Pain Signals

Your dog is in pain.

Most dogs are incredibly stoic, and it can be difficult to tell that they are in pain or not feeling well. Nevertheless, growling can be an indication of pain or illness.

Some dogs who are in pain or sick will only growl when you physically touch them, but others may do so if you only come close to a sore hip or paw — physical contact may not even be necessary.

Note that because we may be are unaware that anything is wrong with our pooch, these types of growls can seem somewhat surprising. 

If your dog’s growling is caused by pain or illness, you may notice the following clues:

• Sudden change in behavior 

• Growling or snapping at movement around her

• Growling or snapping at touch

Holding their body differently…

This is where it is so important to know your dog’s “norm” or baseline so that you can recognise changes to this. Changes such as holding the back at more of a pronounced curve, waddling when they move, tiptoeing, stiff back leg movement, crabbing and walking or trotting sideways at an angle, holding themselves in a tight ball when asleep, stretching more, glazed expression in the eyes, sighing more, grumbling, stiff when getting up, collapsing after a walk, refusing to walk, running away at the lead.

If however, the above is your dog’s norm then this may not apply, or they are already in pain and therefore their “norm” is not normal and we discuss this in the below video.

Email me some more indications that a dog may be in pain: hello@dorsetdogs.com subject: body language

Recognising pain in dog body language:

With Dr Amy Watson of Pinpoint Veterinary Care