How to Know the Signs of a Dog in Pain

Experts believe that dogs have a greater tolerance for pain than humans, so it can be difficult to recognize the signs of pain in dogs. Some dogs show pain clearly, while others have a high tolerance for it, so it will be difficult to recognize. ^{[1] X Sources of Research} Even so, there are ways to help recognize the signs of pain in dogs. The earlier it is detected, the better the chances of pain relief for the dog. Pain seems simple but can become more serious if you leave the dog alone.

Table of Contents

Look for changes in the body

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Watch for signs of a limp. One of the most obvious signs of pain is a limp. Dogs will limp because of pain when putting weight on one leg. ^{[2] X Research Source}

If one leg hurts, the dog will limit use of that leg and sometimes rely entirely on the other 3 legs.
Dogs in pain are also less likely to turn around. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Note other migration related issues. In addition to limping, you may see other changes in your dog’s mobility. For example, dogs may have difficulty going up or down. Dogs may also rotate slower than usual or show reluctance towards a certain activity. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Hesitation when going up or down stairs, running or jumping are also signs of pain.

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Observe changes in posture. You should notice how the dog holds its tail and head. Unusual changes in posture, such as tail hanging, tail flexion, or tail loss of flexibility can be signs that your dog is in pain. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Dogs can be in pain if the dog’s paw grip is different from normal.
Pain can cause the dog to stoop and make it difficult to stand or move.

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Notice how the dog breathes. If in pain, the dog may breathe rapidly or laboriously. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Dogs may be in pain if breathing rapidly in cool weather.

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Check your dog’s eyes. The eyes can tell you any sign of pain in your dog. If there is pain in the eye area, the dog may squint, have red, cloudy, or discharge eyes. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Dogs may rub the painful area. If you rub your eyes repeatedly, your dog may be experiencing discomfort in the eye area.
The eyes can also reveal pain in other locations. A dog squinting may be experiencing pain in the eye or elsewhere on the body.
Dilated pupils can also be a sign of pain in dogs. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Look for changes in behavior

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Watchdog. Pain can cause dogs to change their behavior. Painful dogs can also bite. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Even a dog that has never bitten a person can bite in severe pain.
Dogs can bite if you touch or move the dog’s sore spot. ^{[10] X Source of Study} The natural response when a sore spot is touched is to turn towards it. Dogs may instinctively try to bite.
First, you might look for warning signs like growling. Dogs about to bite may throw their ears back and bar their teeth. This is a dog’s natural defense mechanism to prevent pain from getting worse. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Monitor changes in eating patterns. Dogs in pain can eat less. If he suddenly loses his appetite, he is most likely in pain. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Dogs with sore mouths may also spit out food. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Watch for signs of restlessness. Dogs in pain are often restless or difficult to relax. You can tell if your dog is restless by watching your dog walk back and forth, change positions frequently, or walk up/down frequently. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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Notice the change in sleep. Dogs in pain have a change in sleeping habits. Dogs in pain may sleep more than usual ^{[15] X Research source} or have trouble sleeping. ^{[16] X Research Source}

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Listen for changes in sound. Dogs may make unusual sounds such as whining, whimpering, or even growling when in pain. ^{[17] X Research Source}

These sounds are often related to a certain movement, such as waking up. You should pay attention to this to recognize your dog’s pain. ^{[18] X Research Sources}
Normally barking dogs may suddenly become silent when in pain. ^{[19] X Research Source}

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Pay attention to avoidance behavior. Dogs may exhibit avoidant behavior such as hiding or being afraid to interact with other people or animals when in pain. ^{[20] X Research Source} This looks like an attempt to help dogs avoid aggravating pain.

If your dog turns his head away or avoids contact when you pet him, he may be in pain. Be aware of these behaviors for dogs that often enjoy being around you.
These behaviors may be accompanied by a dog not or being more shy about socializing than usual.
You can also get your dog to become depressed or lethargic if in pain. ^{[21] X Research Source}
You should be careful because some dogs need more attention than avoidance when in pain. ^{[22] X Research Source} You should pay attention when a dog avoids or wants more attention.

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Pay attention to how the dog goes to the toilet. Observing your dog’s normal hygiene habits can help you spot a variety of problems.

If there is pain, the dog may exhibit a different urination or defecation position. For example, a male dog normally lifts one paw when urinating, but won’t lift it when in pain.
You may also notice a change in how often you go to the bathroom. Or the dog may have an accident when trying to go to the usual place to go to the toilet in pain.
Dog poop can also change its consistency due to the dog straining to defecate in a painful condition. This can lead to constipation. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

Advice

Care should be taken not to aggravate the dog’s pain. Sometimes you need to pinpoint the exact location of your dog’s pain. The only way to know this is to touch or move where you think the dog may be in pain. You can ask a veterinarian to examine and determine for you because only a veterinarian is professional enough and does not cause further harm to the dog. You can injure your dog unprofessionally during self-diagnosis.
You don’t necessarily have to locate your dog’s pain. Instead, you need to determine if the dog is in pain. After determining that your dog is in pain, you need to consult with your veterinarian to find a way to relieve the dog’s pain.
Signs of pain in dogs are often difficult to recognize. Noticing even the smallest unusual changes makes it easier to diagnose your dog’s pain. If you take note of your dog’s normal actions and behaviors, you’ll easily notice any changes. ^{[24] X Research Source}

Warning

Do not attempt to self-medicate your dog without consulting your veterinarian. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs for humans can be dangerous for dogs, especially when given in the wrong dosage.
The signs above not only indicate that the dog is in pain, but also indicate many other problems. If the symptoms don’t go away and get worse after 24-48 hours, you should take your dog to the vet right away.
On the other hand, if you’re not sure your dog is in pain, it’s best to take your dog to the vet.

Steps

Look for changes in the body

Look for changes in behavior

Advice

Warning

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