A common misconception I often come across is that senior dogs always slow down and become less active as they age. And that can be true. But very often, when a dog becomes noticeably less active, something else is going on. In this episode, I’m going to talk about the most important reason for this—a reason that is often overlooked.
Intro music and introduction
This is Episode 2, where I’ll be talking about the early signs that a dog might be in pain.
Many people assume that as dogs get older, they become less active, sleep more, or lose interest in playing. But many of the things we think of as ‘just getting older’ can actually be early signs of pain—signs that are easy to miss.
In this episode, I’ll break that down for you.
Why pain in senior dogs is often overlooked
Most people believe they would immediately notice if their dog was in pain. We expect dogs to whimper, cry, limp, or refuse to do certain things. But chronic pain—the kind that starts as a minor discomfort and lingers—shows up much more subtly in dogs, especially in the early stages. And because it builds up slowly, it’s easy to miss.
We don’t always make a big deal out of our own aches and pains either. Think back to a time when you weren’t feeling great—maybe you had a headache or sore muscles. You probably didn’t immediately tell everyone around you. Instead, you adjusted. You moved more slowly, avoided bright lights or loud noises. Dogs do exactly the same thing, but in an even more subtle way.
Another key reason we miss signs of pain is that they often look like normal aging. When an older dog sleeps more, no longer jumps on the couch, or hesitates before going up the stairs, we assume they’re just slowing down with age. And of course, aging brings changes, so the challenge is figuring out which changes are normal and which might be something else.
We can’t assume we would notice pain just because a dog isn’t crying or whining. I sometimes hear people say, “He’s not whining, so he’s not in pain,” but that’s not how chronic pain works. With acute pain—like stepping on something sharp or suffering an injury—you might hear a yelp. But with long-term pain, such as arthritis, dogs don’t react the same way. Instead, they adapt. They move differently, change their sleeping positions, and their behavior may shift. The challenge is recognizing these changes for what they really are.
Why even attentive owners can miss it
It’s very easy to overlook pain simply because it develops so gradually. If a dog doesn’t want to jump on the bed today, we might not think much of it. A few months later, he hesitates before going up the stairs—but he still manages, so we don’t worry. Before we know it, his daily routine has completely changed—but because it happened so slowly, we don’t connect the dots. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for.
Subtle behavioral signs of pain in senior dogs
1. Decreased activity – ‘Just getting older’ or something else?
One of the most common early signs of pain is a decrease in activity. Your dog may start walking more slowly on walks, turning a half-hour walk into a 45-minute one. Instead of eagerly running ahead, he may lag behind.
Dogs with joint pain or discomfort often want to keep going, but their body doesn’t cooperate the way it used to. They may slow down, take more breaks, or signal that they prefer a shorter route.
If this happens once, it’s not necessarily a cause for alarm—but it’s something to take note of.
2. Irritability – A shorter fuse
If your dog pulls away when you touch certain areas, or even lifts a lip or growls, that could be a sign of pain. He might snap if another dog bumps into him or start avoiding other dogs altogether—especially energetic, bouncy young ones.
Pain makes everything harder. Just like we get more irritable when we’re in pain, dogs can too.
Some owners assume this is just a personality change. I sometimes hear people say, “He’s turning into a grumpy old man,” usually with an affectionate chuckle. But sudden changes in temperament are almost always a sign that something isn’t right.
3. Withdrawing from social interaction
If your dog used to love cuddles but now prefers to be alone more often, that could be a sign of pain. Many dogs withdraw when they don’t feel well—they may go lie in another room, avoid playtime, or stay in their bed more often.
4. Excessive licking
Dogs in pain often lick the area that hurts. This could be a joint, a paw, or another body part. Sometimes, they can’t quite reach the exact spot, so they lick a nearby area instead.
Licking triggers the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. But if a dog starts obsessively licking one spot, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Think about how we instinctively rub a sore area—licking is a dog’s version of that.
Many people associate paw licking with allergies, and that’s possible. But if a dog is only licking one paw or one joint, an allergy is less likely to be the cause.
Sleep problems can also occur
Some dogs struggle to find a comfortable position at night. You might notice them becoming restless—getting up frequently, changing positions, and lying down again. That makes sense if you think about it. Joint or muscle pain can make it difficult to stay in one position for long periods. Dogs that have trouble settling into a good sleeping position may be dealing with chronic pain.
These were some of the behavioral signs you might notice. But there are also physical signs—things you can observe in your dog’s body and the way they move.
