1. Pay attention to limping.

One of the most obvious signs of pain is limping. Lameness occurs when pain puts weight on the leg. If the leg causes pain, you are unlikely to use it and may sometimes rely on the other three legs. Dogs who are in pain usually have less pain, too.

2. Pay attention to other mobility issues.

In addition to limping, you may see other mobility changes. For example, your dog may be unable to get up or down. It may also move more slowly than usual or show reluctance to do certain activities. Indecisiveness about going up and down stairs, running, or jumping can be a sign of pain.

3. Observe changes in posture.

Pay attention to the position of your dog's head or tail. Any change in normal posture, such as a hanging or tail ruffle in a dog that typically has a mobile tail, can be evidence of pain. If your dog is holding his leg differently than normal, this may be a sign that he is in pain. The pain may also cause your dog to stand with an arched back or be very stiff when standing or moving.

4. Pay attention to your dog’s breathing.

If your dog is in pain, you may see an increase in their breathing rate or panting. Dogs that are constantly exercising, especially in cool weather, may experience pain.

5. Check your dog’s eyes.

Your dog's eyes can tell you a lot about any pain you may be experiencing. If you have eye pain, you may see squinting, redness, and cloudiness. Your dog may also rub on the injured area. If your dog rubs his eyes frequently, this may be a sign of discomfort in the area. The eyes can also give you clues about pain in other areas. Squinting can be a sign of eye pain, but some dogs can also squint when they are experiencing pain elsewhere. Dilated pupils may also be a sign that your dog is in pain.

6. Be careful about biting people.

Pain can change a dog’s behavior. Even very friendly dogs can be more likely to bite. Even a dog that has never bitten before will bite when approached if it is in obvious pain. A dog in pain may also bite if you touch or move the painful area. When a painful area is touched, the natural reaction is to turn toward that area. The dog may try to bite out of instinct. You may first see warning signs such as growling. Dogs with bite edges may put their ears back or show their teeth. This is a natural protective mechanism that dogs can use to try to prevent further pain.

7. Loss of appetite.

A dog in pain may reduce its food consumption. If your dog has a sudden loss of appetite, this could be a sign of pain. Dogs with oral pain may also drop food while eating.

8. Uneasy.

A dog in pain may feel restless or unable to get comfortable. Your dog can show this by pacing, repeatedly adjusting his position or going up and down frequently.

9. Sleep changes.

Dogs in pain may experience changes in their normal sleep schedule. A dog in pain may sleep more than usualGet more or have trouble sleeping.

10. Listen to the changes in the dog’s vocalizations.

Unusual vocalizations, including moans, groans, whimpering, and even growling can be signs of distress. These sounds may be associated with specific movements, such as when you first get out of bed. This can help you understand the nature of the pain. A normally vocal dog may also suddenly become quiet.

11. Wince when touched.

Avoidance behaviors such as hiding or avoiding contact with people or other animals are common when a dog is in pain. These behaviors are intended to avoid potentially painful situations. If your dog moves its head or makes other movements to avoid contact when trying to pet it, this may be a sign of distress. If your dog generally enjoys being touched, take note of these behaviors. These behaviors may be accompanied by a dog withdrawing more and interacting less than normal. If your dog is experiencing pain, you may also notice a depressed or sluggish attitude. Note that if they are in pain, some dogs may seek more attention rather than avoid it. You should be careful to avoid or unusually high levels of attention-seeking behavior.

12. Pay attention to your dog’s potty habits.

Understanding your dog's normal hygiene habits can help you recognize many different problems. When your dog is in pain, you may notice that he assumes different postures when urinating or defecating. For example, a male dog that normally raises its legs to urinate may not. You may also see changes in how often your dog needs to do his business. Or, if it's painful for your dog to reach a place they frequent, an accident may occur. Pain can also change the consistency of your dog's stool due to the associated pressure. It may also cause constipation.

13. When you have stomach pain, you usually do the "praying" posture.