10 Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain and How to Spot Them

As pet owners, we often wish our furry friends could simply tell us when something is wrong. While they can’t use words, pets communicate their discomfort in subtle ways. Recognizing these signs early can make all the difference in improving your pet’s quality of life. Pain, if left untreated, can lead to further health complications. Below are ten key signs that your pet may be in pain and how to spot them.

1. Changes in Mobility

One of the most common signs that a pet may be in pain is a change in their ability to move. Limping, stiffness, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs are strong indicators of joint or muscle discomfort. Dogs, especially older ones, may begin to show signs of arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues. In fact, studies show that arthritis affects around 20% of dogs over one year old (Canine Arthritis Management, 2021). Cats, too, are susceptible to arthritis, and while they may not exhibit the same overt signs, they may become more sedentary and avoid jumping or climbing.

What to look for: Notice if your pet is slower to get up, struggles to walk, or seems hesitant to engage in physical activity they once enjoyed.

2. Decreased Activity Levels

Pain can cause your pet to withdraw from normal activities. Pets in pain might avoid playtime or long walks because movement exacerbates their discomfort. A sudden decrease in activity may not always be due to aging or laziness but could be a sign that something is wrong. Pets, especially dogs, thrive on regular exercise, so a sudden reluctance to participate in usual activities should raise a red flag.

What to look for: If your pet is normally active and suddenly becomes lethargic, avoid physical exertion, or refuses to go for walks, it's time to pay attention.

3. Changes in Appetite

Pain often causes stress, and stress can lead to changes in your pet's appetite. For example, dental pain or mouth injuries can make it difficult for pets to eat, especially harder foods or dry kibble. Additionally, pets suffering from gastrointestinal or abdominal pain may show a decreased appetite. If your pet refuses their food or starts avoiding certain types of food, they may be trying to avoid painful chewing or swallowing.

What to look for: A noticeable decrease in eating, especially if they seem disinterested in their favorite treats, could be a sign of discomfort.

4. Behavioral Changes

Pets are often good at masking pain, but they can show subtle behavioral changes when they are hurting. Some pets may become more aggressive, while others may retreat and hide in an attempt to avoid attention. Cats, in particular, are known for hiding their pain, so changes in their behavior can be quite telling. They may become more irritable, vocal, or clingy.

What to look for: If your pet becomes more withdrawn, irritable, or shows signs of aggression when touched, this could indicate that they’re in pain.

5. Whining, Growling, or Purring

Vocalizations like whining, growling, or even purring can indicate pain in pets. Dogs may whine or growl when they’re in discomfort, especially if they are touched in a painful area. Interestingly, cats may purr when they are in pain as a self-soothing mechanism. While purring is often associated with contentment, it can also be a way for cats to comfort themselves when they're unwell or in pain.

What to look for: Listen for unusual vocalizations such as growling, whining, or purring that seem out of the ordinary, especially if they coincide with touch or movement.

6. Panting or Increased Breathing Rate

Panting is common after physical exertion, but if your dog is panting excessively or breathing rapidly when not engaged in activity, it could indicate pain or distress. Pain can lead to increased heart rate and shallow breathing. Dogs in pain may also experience anxiety, which can further elevate their breathing rate.

What to look for: Excessive panting or shallowing, rapid breathing without exertion should be monitored. If it’s persistent, it may require professional attention.

7. Licking or Chewing Specific Areas

When pets experience localized pain, they may try to alleviate it by licking or chewing on the affected area. Persistent licking or chewing at a particular body part, such as a leg, paw, or tail, can indicate discomfort or injury. This behavior can become compulsive if the pain isn’t addressed. In some cases, pets may even cause self-inflicted injury due to continuous licking.

What to look for: If you notice your pet fixating on licking or chewing specific areas, especially when no other clear cause for the behavior is present, it may be a sign of pain.

8. Difficulty Sitting or Lying Down

Pets in pain often struggle to find a comfortable position. They may sit or lie down but then shift frequently, unable to settle. This can be especially true for pets experiencing joint pain or abdominal discomfort. A pet who is in pain might struggle to lie down comfortably and could seem restless or uncomfortable when trying to sleep.

What to look for: Frequent changes in position or an inability to relax and rest could be a sign of discomfort.

9. Changes in Posture

Pain can lead to changes in your pet’s posture. A hunched back, a lowered head, or an altered gait (such as limping or dragging a limb) can all point to physical discomfort. Abnormal posture, especially in cats, may be an indication that something is wrong with their spine, abdomen, or joints. In some cases, pets may avoid certain movements altogether to avoid pain.

What to look for: Notice if your pet’s posture changes or if they appear to move differently than usual, such as limping, walking stiffly, or avoiding certain movements.

10. Reduced Grooming

Cats are meticulous groomers, so if they suddenly stop grooming or their fur becomes matted, it could indicate pain. Difficulty reaching certain areas due to joint or muscle pain can make grooming painful or even impossible. Similarly, a dog may become less interested in grooming itself if it is feeling unwell or in pain.

What to look for: If your cat or dog starts to look unkempt or stops grooming itself, it could be a sign that they are unable to do so because of discomfort.

Conclusion

If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it’s important to consult your vet or a physiotherapist as soon as possible. Early intervention can help to determine the cause of the pain and create a treatment plan to improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life. Whether it’s through medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes, addressing your pet’s pain can prevent further complications and ensure they stay happy, healthy, and pain-free.

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The Benefits of Physiotherapy for Aging Pets