How a Dog Shows Pain & Discomfort

Dogs are not able to verbalize where it hurts and the severity of the pain. It is up to the pet owner to observe the animal and interpret the signs to determine the level of discomfort the dog is experiencing. Additionally, according to the website of the Golden Retriever club, dogs react differently to pain, with some dogs having higher thresholds of pain. The owner, because he is familiar with the dog's mannerisms when it is not in pain, is in the best position to notice changes in behavior that may indicate pain. Dogs that are in pain can behave unpredictably and should be handled with caution.

  1. Behavior

    • Dogs in pain often are quieter and attempt to hide and avoid contact with other dogs and people. This behavior can also include agitation and fear biting, according to the website petplace.com. These types of behaviors are general indicators of pain.

    Barking and Growling

    • Vocalization, if it is not a normal behavior for the dog, can be a sign of pain. The sounds from the dog can be more subtle such as whining or even moaning. The pet owner's knowledge of the animals normal behavior is useful in determining if the whining is an attempt to garner some treats or attention or if the dog is in pain.

    Movement

    • Injuries or pain to the legs can cause the dog to limp or have an altered way of walking. The dog will often react if the point of the injury is touched. In some cases the reaction can be violent, so use care when probing for injures.

    Appetite

    • Many dogs will exhibit a lack of appetite while in pain. Even dogs in pain need nutrition. Tempting a dog in pain with canned dog food and treats can help get the dog eating, which may help with recovery.

    Vital Signs

    • Dogs in pain will show an increase in both breathing and heart rate. According to the website petplace.com a normal heart rate for small dogs or puppies is between 120 and 160 beats per minute. The larger the dog the slower the heart rate, with some large dogs having a pulse of about 60 beats per minute. Normal respiration for a dog at rest is between 10 and 30 breaths per minute.