The subtle signs of pain – and how you can help at home

Your dog might leap up for walkies, tail wagging, eyes sparkling – but beneath that joyful bounce could be a hidden ache.

That’s the warning from canine rehab expert Angela Day, who says dogs are brilliant at hiding pain. So much so, many owners miss the early clues – or chalk them up to ‘just getting older’ – when the real culprit could be muscle pain or tension.

“Dogs have over 700 muscles,” says Angela. “And a trained Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner can palpate and assess 60 of them in just five minutes. But muscular issues like trigger points, spasms or even old scar tissue can go unnoticed – especially if we assume it’s just age slowing them down.”

Signs your dog could be in discomfort:

• A stiff walk after play or rest
• A sudden reluctance to jump in the car or on the sofa
• Twitchy skin or flinching when touched
• Restlessness when toileting or cocking a leg
• Withdrawing from play or being ‘not quite themselves’
• A change in how they hold or wag their tail

Clinical massage, she says, isn’t just about indulgence – it’s a science-backed therapy that can help reduce pain, improve mobility and circulation, support better sleep and lower stress levels. One study in Veterinary Record showed that 95% of dogs saw improvements in pain levels after massage.

But – and it’s a big but – proper massage must only ever be carried out by a trained therapist with your vet’s approval.

“It’s not just best practice – it’s the law,” Angela explains. “The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 says manipulative therapies need veterinary consent. That protects your vet, your therapist, and most of all, your dog.”

Five gentle ways to pamper your dog at home:

Want to build your bond and spot changes early? Here’s Angela’s simple massage routine you can do – no qualifications needed, just love and a little know-how:

1. Keep it short and sweetJust 3–5 minutes is perfect. Weave it into cuddles or brushing so it feels natural.
2. Choose a calm momentWait until your dog is relaxed – not when they’re chasing the postie or doing zoomies.
3. Start with soft strokesUse gentle fingertips or your palm to glide slowly along the body. This warms up the tissues and promotes calm.
4. Focus on big musclesTry small circular motions on the shoulders, neck, and hips – always avoiding bones and joints.
5. Watch for body language cluesLip-licking, yawning, moving away, or sudden stiffness? Stop and check in. It could mean tenderness or pain that needs a vet’s opinion.

Done with care, massage can be a beautiful way to support your dog’s health – and tune into their needs in a whole new way.

“Half a dog’s body is muscle,” Angela reminds us. “It’s what powers their movement – not the bones. Looking after those muscles is as important as brushing their coat.”

Learn more at thecanineadvocate.co.uk