Dogs often hide pain: How can you tell when something is wrong?

Dogs cannot tell us when something hurts. That is why it can sometimes be surprisingly difficult to recognise that they are not feeling well.

It is often said that dogs have a high pain threshold. A more accurate way of putting it, however, is that dogs can be very good at hiding pain or may show it much more subtly than we would expect. They may try to carry on almost normally even when something is hurting them. Some dogs may still wag their tail, greet their owner enthusiastically or even want to play despite being in pain.

That is why it is important to pay attention not only to obvious signs of pain, but also to small changes in your dog's usual behaviour.

When does a dog actually show signs of pain?

Pain can look different from one dog to another. Sometimes the signs are obvious, while at other times they can be very subtle. Possible signs include:

✦ limping or putting less weight on a limb

✦ stiffness or reluctance to move

✦ difficulty getting up, lying down or changing position

✦ reluctance to jump, climb stairs or do activities they previously managed without difficulty

✦ changes in posture or the way they walk

✦ increased tiredness, lethargy or, conversely, restlessness

✦ withdrawing and showing less interest in contact

✦ changes in appetite or sleeping habits

✦ repeatedly licking, chewing or grooming a particular part of the body

✦ avoiding certain positions or movements

✦ sensitivity to touch or reluctance to be picked up or touched in a particular area

✦ changes in mood or behaviour

✦ irritability or defensive aggression

Some changes can be extremely subtle. Your dog may start sleeping more, get up more slowly, stop jumping into the car or begin avoiding the stairs. At first, this may look like laziness, ageing or simply a change in mood. In reality, it may be a sign of pain or another health problem.

Why might a dog hide pain?

Dogs are very good at adapting to their physical condition. Some signs of pain can also be so subtle that we only notice them once our dog's behaviour has changed significantly.

That is why it is important to know your dog and pay attention to what is normal for them. A change from their usual behaviour can be much more meaningful than any single symptom.

And remember - the fact that your dog is still eating, wagging their tail or wanting to go for a walk does not necessarily mean that they are pain-free. Some dogs may appear almost completely normal despite experiencing pain.

Aggression can also be a sign of pain

If a normally friendly dog suddenly does not want to be touched, moves away from your hand, growls or snaps when handled, it may not simply be a matter of "bad behaviour".

Pain or discomfort can trigger a defensive response, particularly if the dog expects someone to touch a painful area or handle them in a way that causes discomfort.

A sudden change in behaviour is therefore something we should not automatically attribute to the dog's personality, age or disobedience.

What should you do if you suspect your dog is in pain?

If you notice limping, a significant change in behaviour, reluctance to move, sensitivity to touch or any other unusual symptom, it is always advisable to contact your veterinarian first.

A veterinary examination can help identify the cause of the pain and determine what approach is appropriate for your particular dog. Massage is not a substitute for veterinary examination or treatment.

If your veterinarian recommends massage or considers it an appropriate complementary form of care, gentle massage may become part of your dog's overall care and can contribute to their comfort, relaxation and regeneration.

Pay attention to the small changes

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this:

We do not have to wait until our dog starts limping noticeably, whining or resisting touch.

Changes in everyday behaviour may be the first sign that something is wrong. The better we know our dogs, the sooner we may notice these small changes.

That is why it is worth observing your dog not only when something is obviously wrong, but also when everything seems perfectly fine. ❤️