5 Warning Signs Your Dog Is in Pain (And What to Do)

Dogs are masters at hiding pain. It's a survival instinct hardwired into them — in the wild, showing weakness attracts predators. So by the time a dog is obviously limping or crying, they've often been hurting for a while. After years working as a veterinary technician, spotting the subtle signs became second nature to me. Now I watch for them every single day with my own four dogs.

Here are the five signs I always told pet owners to watch for — the ones that are easy to miss but matter the most.

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1. Changes in Posture or the Way They Carry Themselves

This one is huge and almost always overlooked. A dog in pain will often shift their weight, hunch their back, hold their head lower than usual, or stand with their legs positioned differently than normal. It's subtle — the kind of thing you'd only notice if you know your dog's normal stance well.

Kody, my 12-year-old Westie, started doing this before his arthritis was diagnosed. I noticed he was standing with his back legs slightly wider apart than usual. Nothing dramatic — just different. That small change led to a vet visit that caught his joint inflammation early.

Trust your gut when something looks "off" even if you can't name exactly what it is. You know your dog's normal better than anyone.

2. Sudden Withdrawal or Unusual Clinginess

Pain changes personality. A dog who normally greets you at the door might start staying on their bed. A dog who usually doesn't follow you around might suddenly become your shadow. Both extremes can signal that something hurts.

In the clinic, we'd often hear owners say "he just hasn't been himself." That phrase, as vague as it sounds, was always worth investigating. Dogs communicate through behavior — and a behavior shift is often the first signal their body sends.

3. Decreased Appetite or Reluctance to Eat

Dogs who are in pain — especially mouth pain, abdominal pain, or nausea from internal issues — often stop eating or eat much slower than usual. If your normally food-motivated dog starts leaving food in the bowl, take it seriously.

This is different from a picky phase. A dog who's been enthusiastic about meals for years and suddenly stops is telling you something. Dental pain is one of the most common and underdiagnosed causes — a lot of dogs quietly suffer with infected teeth for months before an owner notices.

4. Excessive Licking, Chewing, or Grooming One Spot

If your dog is obsessively licking a paw, their flank, or any specific area of their body — especially if there's no visible wound — that's a pain signal. Dogs self-soothe by licking, and they'll focus on whatever hurts even if the problem is internal.

I've seen dogs lick their abdomen repeatedly when they had bladder issues. I've seen them chew at a hip when arthritis was the real culprit. The licking is a clue pointing toward something below the surface.

5. Changes in Breathing or Panting Without Obvious Reason

Heavy panting when it's not hot, when your dog hasn't been exercising, and when they're not anxious is a pain response. The body pants to cope with discomfort. Shallow, faster-than-normal breathing can signal chest pain or abdominal pain.

This one trips people up because we associate panting with heat or excitement. But if your dog is panting while lying still in a cool room at 10pm — that warrants a call to your vet.

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What to Do If You Spot These Signs

Don't wait for it to get worse. Call your vet and describe exactly what you're seeing — when it started, whether it's constant or comes and goes, and any other changes you've noticed. The more specific you are, the better.

Never give your dog human pain medication. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin are toxic to dogs. Even a small dose of the wrong thing can cause kidney failure or worse. Always wait for veterinary guidance before giving anything.

And remember — you're your dog's best advocate. If something feels wrong, say so. A good vet will never dismiss a concerned owner.

Want to keep better track of your dog's health? Use our Dog Care Checklist to stay on top of everything from daily needs to annual vet visits.

Disclaimer: I'm a former veterinary technician, not a veterinarian. This article is for informational purposes only. If you're concerned about your dog's health, please contact your vet.