As dogs get older, they may experience several physical changes. Many of these changes are often seen as ‘just getting older,’ while in reality, they could be signs of pain. Recognizing these signs early can not only improve your dog’s quality of life but also help prevent more serious health issues in the future. In this blog, I’ll discuss recognizing the subtle, often overlooked signs of pain in older dogs.
Why don’t we always recognize pain?
Most people expect a dog in pain to whine, yelp, or cry. But the first signs of chronic pain are often much more subtle than that. Behavioral changes such as reduced activity, stiffness, or changes in appetite are often dismissed as natural signs of aging, but in reality, they may indicate pain.
It’s important to learn how to recognize the difference and to stay alert to changes in your dog’s behavior.
Behavioral changes that may indicate pain
Reduced Activity
One of the first signs of pain could be a decrease in activity. Maybe your dog used to be excited about going for a walk, but now seems less enthusiastic or starts to slow down halfway through youw walk. This could be a sign of joint pain or other discomfort.
Irritability
Some dogs develop a “shorter fuse” when they are in pain. If your dog tries to move away or starts growling when you touch certain parts of its body, or when grooming, this could indicate pain in that area.
Withdrawal and avoiding social interaction
Dogs in pain may withdraw and become less social. If you notice that your dog is no longer enthusiastic about contact and interaction (with you, with other humans, or with other dogs), this is a clear sign that something is not as it should be. You might also see less tolerance in interactions with other dogs: an older dog may growl or snap at a young, exuberant dog, knowing that the young one may act clumsily and could bump into him.
Excessive licking of a particular spot or joint
Sometimes, dogs show discomfort by constantly licking a particular spot, usually a joint. The rhythmic licking makes them feel a little better, and they release hormones that reduce pain. Sometimes, they can’t exactly reach the spot that hurts, so they keep licking another part of their body.
For example, many people associate paw licking with allergies, but this could also indicate pain.
Sleep issues
For example, restlessness at night and frequently changing positions can be signs of discomfort or pain. The dog may struggle to find a comfortable position to relax and sleep. This can create a vicious cycle, as poor sleep often makes the pain worse.
Physical signs of pain
Limping or Lameness
Limping or lameness is a clear sign of joint or muscle pain. This can be caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, which, unfortunately, is quite common in older dogs. This, by the way, is no longer a subtle sign: if a dog is limping, something serious is going on and it needs to be checked by an expert!
Unusual postures
Dogs with pain move differently to avoid discomfort, which can affect other body parts. Think about it this way: if you limp due to an injury to your right foot, it usually doesn’t take long before your left leg (or even shoulder) starts to hurt too. Dogs often have a hunched back or a neck held lower than usual.
Panting or heavy breathing
Excessive panting, especially when not caused by heat or exertion, can be a sign of pain or stress. These two often go hand in hand: chronic pain causes stress.
Difficulty getting up or lying down
We often see this in older dogs. They may struggle to rise, but after a few steps, everything may seem fine. This is often misleading. Difficulty getting up – start-up pain – is often an indication of joint pain.
What can you do if you think your dog is in pain?
Observe your dog’s behavior
Keep a diary of your dog’s behavior over a few days. Note changes in activity, appetite, and posture. This can help provide a clearer picture of what’s going on.
Consult a veterinarian
If you suspect your dog is in pain, consult your veterinarian. A diary, as described above, can be extremely valuable. Video of how the dog behaves and moves at home can be very helpful as well. Once in the consulting room, it may seem that your dog is pain-free due to the excitement of the visit—just like a toothache may disappear when we go to the dentist!
With a diary and possibly videos of how your dog behaves and moves at home, the vet will have more information and be able to make a better diagnosis.
Never treat pain yourself
It’s important never to give human painkillers to your dog without consulting a veterinarian. Some medications that are safe for humans can be toxic to dogs.
Alternative therapies for pain relief
I usually recommend starting with conventional pain medication if there is pain or suspicion of pain. Since we often miss the early, subtle signs of pain, we must assume that by the time we notice the pain, something serious is already going on. The quickest way to relieve pain is often through conventional medication. Once the pain is under control, we can look at alternative methods to address the root cause of the problems. Sometimes, this may allow for reducing or even stopping the pain medication.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can help improve your dog’s mobility and strengthen muscles, which may reduce pain. Since the dog has likely been dealing with pain for some time, there are often compensatory problems. This perpetuates the cycle of pain, which can be broken with physiotherapy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be an effective way to manage pain, especially with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. In my 20+ years as an acupuncturist, I’ve seen many successful cases. Many people worry their dog won’t tolerate having multiple needles put in their body, but the reality is most dogs have no issue with it at all.
Massage
Massage can relieve stiff muscles and joints. It’s also a great way to relax your dog and improve their overall well-being. Your canine physiotherapist can give massages, but there are also specially trained dog masseurs. Both can often give you instructions for simple massage strokes you can do yourself in the comfort of your own home.
Conclusion
Recognizing pain in older dogs can sometimes be difficult, but by paying attention to subtle signs, you can catch it early and help your dog live more comfortably.
If you’re unsure, assume there’s a reason for your concern—even if those around you say you overreact. You know your dog best! Keep a diary for a week to gather more objective information and ask for help. Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe; stay alert to early signs. The sooner you take action, the better! Your beloved companion needs you to ensure they live pain-free and enjoy life.
If you would like to read more about osteoarthritis: I have written an entire blog about this condition, that sadly is very common in older dogs – link to blog about osteoarthritis.
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