While a limp or a cry may be an obvious sign of pain, most dogs communicate their discomfort in much subtler, quiet ways.  Observing how your dog sits, stands and how they hold their body can help identify hidden discomfort.  Dogs hide pain by compensating — subtly shifting their body to protect a sore area - by hard wired instinct.  Over time, compensation can cause muscle tension in other areas of the body and can result in poor posture, which is often a sign of an underlying problem.   Common Postural Signs of Discomfort   Here are some common signs of hidden pain: The Hunched/Rounded Back: Instead of a flat, relaxed topline, you might notice a distinct curve or hunch. This is often an attempt to guard a sore abdomen and/or relieve pressure on the spine.   Weight Shifting: A dog that consistently leans to one side or favors one leg when standing may be trying to offload pressure from a painful joint or muscle group/limb. Low Head Carriage: A dog carrying its head lower than its shoulders may be experiencing neck or shoulder pain.   Tucked Tail: While it can mean fear, a consistently held low or "tucked" tail can also be a sign of pain in the lower back or hips. Lazy/Puppy Sit: A dog that always rolls out onto one hip when sitting, rather than sitting squarely, may be avoiding stiffness in its hips or knees. Other Abnormal Stances: Standing with the hind legs tucked too far under the body can indicate hip or back issues while a wide-legged stance can be an attempt to create a more stable base if they feel unsteady. How We Can Help   We perform a detailed analysis of your dog's movement, daily activities, and posture to create a comprehensive, evidence-based report for your veterinarian. This provides them additional details to help them diagnose and treat the root cause of the discomfort.