12 Signs That Let You Know Your Dog Is in Pain
Key takeaways:
Dogs can be good at hiding their pain. So pet parents need to pay attention to any subtle changes in their animal’s physical condition, behavior, or mobility that may indicate discomfort.
Common signs a dog is in pain include whimpering, shaking, and excessive licking.
Treatment for pain depends on the cause and may include medication or alternative therapies such as acupuncture and laser therapy.
Table of contents
Unlike humans, who tend to vocalize their pain, dogs instinctively mask their discomfort. Because of this, it can be hard to know when your pet has a toothache or other condition that’s causing them pain.
While our pets can’t tell us when something is wrong, there are other ways they show they are hurting. It’s important to be able to identify these telltale signs of pain. Then, you can work with your vet to find out the underlying cause and get your dog feeling better.
What are signs a dog is in pain?
What signs of pain a dog shows depends on the underlying cause of the pain. That said, here are 12 common signs a dog is in pain.
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1. Drooling
If you notice your dog drooling when it’s not mealtime, it could mean they have an oral cavity or abdominal pain. Your dog may also have trouble chewing hard foods if they’re experiencing a toothache.
2. Shaking and trembling
Your dog may shake or tremble if they experience muscle pain, abdominal pain, or pain in their back or spine. Dogs also tend to tremble when they’re in pain because of arthritis or any physical trauma.
3. Tense muscles and twitching
Your dog may twitch or have tense muscles if they’ve been injured or are experiencing nerve-related pain.
“When we have neck pain, we shrug and experience muscle tenseness. The same happens in animals. Any sort of pain can do that,” Erick Mears, DVM, DACVIM, a veterinarian at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Florida, told GoodRx Health.
4. Rapid heart rate and breathing
Increased heart rate and rapid breathing (panting) could indicate severe physical pain, such as abdominal pain from severe pancreatitis.
5. Whimpering or groaning
If your dog whimpers or groans, it could be a sign of severe abdominal pain. Your dog may also express pain this way while recovering from surgery.
Pain medication options: If your dog is in pain, your veterinarian may recommend a pain medication. Here are the ones that are safe and unsafe for dogs.
Treating dog arthritis: Read how one dog owner managed her pup’s arthritis pain. You may pick up some good tips to help your own dog.
Human medications for dogs: Your dog can take some of the same prescription medications as humans. Learn how to fill a prescription for your pet.
When your dog whimpers or cries out for apparently no reason, seek help from your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.
6. Aggression
Pain can lead to increased aggression and behaviors such as growling, snapping, and even biting in dogs. If you attempt to touch a dog experiencing extreme pain, there is a good chance they will respond with aggression.
7. Excessive licking
You may have heard the phrase “lick your wounds,” and that’s exactly what dogs do. If you see your dog constantly licking themselves, they may be trying to soothe pain from arthritis, an injury, or another cause. Keep in mind this can also lead to hot spots, or red patches that develop from your dog licking the same spot repeatedly.
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8. Restlessness
A dog experiencing pain can have a hard time getting comfortable and may start acting restless. They may also:
Hide
Become antisocial
Forget house rules like going outside to pee or poop
9. Limping or difficulty walking
A dog might limp if there’s a problem affecting their musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, and tendons. Potential causes of musculoskeletal issues in dogs include:
Arthritis
An injury
10. Abnormal gait
Your dog may lose their balance and stumble if they experience ataxia, which can lead to issues with their gait (manner of walking). This condition is caused by a problem in the nervous system that makes the brain unable to tell the body what to do. Having this abnormal gait can also be a sign of pain.
11. Difficulty standing up or lying down
Arthritis and conditions such as hip dysplasia can make it difficult for dogs to get up and down. They may also have problems going up and down the stairs.
12. Lack of appetite
A dog who is in pain may not be as hungry as usual. This can happen because of pain anywhere in their body. For example, your dog may not want to eat if they have pain due to:
Stomach issues
Arthritis, which can make it difficult to get to their food bowl
Skip the ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is toxic to dogs, so you’ll need to ask your vet about other options to treat your pup’s pain.
Managing arthritis: Arthritis is very common in dogs. If your pup has been diagnosed with the condition, here’s how you can help.
Comfort after surgery: If your dog is recovering from surgery, there are many ways you can help them heal.
Quiz: Is your dog in pain?
What are the most common causes of pain in dogs?
There are a number of things that can cause pain in pets — meaning, there are various signs and symptoms you should be aware of. Some of these conditions can be serious, so it’s important to know when to seek veterinary care.
The following are the most common causes of pain in dogs.
Arthritis
Like humans, dogs can be affected by arthritis (inflammation and stiffness in the joints). The primary symptom of arthritis is pain. If your dog has arthritis, your veterinarian can help relieve their pain and address the condition.
“Even with chronic, irreversible conditions like osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), the earlier we diagnose and begin treating the condition, the better,” Ari Zabell, DVM, DABVP, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital, told GoodRx Health.
Common signs of arthritis in dogs include:
Limping
Decreased activity
Difficulty rising, jumping, or climbing stairs
Swollen joints
Muscle loss
Bone cancer
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone tumor in dogs. This bone cancer mainly affects large- and giant-breed dogs.
