Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain — and What to Do Next
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Why Pets Hide Pain
Instinct drives many animals — especially cats and dogs — to conceal signs of vulnerability. In the wild, showing weakness can attract predators or trigger social challenges. That same hardwired behavior persists in your household pet, meaning discomfort that feels obvious to a veterinarian can be nearly invisible to even the most attentive owner.
This masking tendency is one reason pain often goes unrecognized until it becomes severe. Understanding what to watch for — rather than waiting for dramatic signals — is the single most powerful thing you can do for your pet's wellbeing. See our guide to subtle signs your pet may be in pain for a deeper look at how animals conceal discomfort.
| Species most likely to hide pain | Cats, rabbits, and prey animals; dogs vary by individual |
| Pain assessment tool used by vets | Grimace scales and pain scoring systems (e.g., Glasgow Composite Pain Scale) (Veterinary clinical guidelines) |
| Common causes of acute pain in pets | Injury, dental disease, urinary obstruction, internal illness |
| Dangerous human medications for pets | Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen — all toxic to dogs and/or cats (ASPCA Animal Poison Control) |
| When to seek emergency care | Collapse, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, labored breathing |
Behavioral Cues That Suggest Pain
Changes in behavior are often the earliest — and most telling — indicators that something is wrong. Watch for these shifts:
- Withdrawal or hiding: A normally social pet that suddenly retreats, avoids contact, or seeks isolated spaces may be coping with pain.
- Reduced activity or reluctance to move: Hesitating before jumping, limping, or moving more slowly than usual are common signs, especially in musculoskeletal conditions.
- Altered grooming habits: Cats in pain may stop grooming entirely, or obsessively lick a specific body part. Dogs may repeatedly lick or chew an area that hurts.
- Changes in appetite or thirst: Pain frequently suppresses appetite. Significant changes in food or water intake deserve attention — for more context, see signs your pet may be drinking too much or too little water.
- Increased irritability or aggression: A pet that snaps or growls when touched in a specific area, or reacts out of character to routine interactions, may be protecting a painful spot.
- Vocalization: Whimpering, whining, howling, or unusual vocalizations — particularly during movement or when touched — can signal acute pain.
Behavioral changes can signal underlying illness beyond pain alone, so it is always worth noting when a shift began and whether it is getting worse.
Acute pain
Pain that comes on suddenly and is typically linked to a specific injury or illness. It usually resolves when the underlying cause is treated.
Chronic pain
Long-lasting or recurring discomfort, often associated with conditions such as arthritis, dental disease, or cancer. It may be harder to detect because pets adapt gradually.
Grimace scale
A veterinary pain assessment tool that evaluates facial muscle tension, ear position, and eye squinting to estimate an animal's pain level without verbal communication.
Guarding behavior
When a pet protects a painful area by tensing, flinching, or reacting defensively when that region is approached or touched.
Physical Signs to Observe
Alongside behavioral cues, certain physical changes can point to pain or underlying illness:
- Posture changes: A hunched or tucked stance, reluctance to bear weight on a limb, or an arched back are common indicators.
- Facial expressions: Squinting, partially closed eyes, flattened ears, or a tense jaw can reflect discomfort — particularly in cats and dogs.
- Rapid or shallow breathing: Pain, especially abdominal pain, can alter a pet's respiratory pattern even at rest.
- Swelling, heat, or visible wounds: Any area that appears swollen, feels warm to the touch, or shows a visible wound or discharge warrants prompt evaluation.
- Changes in elimination: Straining to urinate or defecate, accidents in trained pets, or changes in stool consistency can indicate painful conditions.
Some symptoms should never be waited out. If your pet is experiencing labored breathing, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, or seizures, contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately. For a full reference, see symptoms you should never wait out.
1 in 5
Dogs affected by arthritis (chronic pain)
According to the Arthritis Foundation, an estimated 20% of adult dogs have some form of osteoarthritis, often going undetected for long periods.
~90%
Cats over 12 with arthritic changes on X-ray
Veterinary studies have found that the majority of senior cats show radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease, though behavioral signs are frequently subtle.
What to Do If You Suspect Pain
If you notice one or more of these signs, the clearest next step is a call to your veterinarian — even if you are not certain something is wrong. Describe what you have observed, when it started, and whether it is worsening. Your vet can help you determine whether an urgent visit is needed or how to monitor the situation safely.
Do not administer human pain medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin to pets without veterinary guidance. Many over-the-counter pain relievers that are safe for humans are toxic to dogs and cats.
While waiting for your appointment, keep your pet calm and restrict activity. Avoid pressing on or manipulating any area that seems sensitive, as this can increase distress and may cause a normally gentle pet to bite or scratch defensively.
It is also worth reflecting on common assumptions that lead owners to delay care — things like attributing pain signs to aging or expecting pets to simply bounce back. Learn about the assumptions that can delay veterinary care before they become costly mistakes.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. If you are concerned about your pet's health, please consult a licensed veterinarian.
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.