12 Early Warning Signs Your Old Dog is Hurting

In the latter stages of our dog’s lives, they can experience things that we humans also experience in old age. The benefit you have is that you know your dog extremely well – having shared their life with them.

So, as our furry friends age, recognizing the signs of pain in senior dogs is crucial. Some signs are obvious but others aren’t as clear – and it’s our job as pet parents to act when we detect any signs of pain in old dogs. Early detection can significantly improve pain management and enhance their quality of life.

When Is A Dog Considered Senior?

Our dogs’ lifespan is a lot shorter than our own. And it can all depend on your dog’s breed or size. For example, small dogs, like Chihuahuas or Pomeranians, often live between 12-18 years. This is a stark difference compared to giant dogs, like Great Danes or St. Bernards, with a lifespan of 7-12 years. 
So, with lifespan in mind, it all depends on your dog’s breed for when they’re considered senior.

Generally speaking, the ‘senior’ stage of a dog’s life is normally in the last quarter of their life span. And, it’s in this final stage of life where your dog may start to show signs of slowing down or pain.

How Do Dogs Show Pain?

Instinctively, dogs will often try to mask their pain and discomfort. In the wild, showing signs of pain or weakness can make an animal vulnerable to predators and other threats. Wild canines, like wolves, will often hide their pain to avoid becoming a target. This survival instinct has been passed down to domestic dogs, making them tend to hide their discomfort to avoid appearing weak.

Unlike humans, dogs cannot verbally communicate their pain. So, they rely on body language and subtle cues to express discomfort. This can make it challenging for pet parents to recognize when their old dog is in pain, as the signs can be very subtle.

Below, we have 12 common signs your aging dog is in pain and what it could mean.

12 Warning Signs Your Senior Dog is in Pain

1. Difficulty in Walking or Climbing

One of the most noticeable signs of an old dog in pain is a change in mobility. Look for signs such as limping, stiffness, or difficulty climbing stairs and jumping. These issues often stem from arthritis or other joint problems that are common in older dogs. If your senior dog shows these signs, it’s important to seek pain relief for old dogs to help them move more comfortably.

2. Reluctance to Exercise

Another key indicator that your senior dog may be experiencing pain is a reluctance to exercise. If your once-active dog now seems disinterested in walks, playtime, or other physical activities they used to enjoy, it could be a sign that they are in discomfort. This can often stem from joint pain, muscle soreness, or other underlying health issues common in older dogs.

When dogs are in pain, even the most mundane activities can become daunting. They may start avoiding movement to minimize discomfort, which can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. This inactivity can exacerbate health issues, leading to weight gain and further joint stress. Monitoring changes in your dog’s activity levels and addressing them with your veterinarian can help manage their pain and maintain their overall health.

3. Changes in Posture

Dogs in pain may adopt unusual postures to avoid aggravating their discomfort. This can include hunching their back, holding their head lower than usual, or shifting their weight to different legs.

4. Increased Irritability or Aggression

Pain can cause even the gentlest dogs to become irritable or aggressive. If your normally friendly senior dog starts snapping or growling without an apparent reason, it could be a sign of pain. 

5. Excessive Licking or Chewing

Dogs might lick or chew at a specific area that is causing them pain. This is a way for them to soothe the discomfort or try to heal the area. If you notice your dog persistently licking or chewing at one spot, it could indicate pain or an underlying issue.

6. Withdrawing from Everyone

Another sign of pain in dogs is withdrawing from everyone, including their favorite people. If your dog starts avoiding social interactions, seeks out solitude, or hides in unusual places, it could be a sign they are in pain. This withdrawal can be a coping mechanism to avoid movement or touch that might exacerbate their discomfort. Pay attention to these changes and consult your veterinarian to identify and manage the underlying cause of your dog’s pain.

7. Panting

Panting is a common sign of pain in dogs. If your dog is panting excessively, especially when they haven’t been exercising, or when the weather is cool, it could indicate they are in discomfort. Panting can be a way for dogs to cope with pain and stress. Observing this behavior and discussing it with your veterinarian can help you identify the source of your dog’s pain and provide appropriate relief.

8. Decreased Appetite or Difficulty Eating

A senior dog in pain may show a decreased appetite or difficulty eating. Dental pain or discomfort while chewing can lead to these changes. You might notice your dog dropping food, eating slowly, or avoiding hard foods altogether. Weight loss and changes in eating habits can significantly impact your dog’s overall health, making it essential to address any underlying pain promptly.

9. Changes in Drinking Habits

Pain can also affect a dog’s drinking habits. A dog in pain might drink less due to general lethargy or discomfort, leading to dehydration. Conversely, some dogs might drink more if they are experiencing stress or have conditions that cause increased thirst, such as kidney problems or diabetes. Monitoring your dog’s water intake is crucial, as significant changes can indicate pain or other underlying health issues that need to be addressed by a veterinarian.

By keeping an eye on these changes in eating and drinking habits, pet parents can better identify when their senior dog might be in pain and take appropriate action to ensure their well-being.

10. Increased Whining, Yelping, or Groaning

Increased vocalizations such as whining, yelping, or groaning are strong indicators that your senior dog may be in pain. These sounds might be more frequent during movement or when the dog is touched. Pay close attention to these vocal cues as they can help identify the specific areas causing discomfort and guide you in seeking appropriate pain relief for old dogs.

11. Restlessness

Pain can disrupt a dog’s normal sleep patterns, leading to noticeable restlessness. You might observe your senior dog having difficulty finding a comfortable position, frequently shifting, or waking up often during the night. This restlessness can be a sign that your dog is experiencing discomfort and needs pain relief. Monitoring these changes and consulting with your veterinarian can help ensure your dog’s comfort.

12. Increased Sleeping

Conversely, some dogs might sleep more than usual due to lethargy caused by pain. If your senior dog is sleeping excessively, it could be a coping mechanism to avoid the discomfort they feel when awake. While it might seem like they are simply resting, excessive sleep can be a sign that they are trying to escape from pain. Observing these changes and discussing them with your veterinarian is crucial for addressing your dog’s pain and improving their quality of life.