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10 Signs Your Dog Is in Pain and What to Do

Dogs are remarkably stoic animals and often mask pain until it becomes severe. As a UK pet owner, knowing the subtle signs that your dog may be suffering is one of the most valuable things you can do for their welfare. The PDSA's Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report consistently highlights pain recognition as a gap in owner knowledge — this guide aims to help.

Why Dogs Hide Pain

The tendency to conceal pain is an evolutionary trait — in the wild, showing vulnerability invites predation. Domestic dogs retain this instinct, which means they may continue eating, walking, and behaving relatively normally even when experiencing significant discomfort. This is why pain often goes unnoticed until it is advanced.

The RCVS and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) emphasise that owners are best placed to notice subtle behavioural changes in their own animals — you know your dog better than anyone. A change in behaviour, no matter how minor it seems, is worth paying attention to.

Some types of pain are more readily apparent than others. Acute pain from an injury or sudden illness tends to produce more obvious signs, while chronic pain — such as that from arthritis or dental disease — often creeps in gradually, making it harder to spot.

The 10 Key Signs of Pain in Dogs

The following signs may indicate your dog is in pain. Not all dogs display all signs, and some may show only one or two. Look for changes from your dog's normal baseline behaviour.

1. Limping or favouring a limb — even if subtle or intermittent. 2. Reluctance to move, jump, or climb stairs — particularly in dogs who previously enjoyed these activities. 3. Vocalisation — whimpering, whining, yelping, or howling, especially when touched in a particular area. 4. Changes in posture — hunching, a tucked abdomen, or an unusual stance. 5. Excessive licking or chewing a specific body part — this often indicates localised pain or irritation.

6. Changes in appetite — pain often reduces interest in food, though some dogs eat normally despite significant discomfort. 7. Altered sleep patterns — restlessness at night, difficulty settling, or sleeping more than usual. 8. Aggression or withdrawal — a previously friendly dog may snap when touched, or a sociable dog may become withdrawn. 9. Changes in facial expression — squinting eyes, flattened ears, a tense muzzle, or a furrowed brow. 10. Changes in breathing — shallow, rapid, or laboured breathing can indicate pain, particularly abdominal or chest pain. The PDSA's pain scale for dogs uses many of these indicators as clinical markers.

When to See a Vet Urgently

Some signs warrant same-day or emergency veterinary attention. If your dog is vocalising loudly in pain, cannot bear weight on a limb, is breathing with obvious difficulty, has a visibly distended abdomen, or appears to have collapsed or is unable to stand, seek veterinary help immediately.

Other signs that require urgent but not emergency care (same-day appointment) include sudden onset of limping, refusal to eat for more than 24 hours, signs of discomfort when touched in a particular area, or a sudden personality change. Do not wait more than 24 hours if you suspect pain.

For chronic, gradual-onset signs — such as increasing stiffness in an older dog or reluctance to climb stairs — a routine appointment is appropriate, but do not delay indefinitely. Many owners wait months before seeking help for pain that has been slowly worsening, by which point the animal's quality of life may have suffered unnecessarily.

What the Vet Will Do

Your vet will perform a physical examination to identify the source of pain, including palpating joints, assessing gait, and checking reflexes and muscle condition. They may recommend diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood tests, or ultrasound to identify the underlying cause.

For acute pain following an injury, they may prescribe short-term pain relief such as an NSAID (e.g. meloxicam) or an opioid in severe cases. For chronic conditions such as arthritis, they will discuss long-term management options including medication, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and weight management.

Always follow your vet's instructions regarding pain medication. Never give human painkillers — including ibuprofen, paracetamol, or aspirin — to dogs. These are toxic to dogs and can be fatal even in small doses, according to the RCVS and PDSA.

Managing Costs When Your Dog Is in Pain

Discovering that your dog is in pain can be stressful, and the associated vet costs can add to that anxiety. A consultation for a new pain concern typically costs £40–£65 at a standard UK practice, with diagnostic tests adding further costs. For chronic conditions requiring ongoing medication, costs accumulate over time.

CompareMyVet at app.comparemyvet.uk helps UK pet owners find and compare local vet prices, including consultation fees and prescription costs. If your dog is prescribed long-term pain relief, remember that you have the right to a written prescription to use at an online pharmacy — often saving 40–60% on ongoing medication costs under the March 2026 CMA reforms.

Pet insurance is strongly recommended for any dog — unexpected pain-related conditions can lead to bills of hundreds or thousands of pounds. The PDSA recommends ensuring all dogs have appropriate health cover, including insurance or savings, as part of responsible ownership.