8 Reasons Your Dog Can't Get Comfortable - According to a Vet

Let’s face it, no pet owner wants to see their beloved, four-legged companion in pain or discomfort.

However, the reality is that at some point, your dog will most likely experience pain, discomfort, or both. Whether that’s due to an accidental injury or a chronic medical condition, it’s important for you as the pet owner to be able to quickly identify signs that indicate your dog is uncomfortable and then determine if those signs warrant an immediate visit to your veterinarian.

Signs a Dog is Uncomfortable

Discomfort in dogs can be defined as the sensation of slight or mild pain, or to make someone or something feel anxious or uneasy. This feeling of mild pain in animals is typically associated with a negative sensory and/or emotional experience that may or may not result in actual damage to the pet’s tissues.
Signs that a dog can’t get comfortable may manifest as either physical symptoms or behavioral changes.

Physical symptoms of discomfort in your dog include:

Sudden lack of appetite
Abnormal body posture (arched or “hunched” back)
Panting
Shaking or trembling
Limping
Reluctance to go up or down stairs
Difficulties lying down or getting up
Excessive licking/grooming of the affected area

Behavioral changes that can indicate your dog is uncomfortable include:

Sudden aggression, especially when attempting to touch your pet
Changes in daily activities or sleeping habits
Becoming suddenly withdrawn
Increased vocalization (whining, crying, howling, or growling)
Restlessness or anxiousness

Dogs can also experience increased emotional discomfort, or “stress/anxiety,” that manifests as changes in typical behavior, such as the following:

Pacing
Shaking
Whining or barking
Drooling or excessive licking
More frequent and prolonged yawning
Dilated pupils and pinned-back ears
Cowering or tucking the tail
Sudden increase in shedding (aka “blowing their coat”)
Panting
Hiding or attempting to escape repeatedly
Refusal of food or treats
Sudden bladder or bowel incontinence

Regardless, it is of the utmost importance that pet owners recognize signs that their dog is uncomfortable because many of these signs can be indicators of an underlying medical condition. The sooner the underlying cause of the discomfort is identified and appropriately treated or managed by your veterinarian, the better your pet’s quality of life will be maintained.

8 Common Reasons Your Dog Can’t Get Comfortable

1. Arthritis and Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) is extremely common in senior dogs. It is characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the bone within one or more joints, resulting in progressive pain, swelling, or lameness of the affected joint(s). Arthritis in dogs has many causes, including genetic predisposition, obesity, improper nutrition, overuse, and infection.

This condition can leave your dog feeling both uncomfortable and restless. The ongoing inflammation within the affected bony joints can make it difficult for your beloved companion to do normal, daily activities, such as going for walks or navigating the stairs.

Unfortunately, arthritis in dogs can also result in increased anxiety and restlessness. Not only because they are unable to find a comfortable position to rest in but because they are sometimes unable to stand, walk, urinate, or defecate without assistance from you.

Signs of arthritis in dogs can vary, but the following are some of the most common:

Lameness
Difficulty getting up and down
Walking with a stiff gait
Reluctance to go up or down stairs
Reluctance to jump on/off things or in/out of vehicles
Increased sensitivity or uncharacteristic aggression when touched in certain areas of the body
Decreased endurance on walks, etc.

If any of these signs are observed in your dog or they seem to be worsening, please schedule an exam with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

A happy dog with white and tan fur lying on the grass, smiling with its mouth open, in a bright outdoor setting with soft-focus greenery in the background.

2. Digestive Issues

If you are a dog parent, it is almost guaranteed that your furry friend will experience digestive issues at some point in their life.

Some of the more common causes of digestive upset that can cause your dog to be uncomfortable include:

Accidental ingestion (we all know how dogs love to “snarf” up things they shouldn’t)
Dental disease
Food allergies to certain ingredients in their food (usually a protein)
Abrupt dietary changes (instead of transitioning to new food over 1-2 weeks), Diseases such as diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas that aids in the digestion of the food your dog eats)
Intestinal blockages (from eating a foreign object that is too large to pass through the intestines)
Stress colitis (inflammation of the large intestine due to stress that usually results in diarrhea)
Life-threatening bloat or GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus: when the stomach twists on itself and cuts off normal blood flow to multiple organs).