Symptoms of bone cancer are hard to detect. But the cancer often begins in the front legs and quickly moves through the body. In addition to severe pain, other signs of bone cancer include:
Lumps or masses on the body
Low appetite
Lameness or limping
Swelling in the spine, legs, jaw, or ribs
Lethargy
A dog’s prognosis is better if the cancer is caught in its early stages. It also depends on the location of the cancer. Bone cancer can spread quickly and cause other health issues or even death. Treatment often includes surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
Infections
Your dog could have pain because of a number of common infections:
Ear infections: An ear infection can be painful. Check your pet’s ears regularly and clean away wax and buildup to avoid infections.
Dental disease: A bacterial infection called canine periodontitis can cause dogs’ teeth to become impacted, resulting in significant pain. If left untreated, this infection could cause a pet to lose their teeth.
Infections from bacteria and viruses: Bacterial and viral infections (such as parvo) may lead to gastroenteritis, which could cause stomach pain in your pet.
Injury
Major trauma, like getting hit by a car or falling from a tall height, can cause injuries and severe pain in dogs. Getting attacked by another dog or a wild animal can result in wounds that might make a dog yelp in pain.
Other common causes of injury-related pain in dogs include:
Spinal cord issues
Broken bones and fractures
Ligament tears
Torn nails or cuts to pawpads from stepping on sharp objects
When should you see a vet about signs your dog is in pain?
According to Zabell, if you notice your dog showing any signs of pain that last more than 24 hours, seek veterinary care. The sooner the pain is addressed, the sooner you canine will feel better.
“The earlier you catch and address potential signs of pain or illness with your veterinarian, the better your chances are of getting your pet back to a comfortable place,” Zabell said.
In the event your dog is in so much pain that they yelp or pant heavily, seek immediate veterinary care.
What can you do when your dog is in pain?
Treatment for pain in dogs involves treating the underlying cause with medication, surgery, or supportive care if needed.
If you think that your dog is in pain, speak with your veterinarian. They can determine what will help your pet based on their symptoms, how much their quality of life is being impacted, and the cause of their pain, Zabell said.
They may also recommend ways to help manage your dog’s pain, while the underlying cause is being treated. Below are some things your vet may suggest.
Ice therapy
Ice is good for aches related to bone and joint issues and newer injuries. Use an ice pack, frozen water bottle, or a cold towel on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Start applying ice therapy soon as possible after the injury. This keeps the swelling, pain, and inflammation down.
Heat therapy
Heat can help relieve chronic pain in the hips and back, as well as pain related to an injury that is more than 72 hours old. Use a warm towel or a heated blanket on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
Environmental modifications
Pet parents can make household changes to help dogs with chronic pain caused by conditions like arthritis. These modifications may include:
Installing ramps over stairs
Adding rugs or carpeting to wooden floors
Setting up baby gates to block off stairs
Using raised food bowls or flat plates to minimize neck or back pain during feeding
Weight loss
Helping your pet lose extra pounds can ease pain related to aging, injury, or a condition such as hip dysplasia.
Acupuncture
The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture may help relieve pain related to:
Arthritis
Hip dysplasia
Spinal cord conditions
Joint disease
Acupuncture services are performed by holistic veterinarians, and the sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes. Dogs often get weekly sessions for 4 or 5 weeks. However, the number of sessions and length of treatment will depend on your dog’s individual needs.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy can help decrease inflammation and pain caused by arthritis or an injury. It is often also used after surgery to promote healing.
Physical therapy
If your dog has an injury from a fall or decreased mobility due to old age, physical therapy may:
Help reduce pain
Strengthen certain areas
Improve overall function of the body
A physical therapist will use a combination of techniques to get the best results for your dog. These might include:
Exercise
Hydrotherapy (exercising in a pool)
Massage
Heat therapy
What medications can you give a dog for pain?
Depending on your dog’s symptoms, your veterinarian may recommend one of a number of medications, according to Zabell. Just remember, talk to your vet before giving your pet any medication.
Some medications commonly used to treat pain in dogs are:
Grapiprant (Galliprant): The medication grapiprant is FDA approved to treat chronic pain in dogs. Like aspirin, it’s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that’s safe for dogs.
Buprenorphine (Buprenex): Often given as an injection at the hospital, buprenorphine is used to treat mild-to-moderate pain in dogs. It can also be used at home for pain management as an oral spray or liquid.
Gabapentin: Gabapentin may help treat nerve pain related to an injury or health condition. But researchers haven’t found conclusive evidence that it helps with pain. It’s more often prescribed to dogs for anxiety. If your vet recommends trying gabapentin, it’s given as a tablet or a liquid oral suspension up to three times a day.
Prednisone: Prednisone, a commonly prescribed steroid, may help reduce inflammation and treat joint pain, infections, and certain types of cancer. It comes in tablet form and as an oral syrup. Side effects include excessive thirst, leading to increased fluid intake and urination. Long-term use can also cause bladder infections, vomiting, lethargy, and panting.
Aspirin: This over-the-counter remedy for treating mild pain is rarely prescribed for dogs nowadays, because there are better and safer options available. If your dog is prescribed aspirin for pain, the recommended dosage is 10-25 mg/kg every 12 hours.
Keep in mind that acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Mortrin) cannot be given to dogs. These common over-the-counter medications are toxic to dogs.
The bottom line
Dogs can be very good at hiding their pain, but paying close attention to changes in their daily behavior can give you clues as to how they’re feeling. Licking themselves in a particular spot, drooling, limping, whimpering, or panting are just some of the signs they may be in pain. If your dog has symptoms that persist for more than a day, take them to your veterinarian, who can diagnose and address the root cause of their pain.
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References
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