6 ways you can tell if your dog is in pain

Apr 14

How to tell if your dog is in pain

Because our dogs can’t actually communicate with us, we have to be able to read their body language and understand what they are trying to tell us. There are so many ways that your dog will show you and let you know that they are in pain or not feeling good.

Here are the common behaviors that will let you know that your dog is in pain:

1. Antisocial or aggressive behavior

If your dog isn’t acting like their normal selves, such as acting antisocial or being aggressive if they aren’t typically like that, this is a clear-cut sign that they aren’t feeling right. Take their weird behavior as a sign that something isn’t right and bring them to their vet immediately.

2. Loss of appetite

Dogs that aren’t feeling well or are in pain typically won’t be in the mood to eat. If you are noticing that your dog isn’t eating their meals, this is a sign that something is wrong. Whether it be a pain in their teeth or their stomach, loss of appetite is one of the biggest signs that your dog is in pain and needs to see a vet immediately.

3. Changes in sleeping pattern

If your dog is typically very active in the morning or night, and you’re noticing that they aren’t being lazy and laying around all day and all night, you should take that as a sign that something is off. If you’re doing is acting lethargic, make an appointment with your vet.

4. Constant panting

One way your dog will let you know if they are in pain is by panting constantly or having issues breathing. While panting is normal after a dog exercises, it isn’t normal for them to pant if they haven’t been moving around. If your dog is laying around all day and they are constantly panting, call the vet as soon as possible.

5. Issues with mobility

Stiffness and limping is the easier sign to know if your dog is in pain or not. If your dog is older, this symptom is common, but if your dog is on the younger side and they seem to be having trouble getting around, take them to the vet for a checkup. We recommend vet visits for older dogs if they seem more stiff than normal.

6. Shaking

Shaking or trembling is not normal in dogs. Trembling or shaking is a sign of being scared, and if your dog is shaking out of the blue, they need to get to their vet as soon as possible. Shaking and trembling can be a common sign of pain, fear, or feeling sick in your dog.

Take notice!

Dogs aren’t able to communicate like humans, so the only way they can let you know if they are in pain or don’t feel good is through their body language. Make sure you understand your dog’s normal body language so that when they aren’t feeling 100%, you can know and tell your doctor immediately.

Sources used for reference, but all wording is my own.

https://www.vets-now.com/2017/06/10-signs-dog-pain/