It isn’t always easy to tell when your four‑legged friend is in pain. Dogs are often masters at hiding it.
Veterinarians from Utrecht University in the Netherlands stepped in to help dog owners. Their study identified 17 key signs that a dog may be in pain.
Some of these signs are obvious — like a change in temperament, hesitantly lifting a paw, or a drop in play activity. Other signs are harder to read, such as licking the air or frequent yawning — behaviors that can be misinterpreted without experience. That’s why animal behavior specialists recommend simple methods that help owners spot signals and communicate better with their dog, making behavior and obedience more predictable.
The report published in PLOS One explains: “These barely visible changes in a dog’s behavior can be early warning signs of aggression. When a dog is in pain, it may act unpredictably and react to stimuli it would normally ignore.” That finding supports evidence that people often misinterpret dog behavior, especially when they try to read a dog’s emotions and reactions.
Recognizing these behavioral subtleties matters for human safety and the dog’s welfare.
How vets say you can spot pain in dogs
The team recruited 530 dog owners and 117 people who don’t own dogs. All participants filled out an online questionnaire that asked them to rank possible signs of pain from a list. Then participants described likely causes of behavior in three short scenarios: one where the dog had barely visible signs of pain, one where the dog showed obvious pain, and one where the dog had no pain.
Results showed people are best at recognizing movement‑related signs of pain, such as limping.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, lead author Ineke R. van Gervelnen said, “Possible signs of pain we don’t always pay attention to include sudden behavior changes, such as nighttime restlessness and increased clinginess to the owner. Keep in mind that a person’s stress can transfer to their dog and affect the dog’s behavior and reactions to stimuli. Also, behaviors that seem funny to us can indicate discomfort or pain, for example when a dog seems to be licking the air.”
Surprisingly, dog owners and people who have never owned dogs recognized pain at similar rates. There were three behavioral exceptions. The researchers also identified three categories of dog owners that reflect different approaches to interacting with their pets, which helps explain why some people notice pain sooner than others.
People who don’t own dogs were more likely than owners to interpret head turning, body turning, and freezing in place as signs of pain. Dog owners tended to read those same movements as signs of stress or fear, the vets noted.
17 signs your dog is in pain
- Change in temperament – the dog becomes irritable or withdrawn, which can signal discomfort.
- Hesitantly lifting a paw – often a sign of pain in a limb or joint.
- Mood swings – a sudden shift from playful to listless may indicate pain.
- Increasingly unwilling to play – losing interest in games suggests discomfort.
- Increased scratching – scratching more can point to itching or skin pain.
- Coat damage – excessive shedding or over‑grooming signals discomfort.
- Change in gaze – eyes appear glazed or unusually wide, which is a sign of stress or pain.
- More self‑grooming – frequent licking of fur or paws can indicate unpleasant sensations.
- Turning the head or body away – avoiding contact is a sign of discomfort.
- Faster blinking – can signal stress or pain.
- Licking the air – a subtle sign of pain that owners often ignore.
- Freezing in place – the dog stays perfectly still to hide pain.
- Licking surfaces – tries to relieve discomfort through tactile contact.
- Licking the lips – a subtle sign of pain or anxiety.
- Licking the nose – a frequently ignored cue that points to discomfort.
- Frequent yawning – can be a signal of stress and physical pain.
- Air sniffing with the nose – an unusual behavior often associated with unpleasant sensations.
Also: nighttime restlessness, increased attention to the owner, shorter walks in the park.
Less obvious signs your dog is in pain
- Nighttime restlessness,
- Increased focus on adult family members,
- Shrinking the area the dog explores during park walks.
This helps explain how dogs read our emotions from our voice and facial expressions, which gives owners extra clues for spotting pain or discomfort.
Beyond the signs listed here, other behavioral changes can matter to owners. For example, behaviors like reluctance to move or shifts in activity can be linked to physical problems, since some breeds tend to overeat and develop related health problems that affect their behavior and well‑being.
How to read a dog’s behavior when it’s in pain
The researchers hope these results will encourage dog owners to pay closer attention to unexpected changes in their pets’ behavior.
Dr. van Gervelnen pointed out, “We often chalk a dog’s behavior up to boredom, disobedience, or stubbornness, when the real cause may be pain. If we consider pain as a possibility, we can help the animal earlier in its suffering.”
Checklist for dog owners
How to check whether your dog is in pain:
- Observe the dog’s behavior throughout the day.
- Watch for changes in activity and play.
- Check how often the dog licks its paws, nose, or the air.
- Track changes in the dog’s gaze and facial expressions.
- Notice increased scratching, coat damage, or yawning.
- If you spot two to three or more signs, consult your veterinarian.
FAQ: common questions about pain in dogs
Can different breeds show pain differently?
Yes. Large breeds often hide pain more than small breeds, so owners need to watch behavior closely because signs of pain can be subtle.
How does pain affect a dog’s appetite?
Dogs in discomfort may eat less or refuse water. Changes in eating and drinking are early signals that a dog may be suffering.
Does pain change a dog’s sleep?
Yes. Dogs may sleep less, wake up frequently at night, or change where they sleep. This is a less obvious sign that owners should watch for.
How does pain show up during walks?
Dogs may limit movement, avoid certain areas, or lift a paw. These changes during walks can reveal that the animal is in pain even outdoors.
Should I see a vet if I notice just one sign of pain?
Yes. Even a subtle sign, like licking the air or frequent yawning, can indicate early discomfort. Acting early helps prevent more serious problems.
How does pain affect the dog‑owner relationship?
When in pain, dogs may become more anxious, hide, or seek extra attention. Recognizing these signs helps owners provide support and get timely help.
Photo: Unsplash
