Our Pets can’t tell us when something hurts. Instead, they communicate through changes in their behavior, routines, movement, and even the way they interact with us.
Some signs of pain are easy to recognize. A Pet who suddenly starts limping, cries out when touched, or has an obvious injury is telling us something is wrong. But pain, especially chronic pain, isn’t always that obvious.
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, an annual campaign dedicated to helping Pet Parents recognize and understand pain in animals. The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management emphasizes that animals experience pain in many of the same ways people do, but they can’t tell us where or how much it hurts.
Understanding the subtle signs of pain can help you recognize when something has changed and when it may be time to check in with your veterinary Team.
Pain Doesn’t Always Look Like Pain
When we picture a Pet in pain, we might imagine whining, limping, or refusing to move. While those can certainly be signs, discomfort can show up in much quieter ways.
Sometimes, the biggest clue is simply that your Pet isn’t acting like themselves.
The American Animal Hospital Association notes that changes in behavior, appetite, mobility, posture, grooming, and everyday routines can all be potential signs of pain.
You might notice your dog taking longer to get up in the morning, hesitating before jumping into the car, or suddenly avoiding the stairs. A cat who normally sleeps on the back of the couch might start choosing a lower spot that’s easier to reach.
These changes can be easy to overlook, especially when they happen gradually.
1. Changes in Behavior
You know your Pet’s personality and normal routine better than anyone. When something changes, it may be worth paying attention.
A normally social Pet who suddenly starts hiding or spending more time alone may be uncomfortable. Other Pets may become unusually clingy, restless, or irritable.
Keep an eye out for:
- Increased irritability or aggression
- Hiding or avoiding interaction
- Restlessness or difficulty getting comfortable
- Less interest in playing
- Reacting differently to being touched or picked up
- Excessive licking or grooming of one area
- Whining, whimpering, growling, or other changes in vocalization
According to AAHA, behavioral changes can be an important indicator of pain. A Pet who suddenly seems withdrawn, restless, aggressive, or less interested in normal activities may be experiencing discomfort.
Of course, a behavioral change doesn’t automatically mean your Pet is in pain. But when your Pet starts acting noticeably different from their usual self, it’s worth discussing with your veterinary Team.
2. Changes in Movement
One of the more recognizable signs of pain is a change in how your Pet moves, but it isn’t always as obvious as limping.
You may notice stiffness after resting, walking more slowly, difficulty standing up, reluctance to use stairs, or hesitation before jumping onto furniture.
Cats can be particularly subtle. Instead of limping, your cat may stop jumping onto a favorite windowsill, choose lower surfaces, or hesitate before making a jump they once made easily.
The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management encourages Pet parents to pay attention to changes in mobility and activity because changes in normal movement can be an important clue that an animal is experiencing pain.
Small changes in everyday movement can tell us a lot.
3. Changes in Everyday Habits
Pain can also affect routines that don’t immediately seem connected to discomfort.
Your Pet may:
- Eat or drink less
- Sleep more than usual
- Have difficulty settling down or sleeping
- Lose interest in walks or playtime
- Have accidents in the house
- Stop grooming themselves normally
- Change where or how they sleep
- Avoid being picked up or handled
AAHA includes changes in eating, drinking, sleeping, grooming, bathroom habits, and social interaction among the signs Pet parents may notice when an animal is experiencing pain.
The important thing is knowing what’s normal for your Pet. A small change may not seem significant on its own, but several changes together or a behavior that persists may be worth a closer look.
4. Changes in Posture or Appearance
Sometimes you can see discomfort in the way a Pet carries their body.
A Pet experiencing pain may stand or sit differently, keep their head lowered, arch their back, shift their weight away from a particular leg, or repeatedly reposition themselves because they can’t get comfortable.
You might also notice changes in facial expression.
The American Animal Hospital Association identifies unusual posture and facial expressions among the potential physical signs of pain in Pets.
These signs can be subtle, which is another reason knowing your Pet’s normal behavior and appearance is so valuable.
5. Don’t Assume It’s “Just Old Age”
As Pets get older, their routines and abilities naturally change. However, slowing down shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as a normal part of aging.
An older dog who stops wanting to go upstairs or a senior cat who no longer jumps onto the bed may not simply be “getting old.” Changes in mobility, activity, and behavior can sometimes indicate discomfort.
The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management works to increase awareness of both acute and chronic pain in animals, including pain that can develop gradually and become more difficult for Pet parents to recognize.
If your senior Pet suddenly stops doing something they once enjoyed or begins moving differently, let your veterinary Team know. There may be ways to help them feel more comfortable.
When Is It Time to Talk to Your Veterinary Team?
Not every unusual behavior means your Pet is in pain, but persistent or significant changes deserve attention.
Consider contacting your veterinary Team if your Pet:
- Suddenly begins limping or moving differently
- Has difficulty standing, walking, or using stairs
- Stops jumping onto furniture or other favorite places
- Becomes unusually withdrawn, irritable, or restless
- Eats or drinks significantly less
- Reacts differently when touched
- Licks or focuses repeatedly on one area of the body
- Has trouble getting comfortable or sleeping
- Loses interest in activities they normally enjoy
- Simply doesn’t seem like themselves
Photos and videos can also be helpful. If your Pet walks differently at home but seems completely normal once they arrive at the hospital, recording the behavior can give your veterinary Team additional information about what you’ve been noticing.
Be Careful With At-Home Pain Relief
When you think your Pet is hurting, it’s natural to want to help them feel better as quickly as possible. However, medications that are safe for people aren’t necessarily safe for dogs or cats.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises Pet owners to talk with their veterinarian before giving a Pet pain medication. Human medications or medications prescribed for another animal may be inappropriate or harmful for your Pet.
Don’t give your Pet a human pain reliever or another Pet’s medication unless your veterinarian has specifically instructed you to do so.
Be Their Voice
Animal Pain Awareness Month is an important reminder that our Pets rely on us to notice the things they can’t explain.
Sometimes pain is obvious. Other times, it’s a skipped jump onto the couch, a little less excitement for a walk, an unusual sleeping spot, or a personality that just seems slightly different.
You know your Pet best. Pay attention to the little things, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to reach out when something doesn’t seem right.
They may not have the words, but they have us.
At Hannah, our veterinary Team is here to help Members understand changes in their Pet’s health and determine the next steps for their care. If you’ve noticed changes in your Pet’s behavior, movement, appetite, or everyday routine, reach out to your Hannah Team.
