Did you know that 80% of behaviour changes in our dogs can be attributed to pain…

That’s a pretty astounding number, and the reason that myself, and many ethical canine professionals, will ALWAYS recommend a vet check prior to working with you and your dog.

But what sort of behaviours are we talking about?

The Subtle Changes

Let’s start with some of the more subtle behaviours. These can include a low head carriage, arched back, tucking the tail under themselves, unusual stances, excessive panting, low mood and being less playful.

A low head carriage may be indicative of neck or spinal pain but there is also an emotional aspect to this behavioural change. Long-term pain can result in low mood or depression, and this may be reflected in how your dog carries themselves.

An arched back is an interesting one, as it can be a result of a number of things. A dog suffering with gut pain or discomfort is more likely to arch their back, just like we might hold our stomach or double-over. It can also be a sign of musculoskeletal pain. If the dog is suffering from pain related to hip dysplasia, for example, they tend to arch their back slightly to allow them to sign their back legs through without having to bend at the hip – because that hurts. Ultimately, any pain in the hindquarters (hip dysplasia, luxating patella, cruciate issues) can result in a changed gait that causes this arching of the back. And it may not be a current complaint either, if your dog has suffered previously, the lumbar region of their back can easily become very tense and sore if not treated.

A dog that tucks its tail under himself could be experiencing issues with his anal glands or prostate, potentially arthritic changes at the base of the tail. But again, this is also associated with the emotional aspect of pain. Dogs in pain experience low mood, and increased fear and anxiety so may be more inclined to have their tail tucked in situations that may have not previously bothered them.

A change in the way your dog stands or an unusual stance such as standing with one limb out to the side or leaning further onto one side than the other is typically a result of the dog trying to shift their weight of a painful limb or joint. This uneven weightbearing can also result in compensatory pain as the opposite muscles and joints are receiving more strain than usual.  

Excessive panting is a physiological response to pain. Pain causes an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate, as well as the release of stress hormones resulting in panting.  These stress hormones can also cause a reduced appetite, as they you’re your dog’s body to focus more on fight and flight, and less on the rest and digest processes.

Have you ever noticed your dog choosing not to walk on certain surfaces, like tiles or laminate flooring. Or perhaps walking very slowly and carefully when they do. This can be a result of either previous acute pain or ongoing pain and discomfort. Your dog may have previously slipped and hurt themselves so they are now wary of this type of flooring, or if they are living with a chronic condition such as osteoarthritis or hip/elbow dysplasia and slipped even just a little bit, they would have likely exacerbated their existing pain.

Something I see all the time and am quick to notice – mainly due to my job – is dogs walking with a significant head nod. This is a sign of pain somewhere in the forelimbs. The dog lifts his head and neck up and away when the painful limb is weightbearing and then drops them back down when the other front limb is weightbearing. It is their version of a limp and even quite distinctive limps are often missed by owners.

“Oh, but that’s normal for him”

Other behaviours your dog displays might be a bit more obvious but are often considered to be normal for certain dogs. Licking or chewing certain parts of their body, to the point of dark orange staining on the coat is a sign of discomfort in that area. Got a dog that can’t settle in the house and constantly paces back and forth, he’s probably in some kind of pain and discomfort, and is unable to find somewhere comfortable to rest.

Destructive behaviours, hyperactivity, inability to focus, mounting, jumping up and mouthing are all signs of hyperarousal which can be a sign of pain or discomfort in your dog, when working with a trainer to address these behaviours make sure you discuss a pain trial with your vet first and work with a qualified, ethical trainer that will support you without compromising your dog’s wellbeing.   

“He’s just getting old”

There is a huge misconception that many of the behaviours we associate with older dogs are just a normal part of ageing, but age isn’t a diagnosis. It is true that we see a lot of these changes in ageing dogs, but they are signs of underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia, among others. Some of these behaviours include being less playful, toileting in the house, choosing not to get on furniture or go up and down stairs where they previously would, difficulty getting up after rest, laying down whilst eating or on walks, not wanting to jump in or out of the car, slowing down on walks or not wanting to walk as far. 

“He’s got really naughty recently”

Many behaviours that owners consider naughty can also be indicative of pain or discomfort. Pulling on the lead is a major one and is often a result of the hyperarousal I mentioned earlier but can also be because the dog finds it physically challenging to walk at our slower, human pace as this can put more strain on their body, particularly the hind legs. Similarly, a dog that is avoiding going on walks or avoiding having their harness, collar or lead being put on may be doing so because they have learned to associated walks with pain and discomfort. Pain can result in a dog feeling more worried or anxious, and less comfortable in their environment as their ability to escape certain situations may be compromised, causing a reduced tolerance of people or other dogs, reactivity, and guarding beds, toys, or safe spaces.

“He’s just a really nervous dog”

Pain and fear go hand in hand, from an evolutionary and survival perspective. The brain learns to fear things that it considers to have caused pain. Dogs living with underlying pain may become fearful of things we consider insignificant, such as some noises or traffic. In these cases, a dog living with pain may be walking alongside a road and a lorry comes past that makes them jump, which hurts. The dog’s brain will remember this and make them worry about the next time traffic comes past. It becomes a downward spiral as the dog begins to tense up every time a similar vehicle passes them, which can aggravate the existing pain, until even just a bike or small vehicle causes the same reaction. This fear of traffic may present as car chasing too. The same process can occur with other noises too, something makes them jump and the cycle begins.

We’ve discussed that pain can impact mood and can creep into pretty much every aspect of a dog’s life. This can change a dog’s overall view of the world making them more and more anxious and pessimistic, presenting as generalise anxiety.

Considerations

Behaviour is complicated, but there is always a reason behind it. It is important to remember that behaviour should be look at in context, considering the rest of the environment, the dog’s needs, etc. and not in isolation.

All of the behaviours mentioned can be linked to pain and discomfort in our canine companions, but that may not be the only cause.

I truly hope you have found this useful, and if you think that your dog may be experiencing pain, please speak to your trainer and vet about the option of a pain trial. If you are unsure, I can assist with this process via the Behaviour & Gait Analysis service I offer, that will provide you with an in depth report to take to your vet.

Charis

Train & Treat

Further Information

Charis Donnelly, Train & Treat, is a qualified and experienced Canine Behaviourist and Massage Therapist providing behaviour, gait assessment and massage therapy services to prioritise your dog's mental and physical wellbeing.

Charis is a member of the International Association of Animal Therapists which promotes best practice.

For more information on how Charis can help your dog, email charis@train-and-treat.co.uk