08/08/2026
I talk about pain and physical health a lot in my work, and there’s a reason for it.
Many of the dogs I see for behaviour support have things going on that make me feel further investigation is warranted.
I think sometimes we need to understand that behaviour is information. It’s one of the ways our dogs tell us how they’re feeling.
When people think of a dog in pain, they often picture something obvious; limping, crying out, not wanting to walk or an obvious injury.
However discomfort doesn’t always look like that.
It might be joint or muscular pain. Spinal or nerve pain. Dental pain. Ear pain. Gastrointestinal discomfort. Skin irritation. Urinary discomfort. Head, neck or jaw pain.
Sometimes what we notice first is a change in behaviour.
A dog whose arousal is consistently through the roof.
A dog who can’t seem to settle.
Barking at absolutely everything.
Becoming increasingly reactive or fearful.
Suddenly struggling with being left alone.
Becoming less tolerant of handling or other dogs.
Constantly jumping up, pacing or seeming unable to switch off.
These things don’t automatically mean a dog is in pain. But they’re enough to make me ask questions.
The same goes for some of the physical things I notice. Repeatedly chewing a back leg or licking a front paw isn’t always about itchy skin. Neuropathic pain can cause sensations such as burning, tingling or pins and needles, and dogs may lick, nibble or chew at the area they’re experiencing those sensations.
One of the benefits of working with dogs every day is that you see a LOT of dogs. You develop a pretty good picture of what typical movement, posture and behaviour look like, and you start noticing when something doesn’t quite add up.
That’s why, when I’m working with significant reactivity, fear, separation-related behaviour or persistently high arousal, I may ask for further veterinary investigation, and sometimes recommend assessment by a vet with a particular interest in pain, rehabilitation or musculoskeletal health.
Training can only get us so far if a dog doesn’t feel well.
We can teach skills. We can change the environment. We can work carefully on emotional responses, but if the dog’s nervous system is also dealing with pain or discomfort, we’re asking them to cope and learn while their body is telling them something isn’t right.
We also have to acknowledge that sometimes a routine veterinary examination doesn’t give us all the answers either. Chronic, intermittent and neuropathic pain can be much less obvious than acute pain.
A dog who feels better physically has more capacity to cope, learn, rest and engage with the world around them.
The post below explains beautifully why pain can change so much more than movement.
Pain Changes More Than Movement—It Changes Behaviour Too.
When a dog lives with pain for weeks, months, or years, it doesn’t just affect the sore joint, muscle, or spine. Persistent pain can change the way the entire nervous system processes information.
Think of the spinal cord as the body’s pain highway. Every pain signal travels through it before reaching the brain. With ongoing pain, this pathway can become increasingly sensitive—a process known as central sensitisation.
As this develops:
~ Pain signals are amplified.
~ The nervous system becomes hyper-responsive.
~ Normal touch or movement may become painful.
~ The body can remain in a protective “high alert” state, even when the original injury has improved.
This doesn’t just affect physical comfort—it affects behaviour.
Pain influences how a dog perceives and responds to the world around them. Dogs experiencing chronic pain may become reluctant to exercise, avoid being touched, struggle to settle, sleep more or less than usual, appear withdrawn, or become more reactive. Some may show irritability around people or other dogs, while others become quieter, less interactive, or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
These behavioural changes are often a form of communication rather than “bad behaviour.” A dog that growls when handled, hesitates to jump into the car, avoids stairs, becomes less tolerant of grooming, or suddenly seems anxious may be trying to tell us that something hurts.
Pain can also reduce a dog’s ability to learn and cope. When the nervous system is constantly processing pain, stress hormones increase, sleep quality declines, and emotional resilience is reduced. This is why addressing pain is often a crucial first step before expecting behavioural improvement.
Pain is not simply a symptom—it is a disease process that affects physical health, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and quality of life.
Early recognition and appropriate pain management are therefore essential for good welfare.
✔️A comfortable dog can learn.
✔️ A comfortable dog can rest.
✔️ A comfortable dog can move confidently.
✔️ A comfortable dog can engage with their family.
✔️ A comfortable dog has a better quality of life.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
If you suspect your dog may be living with pain, trust your observations and speak with your veterinarian. Dogs are remarkably good at masking discomfort, and behavioural changes are often one of the earliest indicators that something isn’t right.
References
• International Association for the Study of Pain. IASP Terminology and educational resources on central sensitisation and persistent pain.
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Global Pain Council Guidelines for pain recognition, assessment, and management in companion animals.
• American Animal Hospital Association & American Association of Feline Practitioners. 2022 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
• British Small Animal Veterinary Association. Resources on chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and recognising pain-related behavioural changes in dogs.