Although there are many different causes of digestive upset in dogs, the clinical signs can be very similar and may include:

Loss of appetite
Excessive drooling secondary to nausea
Frequent vomiting
Diarrhea that may or may not contain blood
Abdominal pain accompanied by whining, panting, hiding, shaking, stretching
Excessive release of gas (i.e. flatulence)
Constipation

If one or more of the above signs are observed, or your pet seems increasingly restless and cannot get comfortable, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

3. Skin Conditions

Allergies (or atopy), skin infections (pyoderma), and very dry skin are common causes of discomfort in dogs since they often result in itching (pruritus).

Allergies are the result of an overreactive immune system to a particular allergen.

Note: Allergens are generally considered to be proteins that originate from plants, other animals, insects, or food.

Repeat exposure to the allergen over several months or even years sensitizes the immune system. As a result, the next time that your dog is exposed to that particular allergen, a heightened (“allergic”) reaction occurs.

Inflammatory cells known as mast cells, are found throughout the body and are responsible for releasing a substance called histamine during such an allergic event. The resulting histamine leads to redness, swelling, and itching that is often seen during an allergic reaction. The itching can either be localized (affecting only one area) or generalized (affecting much larger or multiple areas over the entire body).

Regardless of the underlying cause of itching, you can bet that your beloved companion is going to be more restless and unable to get comfortable, especially at night, when you are trying to sleep.

4. Anxiety and Stress

Dogs can be stressed and anxious for many reasons, but some of the most common causes are separation anxiety, sudden changes in their routine, and environmental stressors.

For example, leaving your dog home alone for extended periods when they are used to having constant company can result in mild to severe separation anxiety in dogs. Some dogs become so anxious when their pet parents are gone that they become destructive and can even cause trauma to themselves.

Abrupt changes to your pet’s routine may also cause significant anxiety and stress, as dogs truly are ‘creatures of habit.’ Changes can include moving to a new home, adoption of a new pet, or even the birth of a new baby in your family. Regardless, it will take some time for your dog to adjust to the change in routine, so be patient. Environmental stressors such as loud noises like fireworks, large groups of people, or large or strange objects can cause your dog to become restless and uncomfortable.

Finally, normal aging changes that result in memory loss and increased confusion (i.e. cognitive dysfunction syndrome) may cause your beloved companion to feel more stressed and anxious.

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

As a pet parent, you should be aware of signs that indicate your dog is experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety:

Excessive panting, yawning, drooling, or licking
Persistent shaking, pacing, or restlessness
Urinating and/or defecating in the house despite being housebroken
Destructive behavior
Constant whining or barking
Increased shedding
Cowering/crouching or tucking their tail
Attempting to hide or escape frequently
Dilated pupils and ears pinned back to the head
Sudden, unexplained aggression

If any of the above signs are observed, it is best to first remove your dog from the stressful situation until they have calmed down. Providing them with a safe, quiet place to retreat from stressors is also helpful. However, suppose your dog does not seem to respond to these stress-reducing techniques. In that case, it is best to seek advice from your veterinarian as behavioral training and prescription anti-anxiety medications may be needed.

A dog with light brown fur curled up and sleeping peacefully on a dirt path during sunset, with warm, golden light illuminating the scene.

5. Inadequate Bedding

Proper bedding becomes increasingly important for your furry friends as they age. The majority of senior dogs will have some degree of arthritis affecting one or more joints by the time they reach their “golden years.” Bedding that is neither too soft nor too firm (i.e. orthopedic beds) is recommended to provide adequate support for sore joints in arthritic dogs that otherwise seem unable to get comfortable, especially at night.

These beds will not only provide support for safely getting into and out of their bed but will offer your senior pet a sense of security and comfort that will ensure that they, and you, get a good night’s sleep.

6. Temperature Sensitivity

Extreme temperatures can significantly impact your dog’s ability to get comfortable. The increased stress placed on your pet’s body during these times may make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperatures, making them more likely to develop hyperthermia (abnormally high body temperature), heatstroke (elevated body temperature over 104 degrees F with concurrent systemic signs), dehydration, hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature), and frostbite.

While some breeds of dogs may be more susceptible to extremely hot or cold temperatures, most dogs take anywhere from 3-8 weeks to acclimate to significant temperature changes.

