Pain in Dogs Dubai | Signs, Causes & Treatment

What to Do if Your Dog is in Pain

If you suspect your dog is experiencing pain, contact a veterinarian immediately.

A qualified veterinarian will:

• Assess whether your dog requires immediate physical examination
• Determine whether diagnostic tests are necessary
• Prescribe appropriate pain relief medication if needed

In the meantime, ensure your dog has access to a cool, quiet, and comfortable resting area away from the heat. Avoid touching any areas that appear painful, and keep fresh water readily available; this is particularly important in the UAE’s dry climate.

How to tell if your dog is in pain

Physical Signs

• Limping, stiffness, or moving more slowly: particularly noticeable after tiring walks in the heat.
• Difficulties getting up after resting: stiffness, possibly yelping or groaning with the effort.
• Eating and drinking less: worrying in Dubai’s climate, where dehydration is an ever-present risk.
• Excessive licking or biting at a specific part of their body.
• Panting more than usual
• Unable to put any weight on a limb or holding it up: usually suggests significant pain.

Behavioural Signs

• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Uncharacteristic growling or aggression towards people or other pets
• Excessive attention-seeking or, conversely, hiding away
• Shaking and trembling
• Pacing, agitation, or restlessness
• Increased vocalisation: yelping, whining or howling
• Reluctance to climb stairs, jump onto furniture, or climb into cars

Facial Expressions

Watch for the subtle expressions that can be early indicators of discomfort:

• Eyes: squinting, glazed, or showing more white
• Ears: flat against their head or drooping lower than usual
• Muzzle/mouth: tight lips, reluctance to open mouth
• Forehead: furrows or tense expression
• Overall look: withdrawn, ‘worried’ or less responsive

Body Language

• Hunched posture: back arched with head lowered
• Prayer position: front end down, rear end elevated
• Excessive yawning or lip licking: not associated with tiredness or hunger
• Flinching when approached or touched

Most common causes of pain in dogs

Musculoskeletal problems:

• Sprains and strains from hot pavement burns or overexertion
• Cruciate ligament disease
• Arthritis: can be worse in air-conditioned environments
• Hip and elbow dysplasia

Heat-related:

• Paw pad burns from hot surfaces
• Heat exhaustion complications
• Dehydration-related joint stiffness

Other health problems:

• Skin and ear infections: more common in Dubai’s heat and humidity
• Anal gland disease
• Dental and gum disease
• Post-surgical pain
• Spinal diseases, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

Serious internal disease:

• Pancreatitis
• Pyometra: infection of the uterus (unneutered female dogs)
• Urinary tract disorders: infections, uroliths (stones), blocked bladder
• Gastrointestinal disorders: inflammation, obstructions, bloat (GDV)

When you should be immediately worried about pain in dogs

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog:

• Cannot bear weight on one or more of their legs
• Requires immediate pain relief
• Suddenly becomes aggressive and has not had a recent physical examination (within 6-12 months)
• Has signs of heat stroke
• Shows signs of severe dehydration

How to prevent and minimise pain in dogs

Prevention is always better than treatment, especially in Dubai’s challenging climate.

Environmental considerations:

• Walk your dog during cooler times of the day: early morning or late evening
• Test pavement temperature with your hand before walking
• Provide adequate shade and cooling options for your dog
• Ensure constant access to fresh, cool water

Routine and preventive healthcare:

• Organise regular check-ups with your vet: at least every 6-12 months
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight and body condition: particularly important in less active, air-conditioned environments
• Consider joint supplements to optimise joint health: seek advice from your vet
• Clean your dog’s teeth daily to prevent dental disease
• Feed high-quality, complete nutrition
• Keep your dog’s vaccinations and parasite preventives up-to-date

Safe exercise management:

• Exercise your dog appropriately for Dubai’s climate
• Avoid repetitive movements on hard surfaces: strains joints and tendons
• Exercise puppies and young dogs with extreme care. Too much strain on growing joints can cause permanent damage.
• Talk to your vet for expert, reliable advice about safe exercise for your puppy

