen arthritis. Ask your vet for a target weight and a realistic plan. Even small weight loss can improve mobility.

Prioritize dental health

Dental disease is one of the most common sources of chronic pain. Home brushing, veterinarian-recommended dental chews, and professional cleanings when needed protect comfort and overall health. If you like a label to look for, ask your vet about VOHC-accepted options.

Build strength gently

Regular, low-impact exercise supports muscles that stabilize joints. For many dogs, steady walks and controlled play are better than weekend “athlete” bursts.

Schedule wellness visits

Many painful conditions are easier to treat when caught early, including arthritis, ear infections, and dental problems.

A question I love

“Is my dog doing fewer of the things they used to do, or doing them differently?”

That simple question catches a lot of early pain. If the answer is yes, your dog deserves a closer look.

Always consult your veterinarian before starting or changing pain medication, supplements, or activity levels, especially for seniors and dogs with kidney, liver, or stomach issues. With the right plan, most dogs can feel better than you might think, and they can get back to enjoying their days with you.