Limping or lameness
Limping is one of the most recognizable signs of pain. But by the time a dog is visibly limping, there is already a significant amount of pain. This is not an early sign of discomfort—it’s a late-stage sign. Dogs are incredibly good at compensating for discomfort, so when limping becomes obvious, it often means the issue has been present for quite some time.
Unusual postures
Pain affects posture in various ways. Just as people might hunch their shoulders or adjust their gait to avoid discomfort, dogs do the same.
So what might you notice?
- Roached back – This can indicate back pain, but also abdominal pain.
- Lowered head position – Dogs with neck or back pain often hold their head lower than usual.
- Low or tucked tail – This can be a sign of discomfort or tension.
- Shifting weight – Dogs that place more weight on their front legs may be experiencing hip pain. This isn’t always easy for owners to spot, but sometimes it is noticeable.
Excessive panting as an indicator
If your dog is panting even when they are not active and it isn’t warm, pain could be the cause.
- Panting at rest or in a cool environment
- Rapid breathing, even when lying down
Difficulty getting up or lying down – start-up pain
You might notice that your dog struggles to push themselves up from a lying position—almost as if they have to hoist themselves up. Once they get moving, they seem to loosen up and walk more normally. This is known as ‘start-up pain’ and is a classic sign of joint issues.
Muscle loss
Pain changes the way a dog moves, and over time, this can lead to muscle loss. If a dog avoids putting weight on a painful leg or shifts their weight to one side, the muscles in the affected area become less active. With muscles, it’s a case of “use it or lose it”—so when they’re not used, they shrink. If one leg or one side of the body appears thinner than the other, that’s always a sign that the area hasn’t been used properly for a while.
Changes in gait
Even if a dog isn’t visibly limping, they may still move differently to avoid pain. For example, if both hips are affected by arthritis, both legs may hurt—meaning the dog won’t favor just one leg. Instead, they might adopt a different way of walking altogether to compensate for the discomfort.
What could you notice?
- Shorter strides on one side, either front or back, or all four legs, making movement look short, stiff, and awkward.
A ‘bunny hop’ with the hind legs while running.
Swaying hips or an unusual weight shift.
Pay attention to the nails—especially uneven nail wear
A dog’s nails wear down naturally through movement (often not enough, which is why we need to trim them—but that’s a whole different topic, not for this podcast). However, if the nails on one paw are noticeably longer than the others, it could mean that your dog isn’t fully bearing weight on that leg.
The opposite can also happen: if a dog isn’t lifting a paw properly due to pain, the nails on that side might wear down faster than those on the other paws.
Changes in coat texture can also be a clue
Here’s how that works: when a dog is in pain, they adjust their movement to compensate and avoid discomfort. This alters muscle tension and also affects the fascia—the connective tissue beneath the skin that runs throughout the body. These changes can sometimes be seen in the coat, creating irregular patterns or shifts in texture.
What might you notice?
- Hairs sticking up in certain areas
In dogs with longer fur, curly hair, or a rough coat, you might see flattened areas of fur - Conversely, wavy or curly patches may develop in an otherwise smooth coat
- Asymmetrical coat changes—one side looking different from the other, which may indicate imbalance
- One of the most common signs I see: the development of a ‘mane’—a thickened ruff around the shoulders
- This often happens when a dog’s hind legs become weaker, causing them to put more weight on their front legs to compensate.
These coat changes tell a story about how your dog is using their body.
What to do if you suspect your dog is in pain
At this point, you might be thinking: Okay, I recognize some of these signs in my dog… but now what? The good news is that there are steps you can take to figure out what’s going on.
1. Observe your dog’s behavior—become a detective
The first step is to pay close attention to your dog’s daily habits.
I believe that if you’re aware of the subtle (or not-so-subtle) signals we’ve discussed so far, you’ll start noticing much sooner when something is off. My goal is not for you to become obsessed with analyzing every little thing—life is meant to be lived, not spent worrying all the time. But I do want pain awareness to be in the back of your mind.
How can you do that?
✔ Observe their movements: Pay attention to how they get up, walk, sit, and lie down.
✔ Watch their activity levels: Are they moving more slowly or avoiding certain activities?
✔ Notice small changes: Are they licking one spot more often? Sleeping differently? Hesitating before jumping onto something?
One of the best ways to track changes is to keep a simple journal. Write down anything you notice, such as “Hesitated before going up the stairs” or “Seemed stiff after lying down.” Over time, patterns may emerge that aren’t obvious from one day to the next.
2. Use video to track movement
I mentioned this in the previous podcast—I’m a huge fan of regularly filming your dog, especially if you suspect something has changed. Sometimes, a camera captures things that the naked eye might miss, and being able to review footage can be incredibly helpful.
