Dogs feel pain for many of the same reasons as humans: infections, dental
problems, arthritis, bone disease and cancer. They also feel discomfort
following surgical procedures.

Unfortunately, unlike humans, they are unable to speak to us about
when and where they hurt.

You are in the best position to look for the subtle changes in
behavior that may indicate your pet is suffering. It’s important
to stay alert to these signs, because the sooner your dog’s pain
is diagnosed and treated, the sooner he or she can heal and
resume a normal, happy life.

If your dog shows one or more of these behaviors and you suspect it may be due to pain, notify your veterinarian immediately
 

VOCALIZING	ACTIVITY LEVEL	SELF-PROTECTION
Whining Howling Whimpering Yelping Groaning Grunting	Restless Reluctant to move Difficulty getting up from a  laying position Repetitively gets up and lies down Trembling, circling or lying very still Seeks more affection than usual	Protects a body part Doesn’t put weight on a limb Limps Doesn’t want to be held or  picked up Hides
DAILY HABITS	FACIAL EXPRESSION	AGGRESSIVE
Decreased appetite Withdraws from social  interaction Changes in sleeping or drinking Lapses in housetraining Sleeps more	Glazed, wide-eyed or looks  sleepy Enlarged pupils Flattened ears Pants excessively when at rest	Acts out of character Growls, hisses, bites Pins ears back A normally aggressive dog may act quiet, docile
SELF-MUTILATION	GROOMING	POSTURE
Licking Biting Scratching a particular part of its body	Coat lacks normal shine Hair stands up in places	Hunched, with hindquarters  raised and front end down on  the ground Lays on its side