Is my dog sore?

Dogs are very good at hiding discomfort. Many never limp, yelp or cry. Instead, they adjust how they move, rest and cope with everyday life. By the time pain is obvious, it has often been there for a while.

Discomfort can also show up as behaviour. A dog who is suddenly grumpy, reactive or sensitive to handling isn't being difficult. They may be telling you something doesn't feel right.

Here are some signs to look out for. One sign on its own doesn't mean your dog is in pain. But if you're noticing several, or they've crept in over time, it's worth looking more closely.

The subtle signs of discomfort that are easy to miss

How your dog moves

Slowing down on walks, or lagging behind when they used to lead
Stiffness when getting up, especially after rest
Reluctance to jump into the car, onto the sofa, or use the stairs
An uneven or bouncing movement at trot, or both back legs moving together ("bunny hopping")
Scuffing or wearing down the nails on one or more feet

How your dog stands, sits and lies down

Sitting with one leg out to the side instead of tucked neatly underneath
Shifting weight forward onto the front legs, or standing with the back hunched
Lying down in stages, or circling for a long time before settling
Changes to how the tail is carried
Preferring to stand rather than sit or lie down

How your dog behaves

New or worsening reactivity towards dogs, people or noises
Growling, flinching or moving away when touched, groomed or dried with a towel
Resource guarding that seems to have come out of nowhere
Being less tolerant of other dogs, especially during play
Restlessness, or difficulty settling at night

Everyday life

Licking or chewing at one area of the body
Avoiding slippery floors or certain surfaces
Less interest in play, or stopping play earlier than before
Not wanting to be picked up

What should I do if I'm worried?

Speak to your vet first. If you think your dog might be in pain, your vet is the right person to examine them and discuss treatment. Short videos of what you're seeing at home can really help, because many dogs behave differently at the clinic.

Get a clearer picture of how your dog moves. A Movement & Posture Assessment is a video-based look at your dog's gait, posture and transitions, done from home with no handling. You'll receive a written report you can share with your vet, giving them more to work with than a short appointment allows. Find out about the Movement & Posture Assessment

Behaviour that doesn't add up? If your dog's behaviour has changed and training alone hasn't helped, the Whole Dog Programme looks at behaviour, movement and physical comfort together. Find out more about the Whole Dog Programme