How to Recognise Hidden Signs of Discomfort

To fully understand a dog’s needs, it is necessary to move beyond a simplistic view and adopt a broader, science‑based framework. A dog’s well‑being is not a static state, but a dynamic, interconnected system that demands constant attention to each of its components.

Holistic framework of needs

A useful way to frame canine welfare is through a “Pyramid of Needs”, inspired by Maslow’s famous hierarchy. At the base are biological and physiological needs, including access to food and fresh water, but also the crucial importance of sleep and rest, with an adult dog needing around 17–19 hours of sleep per day to properly recover energy. Moving up, there are safety needs, meaning a protected environment free from threats. Above that come belonging needs, which reflect the dog’s inherently social nature: being part of a group, not feeling isolated for long periods, and sharing activities, play and care with the human “pack”. At the top of the pyramid are esteem and cognitive/variety needs, linked to recognition, mental stimulation and opportunities to use abilities and explore.

In parallel, animal welfare is internationally defined by the “Five Freedoms”, a widely recognised ethical and practical reference. These include freedom from hunger and thirst, from discomfort, from pain, injury and disease, from fear and distress, as well as the freedom to express normal behaviours in an appropriate environment. These principles are so central that even bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority have developed standardised methods to assess welfare‑related risks, confirming how these concepts are fundamental well beyond the domestic setting.

Interconnected needs and behaviour

Meeting these needs does not happen in isolation; instead, they form a complex web of mutual influences. A lack of belonging, for example, can generate insecurity and anxiety, which may manifest as excessive barking or destructive behaviour. These behaviours are not the real problem, but the visible surface of a deeper imbalance. The solution, therefore, is rarely “more exercise” alone, but a holistic approach that strengthens the dog’s sense of security and belonging through consistent routines, quality time together and adequate mental enrichment.

Silent pain and observation

An often overlooked aspect of canine welfare is pain management. Animals instinctively tend to hide physical pain, a strategy that in nature reduces the risk of appearing vulnerable to predators or rivals. This “silent pain” can easily go unnoticed by less observant owners, even though experts now agree that dogs perceive pain consciously, just as humans do.

Learning to read subtle signals of discomfort is therefore essential. Small changes such as reduced appetite, less interest in play, reluctance or difficulty going up stairs, jumping or lying down, or unusual irritability can all point to underlying physical or psychological problems. Observing the dog proactively becomes an act of prevention: it allows early intervention, reduces suffering, and helps ensure a life that is as serene and pain‑free as possible.