10 Signs Your Senior Dog Is in Pain (And What to Do)

A dog in pain often hunches their back, shifts their weight to avoid pressure on a sore limb, or develops a new stiffness when getting up. You might notice a slight limp that wasn't there before, or a reluctance to put weight on one leg. Even subtle changes in the way your dog walks deserve attention — they rarely happen without cause in senior dogs.

If your dog used to jump onto the couch freely and now hesitates or refuses, this is a red flag. Pain in the hips, spine, or joints makes elevation painful. Dogs won't vocalize this — they'll simply stop doing what hurts. Pay attention to avoidance behaviors rather than waiting for a yelp or whimper.

When dogs feel localized pain — from a sore joint, an irritated area of skin, or internal discomfort — they instinctively lick or chew at it. If you notice your dog obsessively grooming one specific area that seems otherwise normal, the pain may be deeper than the skin. This is especially common over arthritic joints.

Pain suppresses appetite. If your dog is turning away from meals they used to love, or eating significantly less than usual, don't assume it's just pickiness. Dental pain is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of appetite loss in senior dogs — many dogs eat through significant tooth pain until it becomes unbearable.

A normally gentle dog who suddenly snaps when touched, or a social dog who starts hiding and avoiding interaction, is likely communicating pain. Chronic discomfort changes behavior profoundly. If your dog growls when you touch a specific area, that's an unmistakable message: that spot hurts. Never punish a dog for pain-based aggression.

Panting is a well-known sign of overheating, but it's also a primary indicator of pain in dogs. If your dog is panting heavily while resting, in a cool environment, without recent exercise — this warrants immediate attention. Pain activates the stress response, which drives the respiratory system to work harder.

Pain disrupts sleep in two opposing ways: some dogs become restless and unable to settle, constantly repositioning to find a comfortable spot. Others become lethargic and sleep excessively as the body tries to recover. Both extremes from your dog's normal sleep pattern deserve attention. A good orthopedic bed can significantly reduce nighttime discomfort.

While this is often discussed in the context of diabetes or kidney disease, increased thirst can also indicate that the body is under stress from pain — particularly pain from internal sources like abdominal discomfort or organ issues. If your dog is suddenly drinking much more water than usual, it's always worth a vet visit to rule out multiple causes at once.

Eye pain, dental pain radiating to the face, and ear infections are all common in older dogs and frequently go undetected. If your dog squints one eye, rubs their face frequently, or tilts their head persistently to one side, these are pain-related behaviors that require a vet evaluation. Eye conditions in particular can deteriorate rapidly without treatment.

This is the most obvious sign, but many owners only respond to it when they actually witness it. If your dog vocalizes while moving, when touched, or seemingly out of nowhere — especially at night — they are communicating pain directly. Don't dismiss this as "just being dramatic." Senior dogs rarely vocalize without reason.