How Pain Can Lead to Undesirable Dog Behavior (And What You Can Do About It)

Oct 24

Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Photo Copyright (C) Lauren Tsao - Photo shows Oakley the Border Collie.

Today, let me share a personal story with you. My own dog, Oakley, was diagnosed last year with discospondylitis, an infection that targets the discs in a dog's spine. It can cause inflammation, pain, and a host of physical and behavioral changes. In Oakley’s case, the infection had been present for so long that it eventually led to the development of spondylosis, a condition where new bone forms around the spine to provide additional support. This is often a sign that the body is trying to compensate for instability. Unfortunately, my concerns about her behavior and condition were initially dismissed by several vets and Oakley's pain quietly evolved.

The symptoms were subtle at first: a mildly affected gait, on-and-off reactivity to certain dogs and people without any clear pattern, and a phobia of riding in the car. She even avoided parked cars. At around a year of age, she started to develop thunderstorm phobia. However, as time passed, her fear of thunderstorms grew stronger. These signs were hard to piece together because they didn't follow an obvious pattern. As her condition worsened, she no longer sat with her hips square, struggled to sustain a normal walking gait, and had an increasingly hard time relaxing. I watched as she would obsessively run up and down the fence line, almost as if she couldn't stop moving, always following the same path.

As a professional dog trainer and certified dog behavior consultant, I’ve seen how behavioral changes often point to underlying physical issues, but it was a stark reminder of how easy it can be to overlook these signs in our pets. It’s why I’m so passionate about helping other dog owners recognize the early signs of pain, so they don’t have to experience the same uncertainty and frustration I did. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned from my journey with Oakley and how you can become more attuned to the subtle signs of discomfort in your own dog. Every dog’s behavior tells a story and it’s our responsibility to listen.

Signs of Pain In Dogs

Over the past two years of investigating discomfort in dogs before I dive into training to resolve behavior concerns of my students, I’ve learned that our dogs can be surprisingly adept at hiding their discomfort. Much like humans, dogs feel pain, but unlike us, they can’t tell us what’s wrong. It’s up to us to decode the subtle clues they give us. These clues could be changes in their behavior, a shift in their mood, and physical signs that something just isn’t right. Unfortunately, I’ve seen how pain, when left unaddressed, can transform a gentle, loving dog into one that seems distant, anxious, or even aggressive. I suspect that many dogs that are in pain are likely euthanized after training failed to influence their behavior.

The truth is pain doesn't just affect a dog's body; it impacts their spirit, their connection with us, and their quality of life. Our dogs rely on us to be their voice, to notice when they’re not quite themselves, and to take action when things go awry.

Here are some indicators I look for in cases where I believe a dog might experiencing discomfort:

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Excessive Sleep: If your dog suddenly starts sleeping more than usual, it could be a sign of discomfort. Pain often leads to lethargy and fatigue.
Restlessness: Conversely, some dogs might have trouble settling down, shifting positions frequently, or pacing at night.
Hyperactivity: An unexpected burst of energy could be a stress response to chronic pain.

Restlessness and Agitation

Inability to Get Comfortable: A dog in pain may have trouble finding a comfortable position and may frequently get up, turn around, and lie down again.
Frequent Position Changes: Notice if your dog keeps shifting from side to side or seems agitated when lying down.
Pacing: Pacing back and forth, especially during rest times, can signal discomfort.

Sensitivity to Sounds and New Phobias

Excessive Barking: Pain can heighten sensitivity to sounds, leading to overreactive barking at noises like doorbells, thunderstorms, or technology beeps.
Development of Phobias: Dogs may suddenly become fearful of sounds or situations they were previously comfortable with, such as thunderstorms, car rides, or vacuum cleaners.

Physical Symptoms and Body Language

Limping or Lameness: Limping, bunny hopping, or showing favor towards one leg often indicates physical pain.
Unusual Posture: A hunched back, tense muscles, or a low head carriage are subtle signs that your dog is not feeling well.
Head Shaking or Ear Scratching: These actions can indicate ear pain or discomfort. Take note if they become excessive.
Head Pressing: Pressing their head against walls or furniture is a red flag that something is wrong.
Invisible Bugs: Air snapping or quickly checking their own body parts, commonly their lower back, as if an invisible bug has stung or landed on them, can signal sudden discomfort.

