How Do I Know My Dog is in Pain? A Guide

How do I know my dog is in pain is a question most dog owners ask at some point, usually right after they notice something feels off. Dogs instinctively hide pain, so the first signs are often small and easy to miss. Pain can show up as behavior changes, mobility changes, or shifts in daily habits. If your gut tells you something is not right, trust that feeling and call a veterinarian early.

If you want veterinary care in Atlanta from a team that focuses only on dogs, Good Dog Veterinary Care makes it easy to get answers early and stay ahead of bigger problems.

1. Stiffness When Getting Up or Lying Down

One of the earliest signs of discomfort is stiffness during transitions. You might notice your dog moves slowly after waking up, hesitates before standing, or takes a few stiff steps before loosening up. Some dogs pause before lying down, circle longer than usual, or avoid certain resting spots.

This often shows up first with early joint pain or back discomfort. Even if your dog seems fine once they get moving, stiffness during these moments is worth paying attention to.

2. Limping or Favoring One Leg

Limping is a clearer sign, but it is not always dramatic. Some dogs will subtly shift weight to one side, take uneven steps, or briefly hold a paw up while standing. You may also see toe touching, where they barely place a foot down while walking.

Common causes include joint pain, ligament problems, paw or toe injuries, and arthritis. If limping appears suddenly or keeps showing up, your dog should be evaluated so you are not guessing at the cause.

3. Slower Walking or Reduced Endurance

A lot of pain shows up as your dog just is not keeping up like they used to. They may stop more often on walks, lag behind you, or choose the shortest route back home. Some dogs seem willing at first, then slow down quickly or need more breaks.

Reduced stamina is a common pain sign even when limping is not present. Dogs will often adapt their pace to protect a sore joint, a painful back, or an area that feels tender.

4. Reluctance to Jump Use Stairs or Get Into the Car

If your dog hesitates before jumping on the couch, avoids stairs, or suddenly needs help getting into the car, take it seriously. Some dogs freeze before attempting the movement. Others look at the stairs and walk away. You may notice them trying, then backing out like they changed their mind.

This behavior often points to hip pain, knee pain, back discomfort, or general soreness. Dogs usually do not stop doing these things for no reason, especially if they used to do them confidently.

5. Changes in Posture or How They Hold Their Body

Posture changes can be subtle but telling. You might see an arched back, a lowered head, a tucked tail, or a stiff, guarded stance. Some dogs sit in unusual positions, shift their weight oddly while standing, or avoid turning a certain direction.

These changes are often your dog trying to protect a painful area. Think of it like a person favoring a sore shoulder or walking differently when their knee hurts.

6. Pulling Away Flinching or Resisting Touch

A dog that normally enjoys affection may suddenly pull away, flinch, or avoid being handled. You might notice sensitivity when you pet certain areas, resistance when you pick them up, or a dog that gets tense when you reach toward them.

Pain can make even friendly dogs dislike contact, not because they are being difficult, but because they are trying to avoid discomfort. If your dog reacts like this, it is a strong sign that something hurts.

7. Excessive Licking Chewing or Grooming One Spot

Focused licking or chewing usually means your dog is trying to soothe a specific area. Common targets include paws, joints, the belly, or a spot near the hips or lower back. Some dogs lick so much they create hot spots or irritated skin.

This can signal localized pain, inflammation, or discomfort. Even if the skin looks normal at first, the behavior itself matters. If your dog keeps returning to one area, it is worth having it checked.

8. Panting Trembling or Shaking When Not Exercising

Panting at rest can be a sign your dog is uncomfortable. The same goes for shaking, trembling, or that tense look where their body feels tight even when they are just standing or lying down. Some dogs also seem unable to fully relax, even in a calm room.

These signs can point to pain, inflammation, or abdominal discomfort and you should take them seriously. If your dog is panting heavily for no clear reason, especially if it comes with other changes, call your veterinarian.

