Signs of Pain in Pets

Even if your pet can’t speak to you to let you know how they feel, some signs can indicate that your pet may be feeling discomfort or pain. There can be many causes of pain in pets, so if you notice one or more of the following signs, it is important to visit your local veterinarian for further investigation.

Personality

You know your pet’s personality best, so it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that their behavior might be different from normal. You may notice that your usually friendly pet is less interested in interacting with people or other animals or no longer enjoys being touched or petted. This can be a sign that they are not feeling their best. Other behavioral changes caused by pain include irritability or aggression, loss of curiosity, or hiding.

Appearance

Physical changes in pets can be subtle but important when investigating whether they feel pain or discomfort. If your pet has an underlying issue, you may see unexpected weight loss or gain. Signs like matted fur can indicate they are not feeling well enough to groom themselves properly.

Depending on the specific health issue, you may also notice swelling, squinting, blinking, or changes in pupil size. Repetitive licking or chewing of any part of the body can also be a sign that your pet may be feeling irritation or pain in that area.

Eating and Drinking

Depending on your pet’s normal appetite, changes in eating or drinking can range from very subtle to very noticeable. If your pet is usually an enthusiastic eater, you may quickly notice if they have a loss of appetite, while this may be harder to appreciate if your pet is more selective.

This is just one example of how important your knowledge of your pet can be in spotting pain. If your pet is feeling discomfort, you may also notice other signs, like bad breath or pawing/rubbing at the face and mouth, especially if the issue is related to the mouth or head. Even if your pet’s appetite appears normal, eating more slowly or with more difficulty can also be cause for concern.

Vocalization

Sometimes, pets really do try to speak to their owners when they aren’t feeling well. If your pet is vocalizing more than normal or more persistently, or if they are whimpering or whining, it can be a major sign that they are feeling some amount of pain or stress. Your normally friendly pet may also growl, howl, hiss, or spit at you or other animals to show their discomfort. Major behavior changes like these are an important indicator that your pet isn’t feeling well, and they are trying to communicate this in their own way.

Movement and Activity

Reluctance to participate in normal activities like standing up from lying down, jumping, climbing, walking, or running can be an indicator of pain. Note whether your pet has more difficulty performing their favorite activities, like panting more on walks, limping, or moving with a hunched or stiff posture. Even when resting, their habits may change when in pain. If you notice that your pet is sleeping in an awkward position, sleeping more, or is restless while sleeping, it is important to discuss these signs with your veterinarian.

Bathroom Habits

Changes in bathroom habits are often a sign of an underlying issue. You may notice that your cat avoids using the litterbox or that your dog is having more accidents around the house. Any increase or decrease in the frequency or amount of urination or defecation can also be a sign of a larger problem. Crying or vocalizing while eliminating are signs that are also frequently caused by pain or discomfort and can be another way that your pet is showing you that they aren’t feeling well.

While these signs are considered abnormal in any pet, keep in mind that cats tend to hide their pain better than dogs and other animals. Changes seen more frequently in cats are alterations to bathroom habits, vocalization, abnormal grooming, and changes in their interactions with humans and other pets. Because cats are more likely to hide their pain from their owners, it is important to pay attention to even minor changes and discuss them with your veterinarian.

Many people think their geriatric pets (especially) are "just slowing down" or showing their age, when in fact they have untreated chronic pain, and your veterinarian has multiple tools that can help them be comfortable in their senior years.

Knowing your pet and paying attention to changes in their habits can help you quickly identify signs of pain. You can also be your pet’s biggest advocate for getting the treatment they need.

Usage Note

This is for reference and paraphrasing. Do not republish source text verbatim.