Q: What signs of pain should I look out for in my dog?

A: So many of us are guilty of missing the subtle signs of pain that our dogs are giving us. There are no prizes for realising a limping dog is in pain, but many more subtle signs can be difficult to spot. Dogs are highly skilled at disguising pain, so it’s about observing your dog and getting to know them over time to recognise when they are trying to tell you something.

Note: Pain can be both physical and emotional.

Subtle signs that your dogs may be in pain include:

Chewing and licking paws

Chewing and licking of paws often start if a dog has itchy feet, triggered by environmental factors such as grasses or floor-cleaning products. Some dogs will also chew and lick due to nagging, aching pain from stiff or arthritis joints in their toes or their wrists. Nibbling of the paw pads may be caused by small grazes or splinters that irritate them. In addition to these physical causes, paw licking and chewing can be a compulsive behaviour triggered by stress or anxiety and becomes a learned reaction to a trigger, like being left alone.

Yawning

This is a calming signal in dogs. While the context for all dogs’ body language is important to consider, yawning is rarely a sign of tiredness in dogs. Very often, it is your dog communicating that he is uncomfortable. He might be in pain, overwhelmed by the situation, or stressed.

Behaviour

Behaviours can change when your dog isn’t feeling well. For instance, he may become snappy or retreat to his own space in a bid to be left alone. He might become less enthusiastic about food and less willing to engage with you. He may also become more vocal and sensitive to environmental noise triggers.

Physical signs

Trembling when it is not cold, panting when it isn’t hot, licking lips outside of meal times and turning the head away are all signs that something isn’t right. Similarly, if your dog has a hunched top line, carries his tail low, has his head down, his ears pinned back, or his eyes wider than normal, you can be pretty certain that he is suffering from some kind of physical or emotional pain. Excessive sleep is also a clear sign that something isn’t right.

If your dog is showing any signs of pain or stress, seek veterinary attention immediately.