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Dogs feel pain, but many are experts at hiding it. Having lived around humans for thousands of years, dogs are masters at reading our emotions and body language. But we don’t always return the favor, especially when it comes to recognizing that our dogs are uncomfortable or hurting.
Physical discomfort can have a major impact on your dog’s quality of life, so it’s important to know the warning signs and seek veterinary care when something seems wrong. From subtle changes in behavior to obvious mobility issues, recognizing pain early can help your dog get relief sooner.
Do Some Dogs Feel Pain More Than Others?
Some dogs are incredibly stoic, while others might whimper and whine at the first sign of a nail trim. Personality plays a role in how dogs express discomfort, and breed differences may influence perceptions of pain as well.
Research examining pain sensitivity across breeds found notable differences in how veterinarians and members of the public perceived certain breeds. Labrador Retrievers, Mastiffs, and American Staffordshire Terriers were rated as having very low sensitivity to pain, while Whippets, Maltese, and Chihuahuas were considered highly sensitive. Although there is currently no physiological evidence confirming these perceived differences, the findings may reflect how breed history and temperament influence pain-related behaviors.
For example, a Mastiff with a high sensitivity to pain would likely have struggled in the demanding roles the breed historically filled, including big-game hunting and work in wartime settings.
Why Pain Can Be Difficult to Spot
Whether your dog is naturally stoic or prone to dramatic reactions, pain isn’t always easy to identify. Many owners assume a dog in pain will actively seek help, but that isn’t necessarily the case.
Dogs have inherited instincts from their wild ancestors, where displaying weakness could increase vulnerability to aggression or predation. As a result, many dogs minimize outward signs of pain. That’s why knowing your dog’s normal behavior, energy level, and daily habits is so important.
Pain can present through physical symptoms, behavioral changes, or both. Even subtle deviations from your dog’s typical routine can provide valuable clues.
Physical Signs Your Dog May Be in Pain
Some physical signs of pain are obvious, like limping. Others can be surprisingly subtle and easy to overlook. Pay attention to changes like:
- Mobility issues, including limping, slower walking, reluctance to exercise, or refusal to use stairs, jump onto furniture, or get into the car
- Difficulty lying down, standing up, or finding a comfortable resting position
- Shaking or trembling
- Unusual posture, such as holding the head low, arching the back, or shifting weight away from painful areas
- Excessive panting while resting
- Changes in facial expression, including a tense face, grimacing, a dull expression, or half-closed eyes from poor sleep due to discomfort
- Reduced appetite or decreased interest in food and water
These symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually, depending on the underlying cause.
Behavioral Signs of Pain in Dogs
Pain affects more than the body. It can significantly alter a dog’s behavior and emotional state.
Understanding canine body language can help you notice discomfort early. For example, a dog may pull their ears back or look away when you touch a painful area. They may lick their lips, yawn, tuck their tail, or otherwise show signs of stress when anticipating an activity that causes discomfort.
Other behaviors to watch for include:
- Lower energy levels and decreased interest in play or exercise
- Restlessness or pacing due to difficulty getting comfortable
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Lack of interest in toys, games, or favorite activities
- Avoiding physical contact or reacting negatively to touch
- Excessive licking or chewing of a painful body part
- Signs of depression or anxiety
- Housetraining accidents caused by reluctance to move or go outside
- New aggression related to discomfort or sensitivity to handling
- Seeking more attention and affection than usual
Because these changes can develop slowly, owners sometimes mistake them for normal aging or personality shifts. If you have any concerns about your dog’s behavior, be sure to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance.
Vocal Signs of Pain in Dogs
Dogs also communicate discomfort through changes in the sounds they make. Pay attention to vocal cues such as:
- Groaning or grunting during movement, especially when getting up or lying down
- Yelping when a painful or tender area is touched
- Whining and whimpering, which can indicate distress
- Increased howling, which may signal ongoing discomfort
Growling can also be pain-related. If your dog growls when people or other pets approach, they may be trying to prevent interactions they expect to be painful.
Although vocalizations can provide important clues, remember that many dogs remain quiet even when experiencing significant pain.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Showing Signs of Pain
The appropriate response depends partly on whether the pain appears sudden or long-standing.
Acute pain develops quickly and often accompanies injuries or illnesses such as a broken bone, strained muscle, or ear infection. These situations can become serious rapidly. If your dog suddenly shows significant pain or distress, seek emergency veterinary care immediately rather than taking a wait-and-see approach.
Chronic pain develops gradually and can be much harder to recognize. Conditions like arthritis, periodontal disease, and cancer commonly cause ongoing discomfort. Chronic pain also frequently develops in senior dogs, but owners should never dismiss it as a normal part of aging.
Even if an emergency visit isn’t necessary, schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible and explain the symptoms you’ve noticed so the clinic can determine the urgency of the situation.
You can help your veterinarian by keeping detailed notes about your dog’s behavior. Record when symptoms occur, how long they’ve been present, and whether certain activities seem to make them worse. Photos and videos can also be helpful because many dogs behave differently in the clinic than they do at home.
While waiting for your appointment, avoid activities that appear to trigger discomfort and make practical adjustments where needed. For example, shorten walks to bathroom breaks only or use ramps and stairs to help your dog get in and out of vehicles safely.
Never give your dog medication without veterinary guidance. Many medications that are safe for people can be dangerous for dogs. Once your vet has zeroed in on the problem, they will discuss treatment options, which may include medications, rehabilitation therapies, laser therapy, acupuncture, dietary supplements, or other targeted approaches.
The important thing is to recognizing pain early. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve your dog’s comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.