It's often difficult to tell if your four-legged friend is in pain. They rarely express their discomfort as clearly as we humans do. This makes it all the more important to closely observe subtle changes in behavior or body. Here, you'll learn which signs can indicate pain in your dog —and what the possible causes might be.
Why is it so difficult to recognize pain in dogs?
Dogs are masters at hiding pain—a behavior that originates in the animal kingdom. In the wild, weakness often means danger. Therefore, many dogs suppress pain reactions as best they can. So, you should be especially vigilant and pay attention to small signals.
Typical signs of pain in dogs
1. Change in body language
- Stiff gait or limping
If your dog suddenly walks differently, appears stiff or limps, this could be a sign of joint problems , injuries or muscle tension .
- Tucked tail and curved back
A curved back or tucked tail may indicate abdominal pain or spinal problems .
2. Changed behavior
- Withdrawal or aggressiveness
If your dog suddenly refuses to cuddle or snaps when touched, there's often a pain issue behind it. Pain is often particularly evident when certain parts of the body are touched.
- Restlessness or constant panting
A dog that has trouble settling, is constantly getting up, or panting (without heat or exertion) could be in pain , stressed , or have a fever .
3. Abnormalities in eating behavior
- Loss of appetite or smacking
A sudden food strike can have many causes: toothache , gastrointestinal problems , fever or simply feeling unwell.
Frequent smacking , licking of the lips or yawning may indicate heartburn , nausea or stress .
4. Vocalizations
- Whining, squeaking or howling
These noises can be a direct sign of acute pain – for example, injuries , arthrosis or internal problems .
5. Changes in sleep behavior
- More sleep or sleep refusal
A dog that suddenly starts sleeping a lot more could be in pain—especially chronic pain.
The opposite can also happen: the dog cannot find a comfortable position and constantly changes places – this can be due to joint or stomach pain .
6. Licking or biting certain parts of the body
If your dog constantly licks, bites or scratches a certain area, it could indicate local pain , injury , allergies or inflammation .
Possible causes of pain in dogs (examples)
Of course, a particular symptom can have many causes. Here are a few common examples— remember, these are just possibilities :
|
Signs |
Possible causes |
|
Limp |
Strain, arthrosis, paw injury |
|
smacking |
Heartburn, nausea, stress |
|
Panting for no reason |
Pain, heat, stress, heart problems |
|
Withdrawal or aggression |
Joint pain, toothache, sensitivity to touch |
|
Refusal to eat |
Toothache, nausea, infections |
|
Curved back |
Back pain, stomach pain |
|
Licking in one spot |
Inflammation, foreign body, nerve pain |
When should you go to the vet?
The general rule is: better too much than too little. If you notice that your dog is acting differently than usual – especially over several hours or days – have him examined by a veterinarian . This is the only way to be sure and to provide targeted help for your four-legged friend.
Furthermore, the best possible prevention is essential. At alphazoo, you'll find natural products that support your dog's musculoskeletal system and stomach and strengthen their immune system .
