Article reviewed & approved by Dr Alexandra Swan, BVetBiol/BVSc(Hons) BEquineSc MANZCVS(Emergency & Critical Care). She is the Emergency Clinician Lead veterinarian SASH Prospect (Western Sydney).
How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain: Recognising the Signs
It can be difficult to spot pain in dogs and it can present in a variety of ways. Some dogs are experts at hiding discomfort, so pain is not always obvious at first. This guide outlines what to look for, why early care is important, and how your veterinarian and the specialist teams at SASH can help your dog feel comfortable again.
Common Causes of Pain in Dogs
Pain can be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). Common causes include:
- Injuries such as fractures, sprains or soft tissue trauma
- Arthritis and joint disease
- Back or neck problems like disc disease
- Dental or oral pain
- Abdominal or internal conditions
- Ear, skin or eye disease
- Cancer-related pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Age-related changes
Recognising Pain in Your Dog
You know your dog’s normal behaviour better than anyone. Any change in movement, mood or daily habits could be an early sign of discomfort. The sooner pain is identified, the sooner your dog can receive care to protect mobility and quality of life.
Physical changes
- Shaking or trembling when not cold or anxious
- Fast or heavy breathing or panting without exercise or heat
Behavioural changes
- Irritability or aggression, especially when touched
- Restlessness or pacing
- Avoiding people or seeking solitude and hiding
Changes in activity levels
- Slower on walks or reluctant to get up
- Stiffness or difficulty walking, especially after resting
- Hesitation to jump or climb stairs
- Changes in toileting, which may reflect mobility or abdominal pain
Postural changes
- Cowering, tail tucked or head held low
- Hunched back or rigid neck
- Limping or stiff movements
Changes in appetite
- Reduced interest in food or eating more slowly
- Dropping food, chewing on one side or drooling, which can indicate dental pain
- Reluctance to drink
Sleeping pattern changes
- Restlessness at night or frequent position changes
- Trouble getting comfortable or sleeping more than usual
Grooming and hygiene changes
- Excessive licking or biting a particular area
- Unkempt coat due to less grooming
- Avoiding touch on certain parts of the body
How Dogs Communicate Pain
Some dogs vocalise when in pain:
- Whining, whimpering or crying
- Growling or snapping when a sore area is touched
- Yelping when moving, jumping or climbing into the car
Not all dogs make noise when they hurt, so silence does not always mean they are pain-free.
How SASH Helps: Two Specialist Teams Working Together
Every dog and every type of pain is different. At SASH, two specialist services work together to support pets and their families.
1) Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (SMR)
This team focuses on mobility, function and long-term comfort. After a detailed assessment, they may recommend:
- Gait assessment and progress tracking
- Targeted exercise and tailored home programs
- Hydrotherapy using an underwater treadmill
- Laser therapy, TENS or cryotherapy for pain relief
- Orthotics, braces or carts if needed
- Advanced treatments such as PRP, stem cell therapy, shockwave, nerve blocks or acupuncture
SMR supports sporting dogs, post-surgical patients and seniors with arthritis, helping them move with confidence again.
2) Anaesthesia and Analgesia Pain Clinic
Led by specialist anaesthesiologists, this team focuses on assessing and managing pain from acute or chronic conditions. Treatment may include:
- Personalised medication plans to maximise comfort and reduce side effects
- Regional anaesthesia and infusion techniques for complex pain
- Collaboration with SMR, Surgery, Neurology and your regular vet to ensure seamless care
Together, these teams take a multimodal approach, combining medication, interventional therapies and rehabilitation to help dogs live comfortably.
What You Can Do at Home
- Provide a calm, quiet space with non-slip flooring and a supportive bed
- Offer gentle pats if your dog seeks them, but avoid sore areas
- Speak softly to reassure them
- Provide familiar comfort items like a favourite toy or blanket
- Only use pain relief prescribed by your vet, as giving human medications can be harmful
- Contact your vet for timely assessment and advice
Recognising Pain in Senior Dogs
Older dogs often show subtle signs. Slowing down is not just “old age” if it affects enjoyment of daily life. Watch for stiffness, difficulty rising, weakness in the back legs, slipping on floors, less enthusiasm for walks and disturbed sleep.
Managing pain in senior dogs usually includes medication, weight management, modified exercise, and therapies such as hydrotherapy, laser treatment, shockwave or acupuncture. There are many options available to ensure your pet is comfortable and has a good quality of life.
When Pain is an Emergency
Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog shows any of the following:
- Collapse or severe weakness
- Intense or worsening pain, persistent crying or agitation
- Breathing difficulty, pale gums or a swollen abdomen
- Sudden paralysis or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Serious trauma such as a fall or car accident
How Vets Diagnose and Treat Pain
Your vet will take a full history and perform a thorough physical examination. They may recommend:
- Imaging such as X-rays, CT, MRI or ultrasound
- Blood or laboratory tests
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
- Rehabilitation programs to restore strength and movement
- Referral to the Pain Clinic for complex pain management
- Joint care with other specialists if needed
Worried About Your Dog? We’re Here to Help
If you think your dog is in pain, don’t wait. Early assessment helps protect mobility and comfort. SASH works closely with your regular family vet to provide coordinated care through Anaesthesia and Analgesia and Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, so pet families feel supported every step of the way.
Important: This article provides general information only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, contact your vet or your nearest emergency hospital.