Excessive Grooming and Self-Soothing Behaviors

Licking: Dogs can lick themselves, furniture, or their owners more than usual when they're in pain.
Chewing: Chewing on paws or other body parts can indicate pain, especially if it's repetitive or obsessive. The dog may also bark or growl at their own body parts.
Grooming Certain Spots: Focused grooming on a specific body part may suggest discomfort in that area.

Resource Guarding and Social Withdrawal

Growling or Snapping: If your dog starts growling over food, toys, or certain comfortable spaces, this could be an indictor.
Avoiding Touch: Dogs may become protective of their space, snapping when touched, or avoiding contact altogether, particularly if the touch causes pain.

Mobility and Movement Changes

Reluctance to Jump or Climb: A dog that previously loved jumping on furniture may suddenly refuse or hesitate to do so.
Inability to Maintain Positions: Struggling to hold a squat position during bathroom breaks can be a sign of pain.
Changes in Walking Gait: Watch for a change in the way your dog walks, such as limping, shorter strides, or a slower pace.

How Pain Affects Behavior in Dogs

Pain doesn’t just affect a dog physically—it also influences their mood, behavior, and social interactions. Understanding this connection can help you respond more compassionately to your dog’s needs.

Increased Aggression and Defensive Behavior

Dogs in pain might become defensive and react aggressively, even if they were previously friendly and tolerant. A dog with joint pain, for example, may snap when touched unexpectedly, as they anticipate discomfort.

Signs of Pain-Related Aggression:

Growling, snapping, or biting, especially when touched in certain areas.
Protective of sore spots, avoiding physical interaction.
Tendency to lash out when startled or bumped into, particularly while sleeping.

Avoidance of Physical Activity or Play

Dogs experiencing pain often avoid activities they once loved, including playing, running, or going for walks. This withdrawal is a sign that something is wrong, not a loss of interest.

Pain-Related Changes in Activity:

Loss of enthusiasm for walks or playtime.
Reluctance to run, jump, or climb.
Reduced stamina during activities that previously caused no issue.

Social Withdrawal and Changes in Mood

Pain can lead to social withdrawal, making your dog less interested in engaging with family members or other pets. You may notice a change in their usual playfulness or social habits. However, this can also include avoidance or reactivity towards strangers that started in puppyhood or adolescent. There are many medical conditions can dogs can be born with and/or develop early in life can influence their behavior. Therefore, just because they have “always” behaved that way, doesn’t mean a vet check isn’t in order.

Symptoms of Mood Changes:

Avoidance of attention or petting, especially around painful areas.
Seeming sad, anxious, or depressed.
Sleeping away from family members, in isolated spots.

Anxiety and Stress-Related Behaviors

Chronic pain can lead to anxiety, as your dog becomes unsure of when the pain will occur or worsen. This anxiety can result in a range of stress-related behaviors.

Stress Signals:

Panting, even when not hot or excited.
Shaking or trembling when not cold.
Hyperactivity or unusually clingy behavior.

“Every dog’s behavior tells a story and it’s our responsibility to listen.”

— Lauren Tsao

Why Recognizing Pain Early Matters

Recognizing the signs of pain early can significantly improve your dog's quality of life. Early detection allows you to address the underlying issue before it worsens, reducing discomfort, and improving mood and behavior.

Benefits of Early Detection:

Quicker diagnosis and treatment.
Better pain management options, reducing the impact on your dog's behavior.
Prevention of chronic pain, which can have lasting effects on mood and personality.
Potential behavior improvement, which in severe cases, can be life-saving.

Preventing Behavioral Escalation

Addressing pain before it escalates can prevent undesirable behaviors from becoming ingrained. A dog’s behavior may worsen over time if the pain is not managed, potentially leading to aggression or severe withdrawal.

Preventative Measures:

Be observant of subtle changes in behavior.
Monitor for early signs of discomfort, such as slight limping or mild growling.
Take immediate action if you notice any pain symptoms, consulting a veterinarian as needed.

