7 Subtle Signs Your Dog is in Pain (That Most Owners Miss)

“He’s eating fine, and he wagged his tail, so he can’t be in pain, right?”

Wrong.

This is the most dangerous myth in dog ownership. Dogs are stoic animals. In the wild, showing weakness made you a target for predators or a burden to the pack. So, dogs evolved to hide their pain until it is unbearable.

By the time a dog is whining or limping, the pain is often severe. But long before they cry out, they whisper. They tell us they hurt through subtle changes in posture, behavior, and expression.

As their guardians, it is our job to learn this silent language. Here are 7 subtle signs your dog is suffering in silence.

1. The “Prayer Position” (Play Bow vs. Pain)

You might think your dog is inviting you to play. They lower their front end while keeping their rear end up. But look closer.

• Play Bow: The dog is bouncy, mouth open, tail wagging, eyes bright.
• Prayer Position: The dog looks stiff. The head is lowered, eyes are worried or glazed. They might hold the pose for a long time without moving.

What it means: This is a classic sign of abdominal pain (pancreatitis, blockage, or bloat). They are stretching to relieve pressure on their stomach. This is a medical emergency.

2. Lip Licking and Air Licking

If your dog keeps licking their lips (and there is no peanut butter involved), pay attention.

• Nausea: Excessive licking often precedes vomiting.
• Stress/Pain: Licking is a self-soothing behavior. A dog in pain often feels anxious and will lick their chops or the air repeatedly.

3. The “Whale Eye” and Tight Face

Look at your dog’s face.

• Grimace: Are the muscles around the eyes tight? Is the brow furrowed?
• Whale Eye: Can you see the whites of their eyes (sclera) because they are straining to look at you without moving their head?
• Panting: Heavy panting when it isn’t hot is a major red flag.

A relaxed dog has a “soft” face. A dog in pain has a “hard” face.

4. Changes in Sleep Patterns

• Restlessness: Does your dog get up, circle, lie down, sigh, get up again, and move to a new spot? They cannot get comfortable. This is typical of arthritis or joint pain.
• Sleeping more: Conversely, a dog that sleeps 20 hours a day instead of their usual 14 might be “checking out” to escape chronic pain.

5. Behavior Changes (The “Grumpy” Dog)

“He’s just getting old and grumpy.” No. He is hurting. Sudden aggression, growling when moved, or snapping at other dogs is rarely a behavioral issue—it is a medical one. If your sweet dog suddenly hates being brushed or picked up, assume they are in pain until a vet says otherwise.

6. Coat Changes (Self-Grooming)

Cats groom when happy; dogs often groom when hurting. If your dog is obsessively licking one spot on their paw or leg, they might have a thorn, an allergy, or referred pain (licking the wrist because the shoulder hurts). Conversely, if a dog stops grooming and their coat becomes greasy or matted, they might be too stiff (arthritis) to reach themselves.

7. Reluctance to Jump or Climb

Did your dog use to jump into the car, but now they wait to be lifted? Do they hesitate at the bottom of the stairs? This isn’t “laziness.” This is hip or back pain. They are calculating the cost of the movement.

Summary: Be Their Advocate

If you suspect pain, try a “pain trial.” Ask your vet for a week’s worth of pain medication (NSAIDs). If your “old, grumpy” dog suddenly starts playing like a puppy again, you have your answer. They weren’t old; they were hurting.

Don’t wait for a whimper. Listen to the whispers.