Seven subtle signs that could mean your dog is actually in pain

A dog trainer urged all pup owners to take an extra look at their animals, as they might not always show obvious signs of being in pain or discomfort.

Deciphering your dog's thoughts or feelings isn't always straightforward. Dogs communicate emotions using a limited range of body language, often employing the same signals for different emotions. For instance, tail wagging could indicate happiness or excitement, but it might also signify nervousness or fear.

Accordingto the Blue Cross, if you notice any abnormal behaviour in your dog that might indicate they're in pain, you should contact your vet. But these signs might not be obvious to us at first.

To help, a dog trainer at Glasgow-based Busy Bee Dog Training has shared 7 subtle signs you should look out for that might mean your dog is in pain.

"Would you recognise these seven subtle signs of pain in your dog?" they wrote at the start of the video before immediately getting into their list.

1. Sitting slumped

The first thing on their list was to look out for whether or not your pup slumps when sitting down, as this could be a sign they're in pain or uncomfortable.

The specific cause can range from arthritis and spinal issues to abdominal pain, poisoning, or even emotional distress. If you find your dog has started doing this, it could be worth a visit to the vet to rule out any serious injuries or conditions.

2. Sound of nails scrapping the ground

For the second point, they wrote: "Sound of nails being scrapped along the ground."

If your dog's nails grow to be too long, it can cause pain, mobility issues, and increase the risk of injury. It's important to trim your dog's nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long.

If you're unsure how to trim them yourself, you should consult with a vet or groomer.

3. Hopping or skipping with a back leg

Next up, the dog trainer urged people to keep an eye out on the way your dog walk, whether it be when inside or out on a stroll, as this can tell you a lot about how they're feeling.

If you find your pup is hopping or skipping with a back leg, whether it's occasionally or regularly, it could be a sign of various issues, including minor injuries, joint problems, or more serious conditions like patellar luxation or CCL (cruciate ligament) tears.

And if you notice that the hopping or skipping is happening throughout a longer period of time without getting any better, you should contact your vet.

4. Swaying hips

Similarly to the previous point, if you find your dog is swaying its hips as they're walking, this could also be a sign they're in pain or discomfort.

This could be a sign could be a sign of underlying orthopaedic issues like hip dysplasia, which is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to looseness and potential arthritis.

It's particularly common in large breeds and can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving, according to the Blue Cross.

5. Feet moving in front of each other

For the fifth point, the dog trainer urged people to look out for if your dog starts to walk with their feet in front of each other, also known as narrow tracking.

A dog moving its feet in front of each other while walking, potentially dragging its paws or knuckling under, can be a sign of pain or a neurological issue.

This abnormal walk, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like stiffness, limping, or reluctance to bear weight, should be addressed by a veterinarian.

6. Bunny hopping

While it might look adorable when your pup suddenly starts to jump around like a bunny, it should be looked at by a vet.

Although some dogs might bunny hop out of playfulness or when flushing out prey, it could also be a sign of pain or discomfort, or even more serious orthopaedic or neurological conditions.

7. Moving in a pacing gait

For the final sign, they urged people to look out for if your dog starts to walk in a pacing gait, meaning they move both legs on the same side of its body forward simultaneously, rather than the more common trot where diagonal legs move together.

While some breeds may naturally pace, it can also indicate fatigue, discomfort, or underlying health issues, and should be checked by a vet.