Photo Copyright (C) Lauren Tsao - Photo shows Oakley the Border Collie playing with me.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Pain in Your Dog

Consult a Veterinarian

The first step in addressing pain-related behavior is consulting with a veterinarian. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of treatment, whether it's medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes.

What to Discuss with Your Vet:

Any changes in behavior, no matter how small.
Specific symptoms like limping, sensitivity to touch, or excessive grooming.
Your dog's daily routine and any recent disruptions.

Get a Dynamic Dog Assessment

If your dog is fearful or aggressive at the vet clinic, has difficulty with travel, or you have spoken with a vet already and not felt heard, you can contact me for a thorough behavior consultation, which included a Dynamic Dog Assessment, where I analyze videos and photos of your dog’s daily life activities, gait, conformation, and more. This can be completed virtually. I will formulate a vet report with any evidence I find that your dog requires a thorough check-up.

Track and Document Behaviors

Keep a log of your dog's symptoms to help identify patterns and triggers. This information can be valuable when discussing the issue with your vet and determining the severity of your dog's pain. Below is a free Behavior Log template for you to print out and fill in.

What to Include in a Behavior Log:

Changes in activity levels and playfulness.
Any signs of aggression, anxiety, or withdrawal.
Physical symptoms like limping or body language changes.

Pain Management Strategies

Once a medical condition is confirmed, consider the following management strategies:

Medication: Ask your vet about anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, or supplements that can help manage your dog’s condition.
Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments: Ask your vet able any diet and lifestyle adjustments that might be needed to keep your dog comfortable.
Alternative Therapies: Laser therapy, massage, physical therapy, and hydrotherapy can provide additional relief for some conditions.
Environmental Modifications: Use ramps for stairs, place rugs or yoga mats to prevent slipping, provide orthopedic bedding (I like Big Barker beds.), and adjust training and exercise routines to accommodate your dog's comfort level.

Behavioral Adjustments and Training

Pain management should include a shift in how you handle and interact with your dog. Positive reinforcement, gentle handling, and avoiding triggers can make a significant difference.

Tips for Positive Reinforcement:

Reward calm behavior and avoid punishment as pain or being startled can trigger aggression.
Use low-impact enrichment, like ACE Free Work, that doesn't strain joints or sensitive areas.
Provide safe and quite spaces for your dog to retreat when they need rest.
Keep training sessions short and sweet to avoid inflaming your dog’s condition.

Photo Copyright (C) Lauren Tsao - Photo shows Oakley the Border Collie running.

In the end, understanding the link between pain and undesirable behaviors in dogs isn’t just about managing symptoms, it’s about deepening our connection with them, offering them the compassion and care they need to live their best lives. Dogs can’t tell us when something is wrong, so it's up to us to be vigilant, observant, and proactive. If we learn to recognize the subtle signs of pain, we can step in before the discomfort leads to more serious issues, ultimately strengthening the bond we share with our dogs.

Reflecting on my own journey with Oakley, I’m reminded of the importance of listening to what our dogs are telling us, even when the signs seem inconsistent or hard to pinpoint. Oakley’s road to recovery from discospondylitis was challenging and, at times, heartbreaking. Yet, today, she’s a testament to how resilience, medical intervention, and proper care can transform a dog’s life. She’s no longer struggling with the chronic pain that once shaped her days and seeing her return to a more relaxed and joyful state is a reminder of why I’m so passionate about this topic.

I hope this article has provided you with the tools and understanding to better recognize the signs of pain in your own dog. Remember, our dogs are counting on us to be their voice. By staying attentive and taking action when we see something isn't right, we can give them the happy, healthy life they deserve. If Oakley’s story can teach us anything, it’s that a dog’s behavior is never random, it’s a call to action and it’s up to us to listen.

If you believe your dog is struggling with behaviors that are being influenced by pain or discomfort, please contact me for a behavior guidance call, which includes a thorough Dynamic Dog Assessment and written report for your vet, to help you get your dog the help they may need. The entire process is done virtually, so I can assist anyone in the world.