Lisa O
Pain is tough and upsetting for both pets and their owners. Spotting pain early is key to helping your pet feel better before things get worse. Since pets mostly show their feelings through body language, it’s important to watch them closely. Here are 15 quiet signs that your pet might be in pain.
Sudden Change in Appetite
A sudden shift in your pet’s eating habits can be a big red flag. If your furry friend is dodging food, it might be because chewing or swallowing is just too uncomfortable. For instance, dogs with dental issues often eat less because their mouths hurt. Cats might refuse food if they’ve got mouth ulcers or a sore throat.
Lack of Energy
Pets usually stick to a routine level of activity. If your dog, who used to run after balls with excitement, now spends all day lounging around, it could be more than just laziness. Feeling lethargic might be a sign of chronic pain, like arthritis, which makes moving less appealing. Research shows that chronic pain can make pets less active because they try to avoid the discomfort.
Changes in Grooming
Cats are famous for their grooming habits, but if they suddenly stop or start grooming like crazy, it could be a big sign of pain. For example, a kitten with arthritis might skip grooming its back legs because it’s too painful to reach. On the flip side, if they’re grooming one spot obsessively, it might mean there’s a soreness or irritation there.
Changes in Behavior
Pets who are usually cuddly might become grumpy or distant if they’re in pain. For example, if your normally loving dog starts growling when you get close, it could be a sign that something hurts. Changes in behavior often come before physical signs of pain and might mean your pet is struggling. These behavioral shifts are common when pets are uncomfortable or unwell.
Difficulty Moving
Struggling with movement can be a major clue that your pet is in pain. Pets with joint issues might have a hard time climbing stairs or jumping into the car. A dog with a sore back might find it tough to get up from a sitting position. Changes in how your pet moves are big signs of pain and can often point to problems like arthritis.
Excessive Vocalization
Pets might make more noise when they’re in pain. For example, a dog with an injury might whine or bark more than usual. This extra vocalizing is their way of letting you know something’s wrong. Changes in how your pet sounds are often signs of distress or pain, so it’s important to tune in to these signals early.
Changes in Sleeping Habits
Pain can mess with your pet’s sleep. If your pet is suddenly sleeping a lot more or less than usual, it could be because they’re uncomfortable. For instance, a cat with arthritis might snooze more to avoid moving around, while a pet with pain might have trouble sleeping well.
Restlessness
If your pet keeps changing positions or can’t seem to get comfy, it might be a sign they’re in pain. For example, a dog with a stomach ache might keep shifting around, struggling to find a spot that feels good. This kind of restlessness often goes hand in hand with pain and can be a big hint that something’s off.
Altered Breathing Patterns
Changes in your pet’s breathing can be another sign of pain. If you notice rapid, shallow breathing, they might be uncomfortable and trying to limit their movement. This can be especially noticeable when they’re not doing anything physical. Shifts in breathing patterns often mean your pet is dealing with pain or stress—so it’s something to watch closely.
Unusual Posture
Pain can make pets take on weird positions to feel better. For example—a dog with back pain might lie down with its legs stretched out behind it or avoid sitting altogether. These unusual postures can be big signs of pain and are often how pets try to find some relief.
Excessive Panting or Shivering
Panting or shivering, even when it’s not hot or cold, can be a big sign your pet is in pain or feeling anxious. For example, a dog with a stomach ache might pant heavily, while a cat with a fever might shiver. All these symptoms can signal discomfort and should be taken seriously—especially if there’s no clear reason for them.
Changes in Bathroom Habits
Pain can mess with your pet’s bathroom routines. If you notice they’re having trouble peeing or pooping, or if their bathroom trips seem off, it might mean they’re in pain. For instance, a pet with a urinary tract infection might struggle to pee, and a pet with digestive problems might have diarrhea or constipation.
Excessive Licking or Chewing
Pets might lick or chew at a specific spot if they’re hurting. For example—a dog with a sore paw might obsessively lick it, or a cat with an itch might groom a certain area too much. This behavior often means your pet is trying to comfort themselves, or there’s something seriously wrong in that spot.
Changes in Weight
Big changes in your pet’s weight, whether they’re packing on pounds or losing them, can be a red flag for underlying issues. Pain might make it hard for them to exercise, leading to weight gain, or it could kill their appetite, causing weight loss. For example, a pet with severe arthritis might become less active and gain weight, while a pet in chronic pain might drop pounds because they’re not eating as much.
Avoidance of Touch
If your pet pulls away or flinches when you touch a certain spot—it could mean they’re in pain. For instance, a cat with a sore spot might react badly if you feel it. This kind of avoidance is their way of shielding themselves from more pain. The Journal of Veterinary Behavior says these reactions are often connected to pain or sensitivity.