How Pain Can Greatly Impact Your Dog’s Behavior (And the Subtle Signs to Watch For)
Dogs are masters at hiding pain.
As natural survivalists, they often mask discomfort, leaving us unaware of what’s truly going on. But pain can have a profound impact on your dog's behavior, and understanding the subtle signs can make all the difference in their quality of life. Whether your dog is anxious, reactive, or just not acting like their usual self, pain might be the underlying cause.
In this blog post, we'll explore how pain affects behavior and the often-overlooked signs that your dog might be hurting.
How Pain Affects Behavior
When your dog is in pain, it doesn't always show up in obvious ways like limping or whining. And pain can influence many aspects of your dog’s behavior, especially in more subtle forms. It can manifest as increased irritability, aggression, withdrawal, or even changes in daily routines like sleeping and eating.
Increased Reactivity or Aggression
Pain can cause dogs to “lash out,” especially when they feel vulnerable or fear being touched in sensitive areas. If your dog starts growling, snapping, or becoming reactive, it could be their way of saying, “I don’t feel good, please don’t touch me.”
My dog Remi has a partial canine cruciate ligament tear and when her pain is increased she starts to heavily resource guard her space because she is uncomfortable.
Avoidance or Withdrawal
Dogs in pain often avoid interactions they normally enjoy. Your once-social dog may start spending more time alone, avoiding playtime or physical affection. This withdrawal can look like disinterest or depression, but it may be an attempt to protect themselves from further discomfort.
When Remi got her partial tear in her CCL the first sign I noticed that told me she needed to go to the vet was that she walked away from a tug toy. She has NEVER turned down a game of tug so that was a huuuuuge red flag! And now when she’s having a rough day and her pain is increased it shows up with her not wanting to participate in certain training sessions like nail care or scratchboard.
Changes in Mobility
Stiffness, hesitation to jump, reluctance to go up or down stairs, or a noticeable decrease in activity levels can be key indicators of pain, even when a limp isn’t present. Dogs may avoid exercise or seem “lazy” when in fact they’re just trying to reduce physical strain.
Now for an example with one of my other dogs, Goose! This big guy has weird proportions and slips easily. This led to some increased hip and low back pain which resulted in him refusing to go down the stairs to go outside. And when he did go down the stairs he would wait until he heard the back door open and then sprint full speed outside because it was painful for him to go down the stairs.
Altered Eating and Sleeping Patterns
Pain can affect how much your dog eats or sleeps. If your dog suddenly has a decreased appetite or is waking up more frequently at night, it could be a result of discomfort. Pain can make it difficult to find a comfortable position for sleeping, or your dog might not want to get up to eat.
Back to Remi! She had a rough couple of weeks where we were late to get her monthly Librela injection which led to her having increased pain levels. During those weeks she was sleeping longer in the mornings, didn’t want to get up to go to the bathroom (and she’s a dog that is ready to goooooo when she heards the word outside), and struggled to eat her breakfast a few times.
Increased Anxiety
Pain can heighten your dog’s overall stress levels. They might become more anxious, especially in situations that never used to bother them. Painful dogs often feel more vulnerable, which can make them hyperaware of their surroundings, leading to an increase in reactivity or fear.
This one is so so so important! Both Goose and Remi are naturally anxious dogs however, when their pain is increased their noise sensitivity becomes even more intense, riding in the car becomes very stressful, and I see a lot of stressed body language while on walks.
Changes in Grooming Habits
If your dog is licking or chewing at one particular spot—often obsessively—it might be an attempt to soothe an area that hurts. This can sometimes lead to skin issues, but even before you see visible damage, this behavior can signal underlying pain.
Along with changes in grooming habits - changes in coat pattern are also indicators of pain! Goose licks and chews on his wrists when they’re hurting and when his hips and back were injured his hair pattern became very thick and swirly in the spots that were the most tense.
Subtle Signs of Pain to Watch For
While some signs of pain are more apparent, like limping or yelping, the signs we often overlook can be just as important. Here are some of the more subtle indicators that your dog might be experiencing discomfort:
Panting When Not Hot or Stressed
Panting can be a normal way for dogs to cool off or express excitement, but if your dog is panting more than usual—especially when they haven’t been active or it’s not hot—it could be a sign of pain.
Restlessness or Difficulty Settling
If your dog is pacing, frequently changing positions, or unable to relax, they may be experiencing pain. Dogs in pain often have a hard time getting comfortable, especially if the pain is chronic or affecting multiple parts of their body.
Changes in Facial Expression or Posture
A furrowed brow, squinting eyes, or ears held back can all be subtle signs that your dog is uncomfortable. A dog in pain may also carry themselves differently—holding their body stiffly, tucking their tail more often, or standing in an unusually tense posture.
Vocalizations
Whining, whimpering, grumbling, increased barking, growling, and whincing while yawning can sometimes be signs of pain, even if they’re not frequent. If your dog is vocalizing more than usual, especially in specific situations like being approached, getting up, or lying down, it’s worth paying attention to.
Reluctance to Be Touched
Dogs in pain may flinch, move away, or show signs of discomfort when touched in certain areas. If your dog used to love belly rubs or being petted but now seems to shy away from physical contact, they might be trying to protect a sore spot.
Excessive Sleeping or Lethargy
While some dogs will become restless due to pain, others may sleep more than usual to avoid movement that hurts. If your typically active dog is suddenly napping much more or showing signs of lethargy, it’s worth considering if pain is playing a role.
… and more! As I continue to learn more about pain in dogs the more subtle signs there seem to be.
What You Can Do if You Suspect Pain in Your Dog
If you think your dog might be in pain, the first step is to consult with your veterinarian who may even refer you to an orthopedic vet or a rehab vet. Pain can have a variety of causes, from arthritis and injuries to internal issues, and it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Your vet can also recommend pain management strategies, whether that’s medication, physical therapy, canine conditioning, lifestyle changes, or all of the above to help make your dog more comfortable.
In addition to medical treatment, you can make adjustments in your dog's environment to help reduce discomfort. For instance:
Provide soft and supportive orthopedic bedding to make resting easier.
Keep their environment predictable and low-stress, especially if they’re more anxious or reactive due to pain.
Modify exercise routines to include gentler activities that keep your dog moving without putting too much strain on their body.
Place stairs and ramps next to furniture to help your dog get on and off without having to jump.
Add rugs, yoga mats, grip tape, other non-slip flooring around your house on all hard floors to prevent your dog from slipping.
Elevate your dog’s food and water bowls to make eating and drinking more comfortable for them.
Walk your dog in a harness that is well-fitting, y-shaped, and non-restrictive to ensure your dog is able to walk naturally.
Recognizing the impact of pain on your dog’s behavior is a crucial part of being a compassionate guardian. While some signs of pain are subtle, they can significantly affect your dog’s quality of life. By understanding how pain manifests and staying vigilant for those subtle signs, you can help your dog get the care and relief they need to feel better and thrive.
If you’re navigating the complexities of reactivity, anxiety, and fear-based behaviors in your dog, pain could be one of many factors affecting their progress. Our Embracing Big Feelings course is designed to help guardians like you work with your dog’s big emotions in a compassionate, force-free way and help you navigate this journey.
Registration opens on October 1st, so join us in learning how to meet your dog where they’re at and support them through their challenges!
Recommended resources:
I don’t want to tell you all of this and not give you resources!
-Emily Fitzpatrick, VSA-CDT & FFCP
