How Can You Tell If Your Dog Is In Pain?

While we understand most of our dogs’ behaviors, there are times when we can’t really tell that our dog is in pain. If your dog is in pain, it’s important to recognize the signs early and seek veterinary care promptly.  

Pain in dogs can manifest itself through both physical and behavioral changes. Understanding these triggers can help ensure that your dog receives the care and comfort they need.

Below are some signs that your dog might be in pain:

Increased Tendency to Bite

Dogs that are in pain often exhibit an increased tendency to bite, even towards their pet parents or familiar people. This reaction is primarily a defensive mechanism. When a painful area is touched, the dog’s instinct is to protect itself from further discomfort.

This behavior might be more pronounced when interacting with other dogs, as the pain can make your dog feel vulnerable and scared. Even gentle touches can provoke a bite if they cause pain, indicating the severity of the discomfort your dog is experiencing.

Breathing Changes

Alterations in breathing patterns are common in dogs experiencing pain. You might notice your dog breathing faster or more shallowly than usual. This can be due to the stress and anxiety associated with pain.

Additionally, you might see changes in the movement of the abdominal and chest muscles, which are involved in the breathing process. Both sets of muscles should move in harmony, but pain can cause irregularities. Rapid or labored breathing is a sign that something is wrong, and you should take your dog to the vet immediately.

Panting

Panting is normal for dogs, especially in warm weather or after exertion. However, excessive panting, particularly when accompanied by trembling, can signal pain. If your dog pants at unusual times, such as during the night or without an apparent cause, he or she might be in pain.

Pain-induced panting may also be coupled with other signs like irregular respiratory rates and excessive drooling. These symptoms suggest that your dog is trying to cope with significant discomfort.

Pulse and Heart Rate Changes

An increased heart or pulse rate often accompanies pain in dogs. This physiological response is due to the body’s stress reaction to pain. You might feel this increased rate when touching your dog’s chest, especially near the painful area.

If your dog’s heartbeat feels noticeably faster, it’s a clear sign that veterinary advice is needed. This is particularly important for larger dogs, whose heart rate changes can be more difficult to detect but are equally critical.

Posture Changes

Pain can significantly affect a dog’s posture. Dogs in pain might adopt a rigid stance to minimize movement and thus reduce discomfort. Some might display a "praying" position, with their front legs on the ground and their rear end raised, to relieve abdominal pain.

Other subtle changes include a sunken back or a tucked tail, particularly in dogs that usually have a perky tail. Observing these posture changes can help you identify areas of discomfort and the severity of the pain.

Eye Changes

The eyes are often telling indicators of pain in dogs. Pain elsewhere in the body can cause dilated pupils, while eye pain might result in either dilated or constricted pupils, depending on the injury or condition.

Dogs in pain frequently squint, and if their eyes are affected, they might appear bloodshot or blink more often. These changes can indicate both localized pain in the eyes or systemic pain elsewhere in the body, making it crucial to pay attention to any alterations in your dog’s eyes.

Lack of Appetite

A decrease in appetite is a common sign of pain in dogs. Pain can make it hard for your dog to eat or drink, especially if the pain is located in the mouth or teeth.

You might notice your dog dropping food or water from their mouth, indicating that chewing or swallowing is painful. Any significant change in your dog’s eating habits should be taken seriously, as it often points to underlying pain or illness.

Changes in Energy and Mobility

Dogs that are in pain will typically show a decrease in activity levels. They may sleep more than usual or be less willing to run and jump. This lethargy is a way for the dog to conserve energy and avoid exacerbating the pain.

Additionally, dogs might move differently when in pain. You might observe a limp, slower movement when going up or down stairs, or a generally slower gait. These changes indicate that your dog is trying to avoid movements that cause discomfort.

Bathroom Changes and Constipation

Back pain, in particular, can make it difficult for dogs to assume the posture needed to defecate, leading to bathroom accidents or constipation. Pain can also slow the motility of the intestines, directly causing constipation. If your dog struggles to go to the bathroom or has accidents, it could be a sign of pain, particularly in the back or abdomen.

Swelling or Body Changes

Swellings on your dog’s legs, body, or face can indicate painful conditions like infections, inflammation, or cancer. Any unusual swelling, apart from minor issues like bug bites, should be evaluated by a veterinarian. These swellings can be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires prompt attention.

Changes in Sleeping Patterns

Pain can disrupt your dog’s normal sleeping patterns. A dog in pain might have difficulty getting comfortable, leading to restlessness, pacing, and frequent repositioning. They might sleep more than usual or have trouble sleeping, occasionally howling in discomfort.

Behavioral and Temperament Changes

Pain can cause significant changes in a dog’s behavior. A normally friendly dog might become grouchy or aggressive, especially if touched in a painful area. This change in temperament is a protective instinct to prevent further pain.

Avoids Contact

Dogs that are in pain often exhibit avoidance behaviors, shying away from contact with people or other animals. If your dog typically enjoys being touched but suddenly starts avoiding it, pain might be the cause. This avoidance is sometimes coupled with signs of depression, lethargy, and mental dullness, indicating that your dog is struggling with significant discomfort.

If your recognize any of these signs of pain in your dog, it is important to take your dog to the vet immediately. Your vet can then address the issue and provide the necessary treatment and relief.