7 Signs Your Senior Dog May Be in Pain
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As dogs get older, aches and discomfort can become more common. The tricky part is that dogs can't tell us when something hurts — and many dogs are surprisingly good at hiding pain.
That's why changes in your senior dog's everyday behaviour can be important. Something as simple as hesitating before climbing onto the couch or sleeping more than usual may be worth paying attention to.
Here are seven common signs that your senior dog may be experiencing pain or discomfort.
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Simple things you can do at home to help keep your senior dog comfortable and safe.
Difficulty Getting Up
One of the easiest changes to notice is trouble getting up after lying down. Your dog may move slowly, struggle to get their back legs underneath them, or seem especially stiff first thing in the morning or after a long nap. Stiffness on rising is also a common sign of arthritis in senior dogs.
A supportive orthopedic bed can provide extra cushioning for aging joints and make resting more comfortable.
Reluctance to Climb Stairs or Jump
A dog that once jumped onto the couch without hesitation may suddenly stand beside it waiting for help. You might also notice your dog avoiding stairs, hesitating before getting into the car, or refusing activities they previously enjoyed.
A ramp can reduce the amount of jumping and climbing your senior dog needs to do.
Changes in the Way Your Dog Walks
Watch your senior dog while they're walking. Limping is an obvious warning sign, but discomfort can also show up as shorter steps, stiffness, walking more slowly, favouring one leg, or occasionally stumbling. Slippery floors can make mobility even more difficult for older dogs — this is one of the more visible signs of arthritis in senior dogs. Adding rugs or other non-slip surfaces around the home can help provide better footing.
Non-slip socks can also help dogs with reduced traction on smooth floors.
Licking or Chewing One Area Repeatedly
Dogs sometimes lick an area that is bothering them. Occasional licking is normal, but repeatedly licking or chewing the same leg, paw, hip, or joint may be a sign that something is uncomfortable.
Look for swelling, redness, sensitivity, or other changes and mention persistent licking to your veterinarian.
Changes in Eating or Sleeping
Pain can affect normal routines. Your senior dog might lose interest in food, have difficulty getting comfortable enough to sleep, wake repeatedly during the night, or begin sleeping much more than usual.
Not every change in eating or sleeping is caused by pain, so significant or persistent changes deserve a conversation with your veterinarian.
Becoming Irritable or Withdrawn
Sometimes the first sign of discomfort isn't physical at all — it's behavioural. A normally affectionate dog may suddenly prefer to be left alone. Others may become unusually irritable, resist being touched, or react when someone touches a sensitive part of their body.
Don't assume your senior dog is simply becoming "grumpy with age." A change in personality can sometimes mean that something hurts.
Panting, Pacing, or Restlessness
Dogs pant for many perfectly normal reasons, including heat and exercise. But unexplained panting while resting — especially when accompanied by pacing, trembling, whining, or difficulty settling down — can sometimes be associated with discomfort.
Pay particular attention when this is new behaviour for your dog.
What Should You Do If You Think Your Senior Dog Is in Pain?
Start by paying attention to what changed and when. You might even jot down what you're seeing: difficulty getting up in the morning, hesitation on stairs, less interest in walks, or restless nights. That information can be useful when talking with your veterinarian.
Depending on the cause, your veterinarian may recommend treatment, changes in activity, weight management, physical therapy, medication, supplements, or adjustments around the home.
Some owners also discuss joint-support supplements with their veterinarian.
Never give your dog human pain medications unless your veterinarian specifically tells you to do so. Some common human medications can be dangerous for dogs.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Getting older doesn't automatically mean your dog has to be uncomfortable.
A softer place to sleep, better traction on slippery floors, easier access to favourite places, gentler exercise, and appropriate veterinary care can all help make everyday life easier for an aging dog.
Most importantly, you know your dog better than anyone. When something about their movement, behaviour, appetite, or personality suddenly seems different, it's worth paying attention.
Your senior dog may not be able to tell you something hurts — but their behaviour often gives you clues.
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