When it comes to our furry companions, they’re often brilliant at hiding discomfort. Recognising the subtle signs of pain can make all the difference in improving their quality of life. Whether your dog is ageing, recovering, or living with chronic illness, tracking symptoms and behavioural changes is key.
We recommend keeping a daily diary or using a quality-of-life app to spot patterns and guide conversations with your vet. Here are five vital areas to watch.
1. Breathing Changes
Panting isn’t always about heat—it can be a sign of pain. Episodes of heavy or irregular panting might suggest gaps in your dog’s pain relief. What to look for:
- Panting during rest
- Breathing that seems shallow or laboured If you notice recurring changes, talk to your vet—medications may need adjusting.
2. Eyes & Facial Expression
Your dog’s eyes can be a window into how they’re feeling. A dull gaze, panicked look, or furrowed brow (wrinkles between or above the eyes) may signal distress.
Signs to note:
- Lack of eye contact or response
- Wide, startled-looking eyes
- Tense or wrinkled forehead
You wil always be the best positioned to recognise pain in your dog because you know them so well.
3. Mobility & Movement
Pain often shows up through a dog’s movement. Even small changes matter.
Watch for:
- Lameness or favouring a limb
- Hesitation when standing or lying down
- Avoidance of stairs or walks
- Flinching when touched in certain areas
Mobility issues aren’t always age-related—sometimes they point to underlying pain.
4. Food & Drink Habits
A shift in eating or drinking could be your dog telling you something’s wrong.
Look out for:
- Suddenly refusing meals
- Being picky or only accepting human food
- Drinking less or more than usual
Appetite changes should be noted daily, especially if multiple family members help with care.
5. Behaviour & Mood
Dogs in pain may show emotional changes before physical ones.
Things to notice:
- Reduced interest in play or interaction
- Sudden aggression or irritability
- Seeming ‘low’, anxious, or withdrawn
Keep in mind that pain doesn’t always look obvious. The more you document and observe, the better you can advocate for their comfort.
Why Logging Matters
A diary can be a lifeline—for spotting trends, updating your vet, and making thoughtful decisions about treatment or end-of-life care. Even small changes can reveal a lot over time.
Help is there
At Dignipets our hospice team helps pet carers with quality of life and pain scoring on a daily basis.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to book a consult .
Call 0333 320 8731 or email us on reception@dignipets.co.uk
