Academy · Understanding symptoms
Recognising pain in dogs: when movement says more than words
Not all pain shows as obvious limping.
Dogs can show pain in different ways. Some withdraw, change their behaviour or avoid certain movements. Others adapt the way they move, so that problems are barely noticeable in everyday life at first.
With musculoskeletal conditions in particular, changes in stride length, stance and swing phases or joint mobility can occur.
Find out how to recognise possible pain in your dog, how discomfort can affect the gait and what an objective gait analysis can contribute to the veterinary examination.
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How can I tell if my dog is in pain?
Pain in dogs is not always easy to recognise. While some dogs clearly limp, whimper or avoid being touched, others show only subtle changes in their behaviour or movement. Possible signs include a changed posture, reduced activity, difficulty getting up or an unusual gait. With musculoskeletal problems in particular, dogs can adapt their movements to avoid painful situations. Important: not every movement asymmetry is automatically caused by pain. Conversely, dogs can be in pain without their gait being noticeably changed. A veterinary examination is therefore essential to put possible causes into context.
At a glance: possible signs of pain in dogs
- Changed movement: limping, a stiff gait or shorter steps
- Changed posture: offloading a limb or unusual protective postures
- Everyday difficulties: problems getting up, lying down, jumping or climbing stairs
- Changed behaviour: withdrawal, restlessness, reduced activity or increased irritability
- Reaction to touch: sensitivity or defensiveness during certain movements or when touched
Note: these signs can have various causes. Whether pain is present and what is causing it must be assessed by a vet.
Subtle changes in movement
How do movement abnormalities show in the gait?
The video illustrates how changes in a dog’s movement can show. Such abnormalities can be related to pain but are not clear proof of it.
Measuring changes in movement that the naked eye easily misses
What can LupoGait reveal when pain is suspected?
LupoGait records movement using IMU sensors and calculates objective gait parameters. These can indicate functional abnormalities and complement the veterinary examination.
Why can an objective gait analysis be useful when pain is suspected?
Not all pain-related changes in movement are clearly visible in everyday life. Mild or shifting abnormalities in particular can be difficult to judge visually. An objective gait analysis complements the clinical examination by recording selected movement parameters quantitatively. This makes it possible to document movement asymmetries, changes in stance and swing phases and certain joint movements, for example. With repeated examinations, the results can be compared, which can help to assess changes during treatment or rehabilitation more objectively. However, gait analysis does not replace veterinary pain assessment. It provides additional information about the dog’s movement function.
Which changes in behaviour can indicate pain in dogs?
Not every dog shows pain by limping or moving conspicuously. Changes in behaviour can also be signs of discomfort. These include, for example:
- Withdrawal: the dog seeks less contact or wants to be alone more often.
- Restlessness: it often changes its lying position or finds it hard to settle.
- Changed activity: walks, play or jumping are avoided.
- Irritability: the dog reacts more sensitively to touch or certain movements.
- Changed grooming: certain areas of the body are licked noticeably often.
- Changed appetite: some dogs eat less when in pain.
These signs are not specific to pain. They can also occur with other illnesses or stress. If such changes appear suddenly or persist, the dog should be examined by a vet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Pain does not necessarily lead to visible lameness. Some dogs show changes in their behaviour, posture or activity instead.
Possible signs include a stiff gait, difficulty getting up, less enthusiasm for exercise or recurring limping. However, the exact cause cannot be determined from these signs alone.
No. An objective gait analysis measures movement parameters, not pain directly. However, it can record gait abnormalities that may occur in connection with pain.
Yes. Dogs can adapt their movements, for example by avoiding certain joint movements or relying more on other limbs. However, such changes are not always caused by pain.
With severe or sudden pain, considerable restriction of movement, injuries or additional general symptoms, the dog should be examined immediately. Persistent or recurring problems should also be checked by a vet.
Recognising and understanding changes in movement.
An objective gait analysis can help to record movement abnormalities and document changes over time. Combined with the veterinary examination, it provides additional information for a better assessment of the dog’s movement function.