As much as we may want them to, our dogs cannot speak to us, so it can sometimes be difficult to figure out what they are thinking and feeling.
The animals have to rely on body language to tell us what's going on, which is why it's so vital that owners are clued up on what certain signals may mean.
And one animal behaviourist says that there's a 'subtle' thing dogs do that owners often miss, but it could mean that your furry friend is in pain.
Dog expert Anna Webb believes that these signs are simple to learn about, and they could help provide pets with a lot of relief.
She told the Mirror: "Dogs are masters at trying to disguise pain, so it's about observing your pet and getting to know them overtime to recognise when they are trying to tell you something in dog language."
Yawning
It's rare that your dog will actually yawn when they're tired, although context is always important.
Very often it's your pet saying in dog language that they are uncomfortable.
If you catch them yawning while out on a walk, it may indicate they feel overwhelmed, in pain or stressed.
Chewing or licking paws
This is a compulsive behaviour that's often caused by stress or anxiety.
Pooches may chew or lick their paws when they have come into contact with harmful chemicals or allergies.
It could be a sign of an aching pain from arthritis, or they may have small painful cuts on their paw pads.
Mobility issues
If your dog appears to be struggling to walk or climb stairs, it could be a sign that they're in pain.
They may also have a hunched back, low tail, pinned back ears or widened eyes.
All of these suggest they're having a bad day, but could also be caused by arthritis, a torn muscle, soft tissue damage or an infected graze.
Facial expressions
If your dog licks their lips a lot when they aren't eating, or trembles when it's not cold, it could be a sign they're in pain.
Similarly, sudden panting when it's not hot indicates they feel stressed by a situation.
Turning their head away from you and not wanting to hold your gaze is also a warning flag that something isn't right.
Change in behaviour
Behaviours can change when your dog isn't feeling well. Perhaps they're being a bit snappy or want to retreat to their dog bed and be alone.
They might become picky with their food, less willing to engage with you or want to sleep more in the day. Or maybe they suddenly become more vocal and sensitive to environmental noises.
If you have any concerns about your pet being in pain, you should always check in with a local vet.
Anna added: "There are so many ways that we help our dogs lead a happier and more comfortable life day to day, such as supplements like Pawable Collar-Gen and Calming, which contain active ingredients to help keep your pet pain free, both physically and emotionally."
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