Trust your instincts – You know your dog best
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. If others dismiss your concerns but you still have the feeling that something is off, listen to your intuition and seek help.
If you suspect pain: Why getting a diagnosis can be tricky
At this point, you might be thinking: “If I suspect my dog is in pain, the logical next step is to go to the vet, right?” And yes, that is absolutely the right step—but there are a few challenges here. Identifying mild to moderate pain in dogs can be surprisingly difficult, even for experienced veterinarians.
Why is pain sometimes hard to assess in a veterinary clinic?
✔ Stress and excitement can mask pain – Most dogs are at least a little tense or excited at the vet’s office, and many are downright terrified. But even dogs that seem happy to walk in are often in a heightened state of alertness. That adrenaline rush can temporarily suppress pain, making them move more smoothly than they do at home. This makes diagnosis tricky.
✔ Slippery floors affect movement – This can make it difficult to properly assess gait abnormalities or subtle movement issues.
✔ Short appointment times – Veterinarians only have a limited time to observe a dog in the clinic, and pain signals can be subtle. Some dogs also become very stoic during the examination—but that doesn’t mean they’re not in pain.
So, how can you help ensure that your vet gets the full picture?
Help your vet see what you see at home
This is why it’s so important to write down your observations at home and during walks.
Since pain can be difficult to assess in a clinical setting, your own observations are incredibly valuable. You are the one who sees your dog every day and notices changes that a vet might miss during a short appointment. The best way to communicate your concerns is by providing concrete information.
What to bring to your vet appointment:
✔ A written log – If you’ve been tracking behavioral changes (such as hesitation on stairs or difficulty getting up), this can be extremely useful.
✔ Photos of unusual postures – If your dog sits or lies in a strange position, a photo can highlight subtle changes in posture.
✔ Videos of movement at home and outside – Footage of how your dog moves in a familiar environment—getting up, walking, climbing stairs, or jumping onto the couch—can reveal pain-related movement changes that might not be visible in the clinic.
Considering a movement specialist before the vet visit
In some cases, it can actually be more useful to have your dog assessed by a movement specialist—such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, massage therapist, or TTouch practitioner—before visiting the vet, or as a complement to your vet appointment. These specialists are trained to assess movement and biomechanics, whereas a general vet must focus on all organ systems. This means that subtle, movement-related pain isn’t always their primary focus.
Why a movement specialist can be helpful:
✔ These sessions are often less stressful – Dogs are usually calmer in this type of setting, making it easier to identify movement restrictions.
✔ They focus on biomechanics – Movement specialists are trained to assess posture, muscle tension, and compensatory movement patterns that might not stand out in a standard vet exam.
✔ They can provide additional insights for the vet – If a physiotherapist or osteopath identifies pain or movement limitations, this information can help guide discussions with your vet about treatment options.
This doesn’t mean skipping the vet—it means gathering as much information as possible to get the clearest, most complete picture by the time you visit. By working together—you as the owner, your vet, and a movement specialist—you can get the most thorough assessment and develop the best possible treatment plan for your dog.
Final thoughts and key takeaways
I’ve covered a lot of information in this episode.
Here are the most important takeaways:
✔ Pain is usually silent – Most dogs don’t whimper or cry when they’re in pain. Instead, they show subtle changes in behavior, posture, or movement.
✔ Not all ‘decline’ is just old age – If your dog is moving less, avoiding activities they used to enjoy, or behaving differently, there may be an underlying cause.
✔ Observation is your best tool – Small details make a big difference! Keeping a journal, taking photos, and recording videos can help detect pain early.
✔ Veterinarians can’t read minds – Pain can be hard to diagnose in a clinical setting, so your observations are extremely valuable.
What can you do today?
If, after listening to this, you’re thinking:
“I recognize some of these signs in my dog…”
start putting by what you’ve learned into action:
📌 Start taking notes on what you observe.
📌 Record videos of your dog’s movement.
📌 If needed, schedule a visit with your vet or a movement specialist.
Most importantly: Trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right, follow that feeling. You know your dog better than anyone.
Closing
I hope this episode has given you valuable insights into recognizing and managing pain in senior dogs.
If you found it helpful, I would love it if you shared it with others who might benefit from it. The more awareness we create, the more dogs we can help live a comfortable and happy life.
Want to learn more?
Visit my website: caringforyourcanine.com and check it out.
If you haven’t already, you can download my free checklist for living with an aging dog there. There are several interesting blogs to read, and I have an ebook about superfoods – yes, for your dog!
And of course—subscribe to this podcast so you never miss an episode!
Thank you for listening—I hope to see you next time. Until then!
Want to receive 5 tips for your senior dog in advance?