For example, arctic or long-haired breeds like the Alaskan Malamute tend to be less tolerant of warmer temperatures than short-coated breeds like Boxers. Brachycephalic (i.e. “smush-faced”) breeds such as Pugs and Boston Terriers are at an increased risk for hyperthermia, or heatstroke, because they have much greater difficulty breathing in extreme heat due to the anatomy of their airways.

Dogs with arthritis, on the other hand, may exhibit more severe clinical signs during cold weather. Finally, dogs with underlying medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease and very young or very old dogs can also be more prone to developing complications due to temperature extremes.

Common signs that indicate that your dog is uncomfortable due to extreme temperatures may include the following:

Signs of hyperthermia and/or heatstroke in dogs:

Restlessness
Excessive panting
Excessive drooling
Collapse
Spontaneous bleeding from any orifice
Seizures
Extreme lethargy

Signs of hypothermia and/or frostbite in dogs:

Lethargy
Shivering
Muscle stiffness
Shallow breathing
Low blood pressure
Fixed, dilated pupils

Questions regarding the appropriate temperature ranges for your pet should be directed to your veterinarian. Regardless, all dogs should have access to adequate water, food, and shelter at all times.

7. Injuries

Anything that causes damage to cells or tissues and results in inflammation can cause your dog significant pain and discomfort. They may be unable to get comfortable and may even whine or cry out in pain frequently. Their appetite and activity levels may also decrease initially if the pain is more severe.

While recent soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains may only require that your pet rest and avoid certain activities for some time, more serious wounds should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent secondary or resistant infections that will make your dog feel even more uncomfortable.

Nevertheless, if you notice that your dog appears to be uncomfortable or is exhibiting signs like panting, shaking, or sudden, uncharacteristic aggression, these recommendations should be followed:

Make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough physical exam and possible diagnostics such as bloodwork and x-rays.
Avoid activities that appear to exacerbate your dog’s discomfort.
Monitor and document your pet’s clinical signs. Videos of when they are exhibiting discomfort or pain can be extremely helpful if their clinical signs are more intermittent.
Discuss all of the available treatment options with your veterinarian. Ask questions to ensure that you understand the underlying cause of your dog’s discomfort and whether or not long-term management will be required.

8. Neurological Issues

Your dog’s nervous system is responsible for controlling important processes in the body. From breathing to controlling their body temperature to giving them their unique personality. As a result, conditions affecting their nervous system can result in discomfort that is either physical or mental.

Although there are many causes of neurological disorders in dogs, we will focus on four more common disorders. These include intervertebral disc disease, seizures, vestibular disease secondary to ear infections, and canine dementia (cognitive dysfunction syndrome).

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

IVDD is when the cushioning material between the vertebrae in a dog’s spine suddenly starts to bulge or may even rupture. This occurs most commonly in smaller breed dogs with long backs, like Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, and French Bulldogs.

Affected dogs appear to be suddenly in pain and may vocalize when picked up or touched. They may also avoid jumping on and off furniture or refuse to use the stairs. More severely affected dogs will exhibit one or more neurologic abnormalities such as difficulty using their rear limbs, walking on the tops of their paws, losing all ability to walk and use their rear limbs, and the inability to urinate or defecate on their own. Medical management and strict exercise restrictions may resolve milder cases, while surgical decompression of the spinal cord may be required in more severe cases.

Seizures or Epilepsy

During a seizure episode, your pet will be unaware of their surroundings and often urinate or defecate. Pet parents should be aware of this, as dog bites are extremely common when trying to calm and comfort their pets. Several factors may cause seizures, including but not limited to toxins, trauma, underlying organ disease (i.e. liver or kidney), brain tumor, or genetics.

Often, the exact underlying cause of the seizure episodes is unable to be identified, and the pet is diagnosed as having idiopathic epilepsy. Treatment involves long-term anti-seizure medication(s) that usually require regular bloodwork to evaluate internal organ function and response to the medication. Keeping a journal of the length and frequency of the seizure episodes is recommended. It should also be noted that any dog that is experiencing cluster seizures (more than three in 24 hours) or has a single seizure episode that lasts longer than 5 minutes, should be seen by a veterinarian immediately as they are at a significant risk for brain damage.

Vestibular Disease

Vestibular disease in dogs can occur secondary to a middle or inner ear infection, but more often than not, the underlying cause cannot be identified. Although this condition tends to occur more commonly as idiopathic vestibular disease in senior dogs, it can occur in any age or breed of dog. Dogs with vestibular disease are described as “walking like a drunken sailor” (ataxia).

