It’s easy to tell when we humans are having a ruff day, but what about your furbaby? While dogs can’t call out for help in our language, various cues indicate your dog may be uncomfortable or in pain. Some cues, like whining or growling, are universally known by pawrents, but our dogs have a surprisingly large body language vocabulary. 

Here are the top five things to pay special attention to, so you understand when your pup’s trying to tell you they need help.

1. Heavy Breathing

All healthy pooches pant from time to time, especially after a long walk in the heat or a case of the Zoomies. But did you know that panting can indicate pain? An uncomfortable dog may pant heavily, even if they’re resting at a cool temperature. 

This is especially worrisome for pawrents when their pup is panting irregularly, or for extended periods of time. You know your dog better than anyone, so listen to how their panting sounds. Is it noisier than usual? Is their breathing strained?

⚠️ If your dog’s breathing is laborious, get them to the vet ASAP. It could be a sign of airway obstruction or heart-related issues.

Excessive panting can also be a sign of anxiety. Just like their pawrents, dogs are susceptible to stress, whether it’s due to a change in environment, pain, or discomfort. Elevated cortisol levels cause pups to pant or breathe abnormally. 

Worried that your pup might be anxious while you’re away? The Furbo 360° Dog Camera, with its Real-Time 2-Way Audio and Full HD Camera with Night Vision, lets you see and talk to your dog from anywhere. This way you can check on any excessive panting and try to understand what it means from afar and whether you need to come to help. If it is separation anxiety, simply turn on the audio to share some comforting words with your furbaby to help calm them down.  

2. Increased Sleep or Insomnia

We all love a good nap, and our pups are no strangers to a midday snooze! But if your pup is suddenly sleeping more than usual, they may be avoiding movement due to pain or illness. On the other hand, if they show signs of sleep issues and are restless all night, it may be too uncomfortable for them to lie down. This discomfort may be related to an internal injury, so they’ll need vet care even if you can’t find a wound. 

Furbo Dog Nanny can help you keep a watchful eye on your sleeping beauty when you’re out. Its Dog Activity Alert lets you see how much your pup has been sleeping, making it easier to judge if their behavior is out of the ordinary and whether it’s time to visit your vet. 

3. Excessive Licking

Your dog may love looking good, and take lots of time to groom themselves: from nibbling paws to cleaning their fur (often with limited success!). But take note of their baseline. If they begin licking a specific area more than usual, that may be a wound or injury they’re tending to. 

Just as humans instinctively rub an area we’ve injured, dogs lick their wounds to self-soothe. So, be sure you check for external cuts and get your pup a doctor’s care if you can’t see anything.

Maybe you’ve noticed your pup licking more than usual, but you’re not sure how often they do it when you’re not around. With the Furbo 360° Dog Camera, you can keep a close eye on your doggo! Its Auto Dog Tracking and 360° Rotating View may allow you to gauge the site of their pain when you’re away. 

4. Sensitivity to Touch 

We’re sure your furbaby loves a cuddle from their favorite hooman, but if your pup suddenly becomes sensitive to touch, this is likely a sign of discomfort. The cause may be easily addressed, like dry skin, or a more systemic issue, like the onset of arthritis in more senior pups. 

Be mindful of your dog’s capacity to be petted, and gently touch other parts of their body to see if they’re all equally sensitive. This will help you figure out if there’s a localized wound or systemic problem. Touch sensitivity can be accompanied by other signs of an uncomfortable dog. These include excessive licking, vomiting, or vocalizations (particularly whining and crying).

But you can’t be around 24/7 to monitor your pup for these signs. Furbo Dog Nanny provides AI-powered Smart Alerts like the Vomit Alert and Continuous Barking Alert that make you instantly aware of any worrying behaviors so you can take immediate action. 

5. Changes in Temperament

How many of us can say we stay upbeat when we’re in pain or suffering from an illness? Just as our moods change when we’re sick, your pup’s may too. But how do you know whether your pup has a case of the grumps, or something more serious?

When a previously friendly pup becomes regularly grumpy or even begins growling without clear reason, this could be a sign they’re in pain. Maybe you’ve accidentally bumped into them, causing a series of grumbles, or they snarl when you encourage them to get up. 

It can be a good idea to record the changes to take to your vet if needed since a dog’s behavior in the exam room is never the same as at home. Furbo Dog Nanny’s Doggie Diary and Cloud Recording features allow you to record and save worrying moments you can share with the vet. 

Become an Expert in Your Pup’s Discomfort Cues 

Pups communicate with us the best they can when something is wrong, and we owe it to them to learn their language. Furbo is here to help you decode their lingo so you can keep your pup safe and happy in their fur a very long time. 🐕💞

Pick up your Furbo 360° Dog Camera today and help your pup live long and pawsper! 🐶🐾