How do vets diagnose the cause of pain

Your vet will take a thorough clinical history – when the problems started, how they affect your dog, background details, and any changes in lifestyle. They will conduct a full physical examination. Based on their findings, your vet may advise further tests:

• Blood tests: checking for evidence of inflammation, general organ health and function, hydration
• Urine tests: looking for evidence of dehydration, infection, stones/crystals, and abnormal cells
• Imaging (X-rays, ultrasound): checking for broken bones, arthritic joints, dislocations, intestinal foreign bodies, displaced organs, and growths
• Advanced imaging (CT, MRI scans): required for more subtle signs, such as disc disease
• Specialised tests for complex cases and conditions common in the region

How to help your dog at home if they’re in pain

Environmental support:

• Provide a cool, comfortable resting area
• Ensure they have easy access to food and water
• Consider raised feeding bowls for dogs with neck or back pain
• Give them peace and quiet from children or other pets

Medical care:

• Give prescribed medications exactly as directed by your vet
• Never use human medications without veterinary approval
• Monitor carefully for side effects, particularly in Dubai’s heat: reduced appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea, and drooling saliva.

Physical comfort:

• Use heat packs for muscle pain and joint stiffness: ensure they’re not too warm
• Apply ice packs for recent injuries: wrap ice in towels
• Consider veterinarian-recommended supplements for joint health

Activity and exercise management:

• Follow your veterinarian’s advice concerning exercise restriction
• Don’t let your dog climb stairs or jump on and off the sofa
• Monitor closely for improvements or deterioration in your dog’s comfort and well-being

How vets treat pain in dogs

Effective treatment will ultimately depend on finding the cause of pain.

Pain relief medications

All veterinary painkillers are prescription-only. Your vet will choose the safest option for your dog and may run blood tests first, especially in elderly dogs or for long-term use.

• NSAIDs: First-line for joint/injury pain
• Opioids: For severe pain (surgery, cancer)
• Gabapentin: Often used for nerve pain
• Amantadine: For chronic, hard-to-manage pain and usually combined with other medications
• Bedinvetmab: Monthly injection for arthritis that blocks pain signals at the source

Targeted treatments

• Antibiotics or antifungals: targeted use for infections where needed
• Digestive support: antacids, anti-sickness, and anti-nausea medications
• Cancer treatments
• Skin medications: anti-itch

Surgical procedures

When necessary, for conditions such as spinal problems, dental disease, or wound repair.

Complementary therapies available in Dubai

• Acupuncture: offered by qualified veterinary practitioners
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Hydrotherapy: particularly beneficial in Dubai’s climate
• Laser therapy for pain and to reduce inflammation

Are some dogs more at risk of pain than others?

Certain factors increase pain risk for dogs in Dubai.

Age-related risks:

• Elderly dogs are more susceptible to arthritis and dental disease.
• Puppies are vulnerable to growth-related joint problems.

Breed predispositions:

• Large breeds and Giant breeds have an increased risk of arthritis, growth problems, and GDV. Including German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Labradors, Great Danes, and Newfoundlands.
• Small and brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds are prone to dental issues. These include Chihuahuas, King Charles Spaniels, and French Bulldogs.
• Dachshunds and Bulldogs have an increased risk of spinal disease.

Environmental factors in Dubai:

• Reduced activity dogs: indoor living predisposes them to obesity-related joint problems and pain.
• Heat-sensitive breeds require extra care: include French bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
• Dogs with thick coats may suffer more heat-related stress and dehydration.

Worried your dog may be in pain? Early detection and proper treatment make a big difference. Book a checkup or emergency appointment at Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai. Our experienced team provides precise diagnostics, effective pain management, and ongoing care tailored to your dog’s needs. From routine monitoring to urgent interventions, Modern Vet Hospital is your trusted veterinary clinic in Dubai for compassionate, comprehensive care for dogs in pain.