Additional clinical signs that affected dogs may exhibit include walking in circles in one direction, a head tilt, or abnormal, rapid horizontal eye movements. The majority of dogs refuse to eat due to the nausea and even vomiting caused by the constant feeling of spinning that has been likened to vertigo in humans. The good news is that the majority of vestibular cases resolve on their own after a few weeks. Medications to control nausea are generally used, and more intensive supportive care may be required to assist your pet with eating, drinking, urination, and defecation.

Canine Dementia (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome)

This is an age-related change that occurs in the brain of some senior dogs and is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Affected dogs often seem disoriented in their own home, especially at night. They may even get stuck in corners of a room or vocalize frequently while pacing back and forth. Unfortunately, this condition is not curable; instead, it is managed using a multimodal approach of medication, certain supplements, and specific diets. Continuing a normal daily routine, including short walks and utilizing brain-stimulating devices like treat toys, can help to slow the progression of dementia in your beloved companion.

Any dog exhibiting neurologic abnormalities should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Other Causes of Discomfort in Dogs

Additional causes of discomfort in dogs that were not discussed in this article include conditions causing respiratory distress. Including congestive heart failure or pneumothorax (air trapped within the chest that prevents lung expansion and therefore breathing) secondary to chest trauma. Medical conditions involving the bladder, like bladder infections or bladder cancer, can also cause your dog to be significantly uncomfortable, and veterinary care should be obtained immediately if clinical signs are observed.

A playful dog with a tricolour coat lying on its back in the grass, with its tongue playfully sticking out and ears perked up in a cheerful outdoor environment.

Tips for Ensuring Your Dog’s Comfort

Obviously, anytime your dog is increasingly restless or just can’t seem to get comfortable, it is recommended that you have them examined by your veterinarian immediately to determine the underlying cause and appropriate course of treatment.

However, if your dog seems to be otherwise acting normally, there are many things that you can do at home to decrease their level of discomfort and improve their overall quality of life, including:

Comfortable Bedding

Ensure your dog has a soft and supportive place to rest. For example, orthopedic dog beds should be used for dogs with arthritis to provide increased support for sore joints.

Regular Exercise

Maintain a moderate exercise routine to keep joints flexible without overexerting your dog. Short leash walks for approximately 30 minutes per day are ideal.

Proper Diet

Ensure a balanced diet that supports overall well-being and avoids foods that can cause digestive discomfort. Maintaining your dog’s ideal body condition is also important for reducing stress on arthritic joints. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before significantly altering your dog’s feeding regimen.

Managing Stress

Create a calm environment and establish a consistent routine to reduce anxiety and stress. Regular exercise is a good place to start if your pet regularly exhibits increased anxiety or restlessness. Your veterinarian can also make recommendations for behavioral modification via an experienced trainer. If your pet’s anxiety is severe and non-responsive to other calming methods, your veterinarian may utilize prescription anti-anxiety medication(s).

Hydration

Keep your dog well-hydrated to support their overall health and comfort. This is especially important during very cold and very warm weather. Maintaining hydration becomes even more important as your dog ages to support adequate kidney function.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your dog’s health and address any issues promptly. Early diagnosis of underlying medical conditions is extremely important for the appropriate treatment. Routine diagnostics such as bloodwork, urinalysis, and X-rays may be recommended to monitor the response to medications or the progression of a disease process.

Miscellaneous Recommendations

Elevating your pet’s food and water bowls, utilizing ramps to avoid jumping or stairs, and placing non-skid surfaces strategically throughout your home are all things that you can easily employ to make your pet more comfortable.

Final Thoughts on Why Your Dog Can’t Get Comfortable

As we have discussed, there are numerous reasons your dog may be unable to get comfortable. These include physical and emotional discomfort that generally manifests as physical or behavioral changes in your pet. Signs of discomfort are usually a result of an underlying cause or medical condition. Therefore, regardless of the clinical signs that you are observing, it is extremely important that you have your dog examined by a veterinarian as soon as they are noted. Your veterinarian will be able to pinpoint the cause of the discomfort and recommend the appropriate course of treatment. By working together, you and your veterinarian can ensure that your beloved companion remains comfortable and happy well into their golden years.