How to Know if Your Senior Dog Is in Pain

Co-authored by Beverly Ulbrich

Last Updated: April 18, 2024 References

It is often difficult to know if your dog is hurting since dogs are good at hiding pain.^{[1]
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Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.} However, the recognition and management of pain in senior dogs in critical to helping your four-legged friend live a long and healthy life. Becoming aware of changes in your dog's behavior, as well as physical changes, will help you know if your senior dog is in pain.

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Looking for Behavioral Changes in Your Senior Dog

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If your senior dog becomes aggressive, it could be a sign that they are in pain. Warning signs of aggression as a result of pain can include growling or pinning back their ears. Be particularly aware of behaviors like biting as a response to touching particular areas, as this can be an indicator your senior dog is in pain.^{[2]
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If your dog is excessively licking an area, it could be an indicator that they are in pain.^{[3]
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Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.} This is often the case with senior dogs suffering from localized pain caused by conditions like arthritis or other orthopedic problems that are common in older dogs.^{[4]
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If your dog is restless, has trouble falling asleep, or is up all night, it could be a sign that they are in pain. Changes in your older dog's sleep patterns can indicate larger medical issues. Take notes of any changes in your dog's sleep patterns and be sure to talk to your vet, who can help you determine if these changes are rooted in pain or an underlying medical issue.
A change in how, when, or how much food and water your dog consumes can be an indication that they are experiencing pain. Medical conditions like arthritis or dental disease are common in senior dogs, causing pain and changing your dog's eating and drinking habits.^{[5]
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If your senior dog is whining, crying, or barking excessively or uncontrollably, it could be an indicator that they are in pain. If your dog's vocalizations seem out of the ordinary, it could mean they are experiencing pain from an underlying medical issue.^{[6]
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Restlessness is often a sign of pain in senior dogs. If your pooch is having trouble getting comfortable, it could indicate they are in pain.^{[7]
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If your senior dog becomes lethargic, this could be a sign that they are experiencing pain. Weakness and lethargy can indicate an underlying medical condition in senior dogs, such as a tumor, osteoarthritis, or heart disease, and can be the cause of significant pain.^{[8]
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Looking for Physical Changes in Your Senior Dog

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Changes in your dog's breathing patterns could be a sign that your pooch is in pain. Heavy breathing, gagging, or a persistent cough are all indicators your senior dog could be experiencing pain.^{[9]
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Look at your dog's pupils and note if they seem larger, or more dilated. More dilated pupils, as well as smaller, or more constricted, pupils can be a sign of pain in the eye or elsewhere in the body. Also beware of squinting or bloodshot eyes, as both can indicate your senior dog is in pain.^{[10]
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If your dog is limping or dragging one of their legs, they could be in pain.^{[11]
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Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.} Similarly, tensing their abdominal and back muscles to create a tucked up or hunched appearance might indicate they are suffering from pain.^{[12]
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If you notice changes in your dog's mobility, such as having trouble going up and down stairs, or experiencing difficulty running and jumping, it could mean they are in pain. Underlying issues like arthritis could be causing these changes in your pet's mobility and triggering pain.^{[13]
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What are some easy-to-miss signs that a dog is in pain?

Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.

Beverly Ulbrich

Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Expert Answer

Almost all signs that a dog is in pain are easy to miss since dogs are so good at hiding their pain. That's why it's so important to take signs of pain, like limping or localized grooming, that you do notice seriously. If a dog is showing their pain, that probably means they're hurting a lot.

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My 13-year-old Maltese has had cataracts for a couple of years. Recently one has turned brown. Is this normal?

BabyFrogsCalledFroglets

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If anything becomes worse with any animal, bring it to the vet the moment you notice. It could be a harmless change, but it could also be the sign of something more serious.

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