How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain—Even If They’re Hiding It
Big dogs are masters of stoicism. They won’t cry out. They won’t show weakness. But that doesn’t mean they’re not hurting.
September is Pain Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about something many dog parents overlook: the subtle, slow-building signs of pain.
Why Big Dogs Hide Pain
Dogs are wired to hide discomfort. In the wild, showing weakness could mean losing your place in the pack or becoming vulnerable to predators. That instinct hasn’t gone away—especially in giant breeds who seem built to power through anything.
What that means for you? You may not hear a yelp or see dramatic limping until your dog is well into the discomfort zone. The earlier you catch it, the better.
Subtle Signs of Pain in Dogs
Here are some of the early indicators your dog might be hurting:
Behavioral Signs
- Hesitating or refusing to go up or down stairs
- Not wanting to play or go on walks like they used to
- Licking or chewing at joints or limbs
- Withdrawing or acting more irritable
- Changes in sleep patterns or restlessness at night
Mobility Changes
- Trouble standing up, especially after naps
- Slipping on floors they used to handle easily
- Limping after play, even if it goes away the next day
- A slower or more "careful" gait
If your dog is showing even one of these, it's time to start asking questions.
What You Can Do
Don’t wait until your dog is clearly in pain. Talk to your vet early. A wellness check-up or pain assessment can catch things before they escalate. Pay attention to the little changes, they may be pointing to something bigger.
And if you want to be proactive—especially if your dog is already showing signs or is over 2 years old—consider adding joint support to their routine.
Your dog won’t tell you they’re hurting. But their body will.
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About the Author
Sarah McLean is the Co-Founder of The Big Damn Dog Co., a brand built specifically for giant breed dogs and the people who love them. Her work is rooted in one mission: helping big dogs live more, better years.
She didn’t set out to build a dog supplement company. It started with her own Great Dane, Lucy, who came into her life after a rough start and changed everything. What began as a personal commitment to give one dog a better life turned into a larger mission to support giant breed dogs everywhere.
Today, Sarah shares what she’s learned through real-life experience, ongoing research, and countless conversations with veterinarians, trainers, and pet care professionals. Her approach is honest, prevention-focused, and built around the belief that big dogs don’t need more. They need better.
