Could Your Dog Be in Pain? – Symptoms to Watch For
Even though dogs' pain receptors and pain experiences are similar to ours, their expressions are different. Evolution has made them, more than us, hide their pain. It has been necessary for their survival. Showing vulnerability and physical weakness makes an animal vulnerable. So dogs fight on, bear the pain, and don't whimper at the slightest discomfort. Some more than others. So let's take a closer look at this important topic.
Dog welfare: pain and animal welfare
Although this approach has been a successful survival strategy in the wild, it complicates matters for those of us who want to ensure the quality of life and welfare of our dogs. Dogs that scream for even the slightest discomfort ensure they get help early. But the dogs that don't make a sound risk suffering. They adapt and change their movement patterns to avoid things that cause pain. Signals of pain become so subtle that we risk missing them. Learning how pain affects a dog's body and being able to spot small signs early on is crucial to secure animal welfare, which is our responsibility.
Common causes of pain in dogs
Dogs can experience pain for various reasons. It can be acute pain, such as a splinter in a paw, a cracked tooth, or a muscle injury. But it can also come from within, such as gastritis, kidney issues, an ear wax blockage, or a headache. Overexertion, a loose knee joint, or a bad hip can also cause discomfort.
The causes can be many, and the pain can vary:
- A dull ache
- A stabbing or burning pain
- Shooting or cramping pain
Often, nociceptive pain (tissue pain) or neuropathic pain (nerve pain) is discussed; they arise for different reasons, feel different, and require different treatment. And they are exhibited in different ways. For a deeper understanding of pain, you can read more in the article Pain in dogs: how to interpret physical symptoms and behaviors that indicate pain.
How dogs adapt to hide pain
Usually, dogs adjust their movement patterns to avoid putting weight on areas that cause pain or to alleviate discomfort. This can manifest in a dog by:
- Sitting crooked
- Running off-balance instead of maintaining a straight path
- Interrupting defecation or urinating in an unnatural way.
For example, a male dog consistently positions himself on his left hind leg (the healthy leg) and lifts his right leg (potentially affected by pain) when urinating to avoid putting weight on the painful leg. In response to pain, a dog may take different-length steps with the left hind leg compared to the right or vice versa. They may also take a faster step with one leg to reduce the time the body is supported by the painful area. A dog may also push off with one hind leg more than the other during a jump to relieve pressure.
Another symptom may be the dog not lying, standing, or sitting centered over its midpoint but shifting more weight to one side. Arching the back to alleviate something that causes pain is another sign.
Easy to miss subtle signs of pain
Even small deviations from a normal movement pattern, rather than your dog's norm, can be a sign of pain. It's possible that your dog has been moving in this way for a long time, and you've become accustomed to it—it happens to the best of us. Therefore, compare with a normal picture and avoid the reasoning of "but that's how she's always walked" to dismiss a potential symptom.
Exercise and adrenaline as self-medication
Another common thought is, "but he jumps and runs so much, he can't be in pain." A lively and alert young dog won't succumb to despair because of pain; they keep going (an older dog might have slowed down). So a general high energy level is not reason enough to dismiss suspicions of pain.
Dogs may even become more active if they are in pain. They may run intensely in circles and frolic around before panting and lying down to sleep. The increased activity can be a form of self-medication. The adrenaline triggered in the body is the body's own morphine and extremely pain-relieving.
How pain affects dog behavior
Sometimes, the symptoms of these hardened dogs are behavioral or altered approaches. The adrenaline that increases in a pain-affected body also contributes to increased reactivity and vigilance. Leash aggression and an offensive attitude towards handling are classic pain responses, but perhaps not something you immediately think of if the dog starts resisting when drying its paws or clipping its nails.
Another common response is irritation (growling, snapping) or fear and flight if the dog is disturbed while sleeping or if you touch the dog when it's not prepared. A dog may also start disliking putting on the harness or refuse to walk if its body is in pain.
Problematic behaviors may have developed due to pain. A dog that is in pain may suddenly develop noise sensitivity, separation anxiety, or start disliking car rides. If there is no logical explanation for the behavioral change, pain should be examined as a possible underlying factor.
Subtle pain signals during veterinary visits
Some dogs don't yelp in pain when pressure is applied to them. Some dogs choose not to show anything at all, especially to a stranger and in an exposed situation in an unfamiliar environment. This complicates the veterinarian's job.
A good veterinarian knows that some dogs instead become very still, lick their nose, or yawn when the painful area is touched. They may sink away, lean away, or become angry when their body is examined. And it can be a pain response.
Some breeds have been bred to show as few signs of pain as possible, often dogs historically used for fighting or livestock guarding. When their painful areas are palpated (pressed and felt to seek pain responses), a subtle sign of pain may be their pupils dilating when the area is touched. Pupils enlarge due to an adrenaline surge.
Preparation for veterinary examination
If you suspect your dog is in pain, it's wise to write down the symptoms you have noticed. It can be physical indications or behavioral changes. Also note when it started and how it has developed, whether it came suddenly or if something has happened that may have caused it. Take note of everything so that you can provide the veterinarian with as much information as possible, which will facilitate the investigation.
And remember that there are different areas of expertise within veterinary medicine. Go to a clinic with a variety of experts. An orthopedic specialist may be important, or an internal medicine specialist or someone with competence in dental health, for example. If your dog has an altered movement pattern, it's especially good if the clinic has a rehabilitation department with canine physiotherapists.
Take pain symptoms seriously and seek help in time
Err on the side of caution if you suspect pain and go to the veterinarian. Do so in a timely manner; don't let days turn into weeks or months. The longer a dog is in pain, the better they become at hiding it, and you may become accustomed to what initially seemed abnormal. An untreated cause of pain can worsen, and the condition can become chronic. So don't hesitate!
Other signs of pain to look out for
- Differences in muscle mass on the right side compared to the left side can be a sign that your furry friend has been compensating for a long time. So regularly feel through your dog, go through muscle group by muscle group, and compare the left and right sides. You may find valuable information that can guide your veterinarian.
- A dog that licks or nibbles on a body area, such as paws or hips, may indicate pain in that area.
- A change in fur structure, such as wavy fur instead of smooth fur in a specific area, may indicate pain. It is the fascia (connective tissue) underneath that tightens and affects the fur.
- Heat can be a sign of an inflammatory condition. Slowly run your hands along your dog's body, pausing over joints and muscles, and be attentive to changes in temperature.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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