Though dogs may not be able to tell us in words how they feel, they are always telling us through their body language and behaviour.

 It can feel like being a detective trying to decode if a dog is in pain. Many of the things we see, especially behaviourally, may have other explanations. But when we put together all the things we are seeing they can help us build a picture, an idea of what is going on, and help us identify discomfort and pain. 

Chronic or acute pain? What's the difference? 

Acute pain is pain that lasts for a short period of time. It usually come of quicky and can be the result of injury – like a broken bone, or a cut or surgery. The cause tends to be obvious, and the pain serves a purpose. Acute pain signals to the body that something is wrong, encouraging the body to slow down and rest to encourage healing. Acute pain should ease as the body heal. There may be obvious signs of this such as yelping, sudden limping or licking at an area of the body. 

Chronic pain is long term pain and refers to pain that has lasted over 3 – 6 months.  It can come and go or be constant. There is not always a clear cause and can sometimes be the result of an injury that has healed, but left scarring, nerve damage, or the result of a long-term condition such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia or luxating patella. Chronic pain can be hard to spot in our dogs because it changes, and dog living with long term conditions will often continue to ‘get on with things’ even if it hurts. 

Acute and chronic pain may feel very different, however we may see similar signs and symptoms. Both types of pain need to be investigated and treated appropriately. 

What to look for -

Behaviour

Sometimes behaviour changes may appear good or desirable - for example and overly boisterous dog that is suddenly much calmer - but these may also require investigation. 

• Becoming quieter or not as energetic
• Lethargic or sleeping more – pain is exhausting 
• Increased restlessness – unable to get comfortable 
• Becoming more aggressive, grumpy or ‘reactive’ – pain is incredibly wearing so your dog’s tolerance for things may have decreased, meaning they are more likely to react to things they find difficult or irritating. Growling, snarling, barking and snapping are all ways a dog shows discomfort. 
• Reluctance to do things they otherwise did (such as going for walks or jumping on the sofa) – sometimes these things are simply more physically difficult, the dog does not trust their body to complete the task, or it hurts more. 
• Becoming sensitive to noise
• Playing less both on walks and at home 
• Pacing as though they cannot settle
• Scratching 
• Groaning especially when they lie down
• Licking feet, body or legs excessively 
• Using cushions or furniture to prop their head up when resting 
• Sensitive to touch - dogs may avoid touch or show signs of of stress  

Movement

• Limping even if occasional (occasional limping does not always mean the pain is occasional).
• Stiffness – when walking or getting up
• Shifting weight from side to side
• Sitting in different or awkward positions
• Sleeping in different positions 
• Running or trotting a lot and not walking – (different gaits use different muscles and may indicate slower movement is harder or more painful)
• Slowing down
• Skipping
• Bunny hopping
• Not weight bearing through certain limbs
• Rotating paws inwards or outwards
• Knuckling (placing weight on the top of paws)
• Dragging feet – this can often be heard
• Uneven nail wear showing weight is not being evenly distributed 
• Difficulty stretching
• Not shaking off fully or at all 
• Moving when defecating
• Finding it difficult to stand in one spot (such as when they are eating)

Appearance 

• Changes in muscle coverage – this includes increases or decreases 
• Hunched appearance
• Low or tucked tail carriage
• Low head carriage
• A dry nose
• Changes in coat – look for areas where the coat is different, such as not sitting flat or increased shedding/dead coat)