What Are the Signs of a Dog in Pain in Mishawaka, IN?
Dogs are some of the most wonderful creatures on this planet. They’re loving, caring, and will do anything to make you happy. If you have a dog in Mishawaka, IN, you’ve probably experienced the gentle paw on your leg, the sweet noises, and the begging for attention. However, when a dog is in pain, they may try and hide it which can make it difficult to actually know when something’s wrong.

The truth is, you know your dog better than anyone else. You know what their typical behaviors are and what is considered “normal” for them.
Why Do Dogs Hide That They’re in Pain?
The reason dogs tend to hide their pain is actually evolutionary. When dogs were wild and feral, they would need to seem tough to not become prey or to be abandoned by their companions. Physical weakness and pain were seen as a sign of vulnerability, so it’s a natural and instinctive response for your dog to make it seem like she’s okay.
6 Common Signs of a Dog in Pain
There are a few signs to look for if you suspect your dog might be in pain. You will have to think about how your dog normally acts and see if the behavior is worse or more pronounced.
Some commons signs that your dog is in pain include, but aren’t limited to:
Hiding
One sign of pain in dogs is hiding. If your dog is naturally shy and her favorite sleeping spot is a place that’s hidden, you may have to take this with a grain of salt. However, if your dog always comes out when you shake her food but that has suddenly stopped, it could be because she’s hiding and in pain.
Sitting Still and Hunched Up in an Uncomfortable Way
If you walk right by and your dog doesn’t move and you get the feeling that moving causes pain, that’s probably the signal your dog is trying to give you.
Change in Grooming Routine
You can also look for changes in your dog’s grooming routine. If you notice them not grooming at all or if they’re focusing on one certain spot, this could be a sign that they’re in pain. On the flip side, if your dog is obsessively grooming one paw, that could mean that the paw is in some sort of pain and they’re trying to fix it.
Gently take a look at the spot they won’t leave alone and see if you can find an open sore, thorn, or any other reason for pain.
Changes in Behavior with Other Household Pets
If you’re in a multi-dog home in Mishawaka or have other pets that your dog regularly interacts with, look for changes in this behavior as well. If your dog loves to be the center of attention and suddenly loses interest in you or her companions, she might be in pain. If your dog is naturally not into your other pets or you, look for new aggression to keep everyone away.
Growling at your touch or cowering away when your other dog or cat approaches could mean that something else is going on. However, if you have a normally shy dog and they all of a sudden become needy, that could be them showing you that they need help and are in pain.
Vocal Changes in Your Dog
If you have a regularly quiet dog, it could be a sign of pain if she starts yelping, barking, or crying. It could be that they’re trying to communicate with you.
Incontinence or Loss of Appetite
It’s good practice to watch your dog do her business so that you know exactly what’s going on. If you notice that the volume of urine has gone down or that there hasn’t been any fecal matter, you might want to call your veterinarian in Mishawaka, IN.
Check her water and food intake as well. Often, dogs will stop eating or drinking if they’re in pain.
What to Do if You Think Your Dog is Pain
If you notice any of the above signs or have any concerns about your dog’s demeanor, you should call your vet. It’s important to trust your intuition. You know your dog better than anyone and will be able to tell if something is wrong.
At Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic, your dog’s health and comfort are always our top priorities. We understand how dogs tend to hide the fact that they’re in pain, so if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, contact us as soon as possible. Our compassionate team in Mishawaka, IN will help find the underlying cause of what’s making your pet to feel this way and will development a treatment plan to best help alleviate the pain.