How To Tell if a Dog Is in Pain and What You Can Do To Help; By Aja Senestraro, DVM. Reviewed by Kelly Gold, DVM. Updated Jun. 28, 2024

No pet parent wants their dog to be in pain. But because dogs instinctively try to hide their pain and they can’t tell us when they are hurting, it’s up to us to recognize the subtle signs and to get them the help they need. 
Many behaviors and physical changes can indicate that a dog is in pain. Learn how to recognize the signs of pain in dogs, what causes it, what you can do to help, and how to discuss your concerns with your vet. 
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Signs a Dog Is in Pain
Dogs feel pain just like humans do, but they don’t always show it in the same ways.
A dog’s pain can become evident through physical symptoms, behavioral changes, and/or mobility issues. These might be subtle, so stay vigilant and never be afraid to ask your vet about anything that might signal that your dog is in pain. 
Physical Symptoms When a dog is experiencing pain, you might notice subtle physical signs or changes in their body language and how they carry themselves. Here are a few physical signs of pain in dogs: 

• Tight or twitching muscles 
• Shaking or trembling 
• Arched back 

• Holding their head below their shoulders 
• Panting

Behavioral Changes 
A dog in pain tends to behave differently than what’s usual for them. Just like us, dogs tend to be crankier when they are experiencing pain.
Here are a few behavioral signs that might indicate that your pet is experiencing pain: 

• Not wanting to be touched 

• Excessive licking 
• Excessive vocalization  (whimpering, yelping, crying, and howling) 
• Restlessness 
• Aggression
• Changes in sleeping habits 

Mobility Issues
 If a dog has sustained an injury or is dealing with arthritis, you may notice changes in their mobility. Here are common signs of pain in dogs that affect how dogs get around: 

• Limping
• Walking slower or refusing to walk 
• Reluctance to jump or use stairs 

• Difficulties lying down or rising 

Some of these signs and symptoms of pain in dogs can be seen with serious medical or behavioral problems, so always discuss changes in behavior or normal activity with your veterinarian. 

What Causes Pain in Dogs?
There are two types of pain: acute and chronic. Something that just happened, like an injury or illness, causes acute pain. Things that have been going on longer, like arthritis or dental disease, cause chronic pain. 

Anything that damages cells or creates inflammation can cause pain in dogs, including: 

• Damage to bones or joints  
• Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, or bruising

• Back problems
• Dental disease
• Ear infections
• Skin infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Severe stomach upset 
• Some kinds of cancer
• Surgeries 

How To Help a Dog That’s in Pain
If you think your dog is suffering, know that there are a lot of different things you can do to help them feel better. Here are some steps you can take to help your dog cope with pain and work toward relief. 

1. Make a Vet AppointmentFirst, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to figure out what the problem is. If your dog is in severe pain or has other symptoms, get them to a veterinarian immediately. 
Your veterinarian will need to perform a physical exam and run some diagnostic tests. To pinpoint the problem, your vet may need to do X-rays, blood tests, or an ultrasound. 
2. Stop or Modify Physical ActivitiesIf your pet is only showing signs of pain during an activity, avoid it until you can talk to your veterinarian. 
Your vet will be able to help you figure out how to best help your pet, whether it’s stopping that activity altogether or establishing modifications that will minimize pain. 
Simple pain-reducing modifications to common activities can include:  

• Taking shorter walks 
• Using dog stairs to get into cars or onto furniture