Dogs feel pain in much the same way you do. Even though your dog may be in pain, they don’t always show it in the same way that you might though. A dog’s pain can become evident through physical symptoms, behavioral changes, and mobility issues. These signs might be subtle, so stay watchful and never be afraid to ask us about anything that might signal that your dog is in pain.

Physical symptoms

When a dog is experiencing pain, you might notice slight physical changes or how they carry their body. Here are a few physical signs of pain in dogs:

• Panting
• Tight or twitching muscles
• Arched back
• Shaking or trembling
• Holding their head below their shoulders

Behavioral symptoms

A dog in pain will typically behave differently than usual. Just like us, dogs tend to be crankier when they are experiencing pain. Here are a few behavioral signs that might indicate that your pet is experiencing pain:

• Restlessness
• Aggression
• Lack of wanting to be touched
• Excessive licking
• Excessive barking and vocalization

Mobility issues

If a dog has sustained an injury or is dealing with arthritis, you may notice changes in their mobility. Here are common signs of pain in dogs that affect their mobility:

• Limping
• Walking slower or refusing to walk
• Reluctance to jump or use stairs
• Reluctance or inability to lie down or get up

Some of these signs of pain can be seen with other serious medical or behavioral problems also, so always discuss changes in behavior or normal activity with us.

Why is your dog in pain?

There are two types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain may be something that just happened, like an injury or illness. Things that have been going on longer, like arthritis or dental issues, cause chronic pain.

Anything that damages cells or creates inflammation can cause pain in dogs:

• Ear, skin and urinary tract infections
• Sprains/strains
• Damage to bones or joints
• Soft tissue injuries
• Back problems
• Dental problems
• Severe stomach problems
• Cancer
• Surgeries

What to do if your dog is in pain

First, schedule an appointment with us (706-568-4848) so that we can help determine what the problem is.

Depending on the type of pain your dog is in, we may run diagnostic tests. To help pinpoint the problem, we may perform X-rays, blood tests, or an ultrasound.