Dogs have different ways of telling us humans that they are in pain. They may not be able to tell us verbally but their actions speak loud. That is why a pet parent you have to learn how to decode these signs so you can attend to your dog’s need right away before they turn to medical emergencies.

Here are 7 common signs that your dog could potentially be in pain:

Pained noise

This is probably the easiest sign to decode. Groaning, whimpering, yelping, and whining are sounds that dog make when they feel in pain, anxious or scared.

If you can identify the external trigger of the pained noise then that’s great but if not, the cause might be internal.

Loss of appetite

If you notice that your dog is not enthusiastic about food or treats and the worst don’t eat at all then there should be something wrong.

Digestion takes energy for your dog to do, so if he is not feeling well or feeling pained, he might not be interested in food.

Excessive panting

Panting is normal especially when your dog a bit overworked or play and on hot summer days but other than those times, excessive panting is an indicator of stress which can be caused by pain or discomfort.

If you see your dog is excessively painting then he could be anxious, stressed or sick and feeling pained.

Uncanny posture or movements

As a pet parent, you already know very well how your dog walks and how he moves, so if suddenly he moves and walks weirdly then you should know there’s something wrong.

Dwindle of energy

You know exactly what your dog wants, what he’s excited about and what makes him enthusiastic and energized but if you notice that there’s a sudden drop in his enthusiasm and energy, then he must be feeling something uncomfortable.

Obsessive licking

As you already know, dogs have the instinct to clean their wounds by licking on them even if they are invisible externally. So, if you see that your dog has been obsessive in licking any parts of its body, then that is a sure indicator of a wound or pain.

Hiding away

Dogs are naturally social and friendly and you should know that as a pet parent. However, if suddenly you notice that your dog hides away and just don’t have the energy to socialize and seem very aloof, you definitely have to pay attention to him already. A sudden change in their social behaviour indicates they are anxious, stressed or sick.

It’s crucial that you learn to decode these signs and that you pay extra attention to your pet if you see sudden changes so you avoid complications and keep your dog happy and healthy.