How to Tell If Your Dog Is in Pain: Signs, Vet Tips & Care Strategies for 2025 🩺🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Dogs can't tell us when they're hurting—but their bodies and behavior reveal clues. As a veterinarian 🩺, I’m here to help you recognize pain signals early, respond appropriately, and keep your furry friend comfortable in 2025. 💖

🔎 1. Physical & Mobility Indicators

• 🦵 Limping or stiffness: Reluctance to walk, jump, or use stairs.
• 🔄 Difficulty rising/lying: Reluctance or tense posture, hunched back.
• 😰 Shaking or trembling: Especially at rest.
• 🧏 Unusual panting: Even when calm.
• 🧍 Arched back or hanging head: Pain posture differs from normal stance.

🎤 2. Vocal & Behavioral Cues

• 😢 Whining, whimpering, yelping: Especially when touched or during movement.
• 🚨 Excessive vocalization or aggression: Irritability, snapping, hiding.
• 😟 Behavior changes: Withdrawal, restlessness, reduced play or interaction.

🍽️ 3. Appetite & Grooming Signs

• 🚫 Loss of appetite or thirst changes: May indicate pain or discomfort.
• 🐾 Repeated licking or grooming a spot: Could indicate pain, irritation, or injury.

🏥 4. Specific Pain Sources: Back & Sprains

Watch for crying when touching the back, hunching, or abnormal gait—these are common signs of spinal pain or disc issues.

Warmth, swelling, and limping may point to sprains or strains—soft tissue injuries treated through rest and veterinary care.

🧠 5. Hidden & Chronic Pain

Chronic pain from arthritis or internal discomfort may present subtly—watch for minor shifts in activity level, posture, or mood over time.

Using pain scales or tracking behavior changes helps catch a gradual decline early.

⚠️ 6. When to See the Vet Immediately

• 🐾 Sudden or severe limping, swelling, or inability to move.
• 😖 Vocalizing when touched or moving body parts.
• 🩸 Bleeding, open wounds, or suspected fractures.
• 😴 Extreme lethargy or drastic behavior changes lasting over 24 hrs.

🩺 7. Vet Assessment & Pain Treatment

Your vet may perform physical exams, X-rays, or neurological tests depending on symptoms (especially back pain).

Pain management may include:

• ✔️ NSAIDs (vet-prescribed only).
• ✔️ Joint supplements, gabapentin, muscle relaxants.
• ✔️ Physical rehab and weight control.
• ✔️ Surgery for injuries like IVDD or fractures.

👍 8. Home Comfort Strategies

• 🛌 Provide cozy, padded bedding and accessible space.
• 📏 Use ramps/stairs for mobility assistance.
• ⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight for joint relief.
• 🏃 Moderate exercise and physiotherapy support recovery.
• 🗓️ Regular vet follow-ups to track progress.

📋 9. Quick Pain-Signs Checklist

💡 10. Monitor & Keep Records

📒 Keep a pain journal—note behavior, episodes, intensity, and triggers. Video can be especially helpful during vet visits.

📲 Ask A Vet Care

For vet-prescribed pain relief, try joint supplements from Woopf and soft bedding from Purrz to support pet comfort. For expert guidance and monitoring, download the Ask A Vet app—available 24/7 for pain advice, medication queries, and follow-up support. 🩺📱

🧡 Final Thoughts

Recognizing pain early in your dog allows prompt treatment—and prevents chronic issues. With careful observation, vet support, and thoughtful home care, you can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life and keep them happy, mobile, and loved through 2025 and beyond. 🐕❤️