Pet owners know too well the worry that their furry companion is suffering in silence, unable to tell them what’s wrong. But vets have revealed some of the main warning signs to look for that might indicate your dog is in pain.

VetsNow laid out nine of the biggest indicators, the first of which is antisocial behaviour or aggression. They said your dog might stop greeting you at the door, avoid contact or hide, or become aggressive if it’s in pain.  Second is changes to eating, drinking, and sleeping habits. Dogs in pain often sleep more; it might even be difficult for them to move around and be active. A loss of appetite, difficulty eating hard foods, and drinking more or less water are also common symptoms. 

Dogs in pain can also become more vocal. Excessive yelping, growling, snarling, and even howling could be indicators that your dog is in pain.

The fourth sign is excessive grooming. Behaviours like excessive paw licking could be your dog trying to soothe themselves. A dog will often try to clean and care for a wound by licking it.

Altered breathing and heavier panting can be indicators. A dog panting heavily, especially when it has not been exercising, is a warning sign. Shallow breathing can mean that it is painful to take a breath.

The sixth sign is mobility issues, such as stiffness and limping. These are obvious signs that can indicate injury, sore paws, or even arthritis. Your dog might be reluctant to climb stairs, noticeably slow when getting up, or less interested in exercise.

Agitation and restlessness can also be signs of pain. If your dog is pacing, has difficulty getting comfortable, or is sleeping less, there could be an underlying issue.

A change to their body and posture is the eighth sign. Some dogs will become rigid and hunched when in pain, while others will go into the ‘prayer’ posture with their front legs on the ground and their bottom in the air. 

The final sign is shaking or trembling. This is often interpreted as your dog being cold or old, but it can be a sign of poisoning, pancreatitis, or kidney disease. For example, dogs who have swallowed large amounts of chocolate, mouldy compost, or sugar-free sweetener often suffer severe muscle tremors.