Dogs are masters at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness was dangerous — so even our pampered, sofa-dwelling pets instinctively mask discomfort. By the time a dog is visibly struggling, they may have been uncomfortable for weeks or months.
Knowing the subtle signs that something isn’t right could make a real difference to your dog’s quality of life — and catch problems before they become much harder to treat.
The 10 Signs to Watch For
1. Limping or Favouring One Leg
Even a subtle, intermittent limp deserves attention. It can indicate joint pain, soft tissue damage, a fracture, or something more complex. Don’t assume it will resolve on its own.
2. Changes in Appetite
Pain can make eating uncomfortable — particularly if it’s dental or abdominal in origin. A dog who is suddenly fussier with food, slower to eat, or dropping food may be in pain rather than simply being picky.
3. Sleeping More Than Usual
Increased sleep might seem like normal ageing, but it can indicate your dog is avoiding movement due to discomfort. A dog who used to greet you at the door and now stays in their bed is worth checking.
4. Reluctance to Jump, Climb, or Walk
If your dog won’t get onto the sofa, into the car, or up the stairs when they used to do so freely, this is a clear signal — often linked to joint or spinal pain. It should never be written off as “just getting older.”
5. Personality or Behaviour Changes
A normally sociable dog becoming withdrawn, grumpy, or snappy could be in pain. Pain changes personality. If your dog has started growling when touched in a particular area, or seems reluctant to be handled, a vet check is warranted.
💨 Heavy Panting at Rest
Panting when it’s not hot and your dog hasn’t exercised can be a stress response to pain, especially if combined with restlessness or pacing.
🎯 Licking One Area
Dogs often lick sore joints or paws to self-soothe. Persistent licking of a specific spot — often with redness or hair loss — usually indicates localised discomfort.
😤 Trembling or Shaking
Not just a sign of fear or cold — shaking can signal pain, particularly in older dogs after movement, or in dogs with spinal or joint disease.
8. Vocalising More Than Usual
Whimpering, whining, or growling — especially when touched or moved — is a direct expression of pain or discomfort. It’s important not to dismiss this as attention-seeking behaviour.
9. Changes in Posture
A dog who stands with a hunched back, carries their tail low, or sits with one leg extended rather than tucked neatly underneath them may be compensating for pain somewhere in their body.
10. General Slowing Down
Stiffness when getting up, taking longer to settle at night, or simply moving more slowly and carefully are common signs of pain — especially joint or back pain. These are treatable, not inevitable.
You know your dog better than anyone. If something feels off — even if you can’t quite put your finger on what — that instinct is worth acting on. We’d always rather see a dog who turns out to be fine than miss something that needed attention.
Something Not Quite Right with Your Dog?
Trust your instincts. If your dog seems off — even if you can’t pinpoint exactly what — that’s worth a conversation with our team. We’re always happy to advise.