Dogs are good at hiding pain. Some yelp when something hurts, but many simply go quiet, move a little differently or lose interest in things they normally love. Owners often put these changes down to age or a bad mood. Learning the quieter signs helps you spot a problem earlier, when it is usually easier to treat and your dog spends less time uncomfortable.
Key points: Pain often shows up as a change in behavior rather than crying out: limping or stiffness, reluctance to jump or use stairs, restlessness, panting at rest, licking one spot, hiding, snapping when touched, or eating less. Any of these lasting more than a day or two deserves a vet visit. Never give your dog human painkillers.
Changes in movement and posture
These are often the easiest signs to notice:
- Limping, favoring one leg or holding a paw up
- Stiffness when getting up, especially after rest or first thing in the morning
- Reluctance to jump into the car or onto the sofa, climb stairs or walk on slippery floors
- Walking more slowly, lagging behind on walks or wanting to turn home early
- A hunched back, tucked tail, or a head held lower than usual
- Trouble lying down, or getting up and lying down again many times
- A “praying” position, with front legs stretched forward and rear end up, held for a while. Some dogs do this when their belly hurts
Slowing down is easy to blame on old age. Often, though, it is arthritis or another painful problem that can be managed. Our guide to common health problems in senior dogs covers the usual causes.
Changes in behavior and mood
Pain can change a dog’s personality. You might notice:
- Withdrawing, hiding or wanting to be left alone
- Irritability: growling, snapping or flinching when touched, lifted or brushed in a certain area
- Restlessness or pacing, especially at night
- Whining or whimpering, particularly when being petted or picked up
- Less interest in toys, play or greeting you at the door
- Clinginess in dogs that are normally independent
A dog that suddenly growls or snaps when touched isn’t being “bad.” It may be protecting a sore area. Don’t punish it. The AAHA advises booking a vet check instead of correcting behavior changes that may come from pain.
Physical clues
- Panting or fast breathing at rest, when the dog isn’t hot or excited
- Licking, chewing or biting one spot, such as a joint, paw or the belly. See our guide on why dogs lick their paws
- Eating or drinking less, dropping food, or chewing on one side of the mouth, which can point to dental pain
- Swelling, heat or tenderness in a leg, joint or other area
- Squinting or pawing at an eye or ear, or shaking the head a lot
- Changes in toilet habits, such as straining or accidents in the house
When it’s an emergency
Urgent: go to a vet straight away if your dog cries out in pain and can’t settle, can’t stand or put weight on a leg after an injury, has a swollen, tight belly and is trying to vomit without bringing anything up, is struggling to breathe, has very pale gums, or collapses. Pain after a fall or road accident always needs prompt care, even if the dog seems to be walking normally.
Our dog first aid basics covers how to move and handle an injured dog safely. Even gentle, loving dogs can bite when they are hurting, so take care.
What to do if you think your dog is hurting
- Watch and note what you see. Which leg, what time of day, what makes it worse. A short video of your dog walking or getting up can really help your vet, as dogs often hide their signs in the clinic.
- Keep your dog quiet and comfortable. Limit running, jumping and stairs, and give it a soft bed in a calm spot.
- Don’t give any human painkillers. Common medicines such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen (paracetamol) and aspirin can cause serious stomach, kidney or liver damage in dogs. Only give pain relief your vet has prescribed for your dog, at the dose they set.
- Book a vet visit. Signs that last more than a day or two, keep coming back or are getting worse should be checked. Your vet can find the cause and suggest options, from medication to weight management, physical therapy or changes at home.
If your dog is carrying extra weight, that puts more strain on sore joints. Our guide on how to tell if your dog is overweight can help. For general warning signs beyond pain, see signs your dog is sick. Cat owners can find the feline version in signs your cat is in pain.
Frequently asked questions
Do dogs cry when they are in pain?
Some do, especially with sudden pain such as an injury. Many dogs with ongoing pain, like arthritis, stay quiet and show it through stiffness, slowing down, restlessness or mood changes instead. A dog that isn’t crying can still be hurting.
Is heavy panting a sign of pain?
It can be. Panting is normal after exercise or in warm weather, but panting while resting in a cool room, especially with restlessness or trembling, can be a sign of pain, stress or illness and is worth checking with your vet.
Can I give my dog human pain medicine?
No. Over-the-counter painkillers for people, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin, can poison dogs or cause serious side effects. Your vet can prescribe medicines made for dogs and work out a safe dose.
Is my old dog just slowing down, or in pain?
It is often pain. Stiffness, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, and shorter walks in older dogs are commonly caused by arthritis, which can usually be managed. A vet check is worthwhile rather than assuming it is just age.
