Best Pets Healthtrusted, vet-reviewed care

dogs

Signs Your Dog Is In Pain: 12 Signs to Watch For & When to Call the Vet

Dogs are very good at hiding pain. Learn the movement, appetite and behaviour changes that can signal a dog is hurting — and when to call your vet.

· dogs, pain, when to see a vet, arthritis

Dogs hide pain better than most owners realise

The veterinary charity PDSA notes that “some dogs are very good at hiding pain from their owners.” Because our dogs can’t tell us in words, it’s often down to us to spot the quieter, subtler changes that say something hurts. The good news is that pain usually does leave clues — we just need to know what to look for.

This guide covers the common signs, in plain English, and when an issue warrants a call to your vet. We are not a substitute for a vet — if you’re ever unsure, a quick call is always the safest step.

1. Signs in how your dog moves

Limping and stiffness are among the clearest signs that a dog is hurting. According to PDSA, symptoms can include:

  • Holding a leg up, or limping on one or more legs.
  • Reluctance to jump or use stairs.
  • Stiffness after resting — a very common sign in older dogs, especially after lying down for a while.
  • Stiffness after walks, which often comes and goes.
  • Swollen legs or joints.
  • Walking more slowly than usual.
  • An unusual gait — the limp may involve more than one leg, sometimes all four.

A limp is worth mentioning to your vet even if it looks minor — dogs often hide how much they’re actually hurting.

2. Signs in appetite and the mouth

Pain can change how much your dog wants to eat, and mouth pain has its own clear signals. PDSA lists these clues of a painful mouth:

  • Reduced appetite or weight loss.
  • Difficulty eating, or shying away from their food (approaching but not eating).
  • Chewing on one side only.
  • Bad breath (halitosis).
  • Drooling more than usual.
  • Rubbing or pawing at their face.
  • Crying when they yawn, pant or open their mouth.

3. Signs in behaviour and mood

Pain changes how a dog acts, and a change from your dog’s normal character is often one of the first things an owner notices. Watch for:

  • Being quiet, grumpy, or sleeping more than normal.
  • Low energy (lethargy) and slowing down on walks.
  • Over-grooming — licking or chewing one spot more than usual can indicate pain there (PDSA flags this as a possible sign).

4. Severe pain is an emergency — and be careful

PDSA advises that severe pain often signals a serious problem, even when the cause isn’t obvious. Signs of severe pain include crying, growling, or protecting a part of the body, and PDSA also lists lying very still or being rigid, and rapid breathing, as signs to watch for.

Please note: even the friendliest pet can scratch or bite when in pain. If your dog is in severe pain, stay calm, reassure them in a soothing voice, and protect yourself (for example, with a towel) while you get veterinary help.

What NOT to do

  • Never give your dog human painkillers. PDSA warns that ibuprofen is toxic to dogs and cats, and stresses that you should only ever give your pet painkillers that your vet has prescribed. Always ask your vet about any medication.
  • Don’t try to “wait it out” for long. A persistent or worsening change in movement, appetite or behaviour is worth a veterinary check sooner rather than later.

When to call your vet

Contact your vet as soon as you notice your dog seems to be in pain — they’ll examine your dog to try to find the cause. This is especially important if:

  • The limping or stiffness doesn’t improve or seems to be getting worse.
  • Your dog stops eating or loses weight.
  • The pain came on suddenly and is obviously severe.
  • Your dog is showing signs of being unwell alongside the pain.

Trust your instincts. You know your dog’s normal character better than anyone, and a change from that normal is worth a conversation with your vet.

Sources

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please contact your vet.

Back to Best Pets Health home