"He Seems Fine to Me!" Why Active Dogs Can Still Have Medical Issues
Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Photo shows dog running on beach.
"But he seems fine to me! He runs around all the time!" This is something I hear often when discussing behavior assessments with dog owners. There’s a common misconception that a dog who is active, cannot possibly have an underlying medical condition. This assumption, while understandable, can often lead to delayed diagnoses, prolonged discomfort, and even behavioral challenges that could have been addressed much sooner.
Recently, I worked with a client whose dog had shown a sudden change in behavior. They were adamant nothing was wrong because their dog was still hiking, swimming, and chasing balls. They even sent me videos to "prove" how healthy their dog was. Yet, in every single video, their dog showed visible lameness.
Despite the evidence, they remained unconvinced.
I had to make the difficult decision to pause our work together until they visited their vet. Why? Because it is unethical for me to continue training a dog I suspect has an undiagnosed medical issue. Beyond ethics, addressing a medical concern first can make training more effective, less frustrating, and less expensive in the long run.
Sure enough, their vet discovered a medical condition that had likely been affecting the dog for quite some time.
Here’s the reality: dogs will often remain active, sometimes even increasing their activity levels, when they’re uncomfortable.
Why Dogs Mask Pain
Dogs are masters at masking pain. In the wild, showing vulnerability could make an animal an easy target, so dogs have evolved to hide discomfort. This means they’ll often continue engaging in activities they love, even when something isn’t quite right.
In fact, some dogs become more active when they’re uncomfortable. Movement and high-energy activities can distract them from their pain, much like how humans might push through a headache or sore back to focus on something else. They may also struggle to find a comfortable spot, thus increase their activity levels and creating a dog who never settles.
Let me paint a picture:
Imagine you’ve been dealing with chronic back pain. No one seems to believe how bad it is, so you grit your teeth and keep moving. One day, you go to an amusement park and ride a rollercoaster with friends. While you’re on the ride, you don’t feel the pain. Your adrenaline and focus on the experience are enough to block it out. But later that evening? You’re paying for it in spades.
This same phenomenon happens with dogs. The thrill of chasing a ball or running through a field can mask their discomfort in the moment. But that doesn’t mean the underlying issue isn’t there.
The Subtle Signs of Discomfort In Dogs
Many medical issues don’t immediately cause a dog to stop their favorite activities. Instead, you might notice subtle changes:
Lameness or Limping: A dog may favor one leg or have an uneven gait.
Behavioral Changes: Increased barking, growling, or reactivity toward people or other dogs.
Hesitation: Pausing before jumping into the car or onto furniture, or before responding to training cues.
Clumsiness: Bumping into things, struggling to navigate tight spaces, or slipping frequently.
Restlessness: Pacing, trouble settling down, or frequent position changes while lying down.
Behavioral issues like reactivity or aggression often have an underlying medical component. It is estimated that around 60–80% of behavior cases seen by vet behaviorists involve some sort of physical discomfort or health problem.
Why Health Comes Before Training
As a behavior consultant, my job is to help dogs and their owners achieve harmony. But before we can tackle training, we must address the dog’s physical well-being.
Training a dog with untreated pain or discomfort can:
Increase frustration: The dog may struggle to focus or perform tasks.
Slow progress: Pain and fatigue can limit to the amount of success repetitions of cued behaviors and slow down training.
Exacerbate behavior issues: Reactivity, barking, fearfulness, or aggression can escalate.
When health concerns are addressed first, training becomes smoother, faster, and more effective.
Don’t Wait for Obvious Signs
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my career is this: don’t wait until your dog opts out of their favorite activities or “slows down” to suspect something might be wrong. By the time a dog stops running, jumping, or playing, the issue is often severe.
If your dog shows any changes in behavior or movement, no matter how subtle, it’s worth investigating. Early intervention can prevent further complications, improve your dog’s quality of life, and save you time and money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
If your dog’s behavior or physical movements seem “off,” trust your gut. Dogs can’t tell us when something hurts, but they do communicate in their own way through body language, movement, and behavior. It’s our job to listen.
If you’re unsure whether your dog’s behavior change is linked to something bigger, let’s talk. I specialize in behavior cases and can guide you through the next steps, including working with your vet.
Your dog deserves to feel their best, and we’re here to help you get there.
Photo shows dogs chasing each other.
Does your dog’s behavior seem “off,” but you can’t quite put your finger on why? Let’s figure it out together. Book a Behavior Guidance Call today, and we’ll create a personalized plan to address your dog’s needs. Whether it’s reactivity, aggression, or behaviors that just don’t make sense, I’ll work with you to create a plan that makes life better for both you and your dog.
Don’t wait for things to escalate. Reach out today and take the first step toward understanding and helping your dog thrive. Click here to schedule your Behavior Guidance Call and let’s find the answers together.
Disclaimer: I am a professional dog trainer and certified dog behavior consultant, but I am not a veterinarian. The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian regarding any medical concerns you may have about your dog’s health. If you suspect your dog is in pain or experiencing discomfort, seek the guidance of a licensed veterinary professional for proper assessment and treatment. Never disregard or delay seeking veterinary advice.
