13/10/2025
💬 “I’m not being stubborn, I’m uncomfortable.” Pain and behaviour in dogs 🐾
Sometimes what looks like stubbornness,or “bad behaviour” is actually your dog’s way of saying, “I’m in pain.”
Pain doesn’t always show up as a limp or a cry and that can make it hard for owners to realise their dog is uncomfortable.
In clinic, I often see dogs showing subtle avoidance behaviours when they’re in pain. 😢Things like sniffing the floor, walking away from an exercise, or ignoring cues they’d normally respond to.
A recent example: A lovely dog was asked to step over some poles for their TPLO rehabilitation, a simple task, well within their ability. Instead, they began avoiding the poles, looking away, and showing clear signs of discomfort. Their behaviour wasn’t defiance, it was communication.
Recently, three reactive dogs were referred to me for assessment, and in each case, signs of musculoskeletal discomfort appeared. The owners were unaware pain could even be the issue. After discussing my findings, each case has been referred back to their vets for further investigation and management.
🐕 A dog who suddenly refuses to get in the car or up the stairs isn’t being “difficult” — they may be struggling to flex painful joints.
🐕 A dog who reacts to others might be protecting themselves from being bumped or jostled by another dog, by reacting, this makes the dog stay away.
I’m lucky to work alongside brilliant trainers and behaviourists who recognise when behaviour changes might have a physical cause.
When we treat the pain, the behaviour can improves naturally.
That’s why a team approach by combining veterinary care, physiotherapy, and behavioural support works well to help find the cause!
✨ If you feel your dog might be in pain or discomfort, even if you’re not sure. Please speak to your vet, physio, or qualified canine professional.
