- Dr. Cassie Knapp
- Mar 2
- 6 min read
Are you a dog owner? Do you know how to recognize signs of pain in your dog? How can you tell whether or not your dog is experiencing pain?
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to tell when your dog is hurting, you’re not alone. In the article below, you’ll find a quick list of common signs you can look for that may indicate pain in your dog. You can use this information to understand your pet’s needs better, and to recognize when you may need to take her to an emergency vet as well. Read on to find out more.
Signs that a dog is in pain
The following the most common pain indicators in dogs:
Below we will dive into each sign of potential pain in your dog, explain it, and outline if it is an emergency situation.
Dog is whining or crying in pain
Some dogs are very quiet when they’re hurting. Others, however, are much more vocal about it and will actively cry in painThe worse the pain, the louder the dog tends to be; if your dog is severely injured, she may be unable to stop herself from vocalizing as a result of the pain she is experiencing.
If your dog is whining, crying or making other noises and you aren’t sure why, look her over closely. She may just be nervous about something, or she could be upset about something she can see out the window. However, the chance of pain is relatively high when you notice this type of odd behavior in your pet, too. If you’re concerned, call your local VEG to speak with a doctor right away.
Dog is pacing, restless, and won't lie down
Pacing is commonly seen in dogs with stomach pain and nausea, but it can be seen in other types of pain as well. Restlessness goes along with pacing and is very similar in terms of its appearance and underlying causes too. Both pacing and restlessness can indicate that your dog is unable to lay down and get comfortable enough because of her pain.
It is possible that dogs can also be restless or exhibit pacing behavior from anxiety. If you know your dog is very anxious, this behavior alone may not help you determine when she is in pain.
Panting can be a sign of pain in dogs
If your dog is panting more than normal, it could be a sign that they are in pain. If the panting is occurring without exertion, your dog may be dealing with joint or muscle pain, internal discomfort, injury, dental pain, or post-surgical pain.
Hiding and guarding canines could be in pain
Hiding behavior is possibly the most common sign of pain in dogs. Most dogs prefer to hide their pain, and they may go so far as to hide under the bed, in a closet, or in some other location where they cannot be easily bothered by their human family members.
Dogs may also guard themselves more frequently when they are in pain. If you try to pet your dog and she snarls, growls, or becomes afraid, this can be a sign that she is guarding herself as a result of some type of pain.
Aggressive dog? It could be due to pain
Dogs who are not normally aggressive but suddenly become aggressive without an obvious reason may be in pain. This sign can also let you know that a dog is sick or is suffering in some other way, too.
Additionally, if your dog becomes defensive very easily when she did not normally do this before, she could be in pain. Both aggression and defensive behavior look very similar to each other, and they can both be a good way to tell when an otherwise calm and docile dog is dealing with an underlying health problem. Take your pet to the vet if her behavior changes suddenly.
Clinging and separation anxiety are signs of pain in dogs
Sometimes, dogs who are in a lot of pain may become clingy instead of standoffish. This response is not as common as some others on this list, but if your dog’s behavior suddenly changes—even if she becomes clingy toward you—then this may let you know she is in pain.
Separation anxiety without other causes can also indicate pain, and it may be a side effect of clingy behavior from pain as well. Typically, it is important to pay attention to your dog’s behavior and recognize when something changes suddenly.
Loss of appetite and lethargy
Another common sign of pain in dogs is a loss of appetite. Loss of energy and lethargy typically goes along with this sign as well.
Keep in mind, however, that a loss of appetite and a loss of energy are both associated with almost any canine illness or condition. They may not necessarily indicate pain, but they can tell you that something is going wrong and needs to be assessed by a vet as soon as possible, too.
Contact VEG 24-hour animal hospital if your dog is in pain
Based on this information, it’s easy to see just how complicated canine pain can become. Many dogs are great at hiding their pain, because they don’t want to worry or scare their human family members. If your dog typically hides her pain, it is important to learn how to recognize the less common signs of pain in pets too.
If you know or suspect your dog is in pain, take her to the vet or emergency vet, depending on the level of pain and the underlying cause in question. Your vet can help you find the right treatment or management solution depending on the source of your pet’s pain.
Contact VEG dog hospital by calling one of our emergency vet locations. We have locations all over the country, which are all open 24/7, including holidays. When you call VEG, you’ll talk with an emergency veterinarian who will help guide you in the best direction and offer advice on what to do next for your pet.
Frequently asked questions about dogs in pain
How can I comfort my dog in pain?
Create a calm, quiet space for your dog and talk in a calming tone so you don’t alarm your pet. A dog bed with memory foam will reduce pressure on joints. Always your primary care vet before applying a heating pad or cold pack to help relieve pain.
What can you give a dog in pain?
Never give your dog over-the-counter pain medication; pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are highly toxic to dogs. Check with your primary care vet, as they can prescribe NSAIDs to reduce inflammation. If your dog is in severe pain, call VEG asap so we can advise you on next steps.
Does CBD help dogs in pain?
Pet-specific CBD may be effective in relieving pain for certain ailments like osteoarthritis or inflammation, and only under the advice of your primary care vet. CBD type and amount depends on your dog’s weight and overall health. Always check with your vet first.
Do dogs shake when they are in pain?
Yes, in fact, a dog may not whimper or let out a sound when they are in pain, but they can show that they’re in pain through shaking, trembling, and shivering. This may be accompanied by other tell-tale signs like taking a hunched stance, panting, lethargy, and hiding. If your dog is shaking, call your local VEG and speak with one of our vets for advice.
Will a dog in pain eat or drink?
It’s more common for a dog in pain to avoid food and water. But there are exceptions. For example, if your pet has pain that’s localized to one area, like a hind leg, they might still have an appetite or be thirsty.
Should I take my dog to the vet if they are in pain?
If you suspect your dog is in pain, always call VEG ER for Pets for advice or come in anytime. We’re open 24/7 to help relieve your dog’s pain.