9. Restlessness or Trouble Getting Comfortable

A dog in pain often cannot settle. You may see pacing, frequent position changes, getting up and down repeatedly, or waking up more often during the night. Some dogs move from spot to spot like they are searching for a position that does not hurt.

Pain can feel worse when a dog tries to rest because they are no longer distracted by activity. If your dog suddenly seems restless at night or cannot get comfortable, it is worth a check.

10. Appetite Changes or Difficulty Chewing

Pain can affect eating more than people realize. Your dog might show less interest in food, eat slower, drop kibble, avoid hard treats, or chew only on one side. Sometimes they walk away from food they normally love.

This can be caused by dental pain, mouth soreness, nausea, or internal discomfort. If appetite changes last more than a day, or your dog seems uncomfortable while eating, do not wait it out.

11. Changes in Drinking or Bathroom Habits

Pay attention to changes in water intake and bathroom routines. Increased drinking, decreased drinking, indoor accidents, or changes in frequency can all signal something is wrong.

Pain and illness can affect routines in a few ways. A dog with joint or back pain may have trouble getting outside in time. A dog with internal discomfort may drink differently or need to go more often. If you notice a clear shift from normal, it deserves a call.

12. Mood and Behavior Changes That Feel Out of Character

Pain often looks like a personality shift. Some dogs get irritable or snappy. Others withdraw, hide, or seem unusually quiet. You might also see clinginess, a sudden need to stay close, or reduced interest in people or other pets.

If your dog is acting unlike themselves, do not assume it is just a mood. Pain changes how dogs handle daily life and social interaction.

13. Vocalizing Whimpering Groaning or Yelping

Some dogs vocalize when they hurt, but it varies a lot. You might hear whimpering, groaning, yelping, or crying during movement, when being touched, or even while resting.

At the same time, many dogs stay quiet even when they are in significant pain. Do not rely on sound alone. Body language, movement, and daily habits usually tell the bigger story.

When to Call Your Veterinarian

If any sign lasts longer than one day, worsens, or shows up alongside other symptoms, call your veterinarian. Also call sooner if your dog seems distressed, cannot get comfortable, or you just feel unsure. It is always better to reach out early than to wait until it becomes urgent.

What Counts as an Emergency

Seek immediate care if you notice any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Collapse
• Bloated or swollen abdomen
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures
• Suspected toxin ingestion
• Severe trauma

If you are debating whether it is an emergency, treat it like one. Fast action can save your dog's life.

What Your Veterinarian Will Check

Your veterinarian will start with a full head to tail exam and talk through what you have noticed at home. They may perform a mobility evaluation and pain response testing to pinpoint where your dog feels discomfort. History matters too, including recent activity, appetite, bowel movements, medications, and any past conditions.

Depending on findings, diagnostics may include blood work, urinalysis, and imaging such as x rays. If you can, bring short videos or notes from home. Dogs often act differently in the clinic, so home observations help a lot.

How Pain is Treated

Treatment depends on the cause, the severity, and your dog's lifestyle. Plans often include medications, targeted therapies, rehabilitation, weight support, and home modifications to reduce strain. Some dogs benefit from a combination of approaches rather than a single solution.

Important note, never give your dog human pain medications. Many common options are dangerous for dogs and can cause serious harm.

How You Can Help at Home While You Wait for the Appointment

Keep things calm and simple. Encourage rest and limit jumping, stairs, and rough play. Improve traction at home by using rugs or stable walking surfaces so your dog does not slip. Offer supportive bedding and keep essentials nearby so they do not need to move far.

Document what you see. Write down when the symptoms happen, what triggers them, and how long they last. If possible, take a short video. Avoid self medicating and wait for veterinary guidance.

You know your dog best. If something feels different, it is worth paying attention to. Early action leads to better comfort, better outcomes, and fewer emergencies. Keep up with routine wellness visits and call your veterinarian when you notice changes, even if they seem small at first.

If you are looking for veterinary care in Atlanta that is built around dogs from day one, Good Dog Veterinary Care offers a dog only approach that helps you catch issues earlier and keep your pup comfortable.