Hearing your dog yelp is an obvious — and heartbreaking — clue that he’s in pain.
But many dogs never make a sound, even when they’re really hurting. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the quieter signs of discomfort long before it gets severe.
Here’s how to spot when something’s wrong, so you can help your pup feel better as soon as possible.
Common Signs Your Dog Is in Pain
Pain can look different from dog to dog, but these are some of the most frequent red flags:
- Decreased activity or seeming “slower” than usual
- Hesitating or refusing to jump
- Avoiding stairs
- Struggling to stand up or lie down
- Losing interest in food
- Excessive licking of a specific area
- Yelping or other vocalizations
While many pet parents associate pain with yelping, that’s actually one of the least common indicators. Most painful dogs stay silent.
Your pup can be in significant discomfort without making a sound — which is why watching for behavior changes is so important.
Acute vs. Chronic Pain
Once you’ve noticed signs of pain, understanding what type you're dealing with will help guide the best treatment.
Acute Pain
- Comes on suddenly
- Lasts up to six months
- Caused by something specific (like an injury or surgery)
- Improves once the underlying issue is resolved
Chronic Pain
- Persists for more than six months
- Can continue even after the original cause is gone
- Often fluctuates, with painful flare-ups
- Can be just as intense — or even worse — than acute pain
Certain conditions, such as arthritis or cancer, can cause both acute and chronic pain at the same time.
The Best Ways to Relieve Pain in Dogs
Your vet is the best resource for safe and effective pain relief. They can determine what’s causing the discomfort and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your pup.
Prescription Medications
Dog-specific NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are commonly used, such as:
Never give your dog human medications like Tylenol, aspirin or ibuprofen — they can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.
Multimodal Pain Relief
Most vets recommend combining several approaches for better results, including:
- Complementary medications
- Joint supplements
- Physical rehabilitation
- Laser therapy
Using multiple methods together can significantly improve comfort and mobility, especially for long-term conditions.
Recognizing the subtle signs of pain can make all the difference in your dog’s wellbeing. The sooner you spot the problem, the sooner you can get your pup the relief he needs — and help him get back to feeling like himself again.
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