Is My Pet in Pain? Subtle Signs Pet Owners Often Miss
When we think of a pet in pain, we may picture an obvious limp, crying, or an injury. In reality, dogs and cats can be surprisingly good at hiding discomfort. Some of the earliest signs of pain are subtle changes that are easy to mistake for aging, stubbornness, or simply “slowing down.”
Knowing what to watch for at home can help you recognize discomfort sooner and give your pet the care they need.
Pain Doesn’t Always Look Like Pain
Pets can’t tell us where it hurts, and many won’t vocalize when they’re uncomfortable. Instead, pain may show up as a change in their normal routine or behavior.
Some signs to watch for include:
- Hesitating before jumping onto furniture or into the car
- Difficulty going up or down stairs
- Taking longer to stand after lying down
- Limping or favoring a leg
- Sleeping more than usual
- Becoming less interested in walks or play
- Restlessness or difficulty getting comfortable
- Changes in appetite
- Excessive licking or grooming of one area
- Decreased grooming, especially in cats
- Hiding or avoiding interaction
- Becoming unusually clingy
- Irritability when touched or picked up
- Changes in posture
- Having accidents in the house or difficulty getting into the litter box
One isolated behavior doesn’t necessarily mean your pet is painful. However, new, persistent, or worsening changes are worth paying attention to.
“They’re Just Getting Old”
Because these changes often happen gradually, they can be difficult to notice when you see your pet every day.
Think back six months or a year. Has your pet’s activity changed? Are they still doing the things they used to enjoy? Have you changed their routine to accommodate something they no longer want to do?
Those observations can provide your veterinary team with valuable information.
Cats Can Be Especially Tricky
Cats are masters at hiding illness and discomfort.
Instead of limping, an arthritic cat may simply stop jumping onto a favorite windowsill. They might sleep downstairs instead of climbing upstairs, hesitate before entering a high-sided litter box, or become less tolerant of being picked up.
Changes in grooming can also be important. A painful cat may stop grooming difficult-to-reach areas, resulting in an unkempt or matted coat.
Small behavioral changes can sometimes be our first clue that something isn’t right.
How Can Your Veterinary Team Help?
If you’re noticing changes at home, a veterinary examination is a good place to start.
During an exam, your veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s joints, muscles, spine, mouth, abdomen, and overall health. Depending on what they find, additional diagnostics such as bloodwork or X-rays may be recommended.
There are also more options available for managing discomfort than many pet owners realize. Treatment will depend on the individual pet and the cause of their pain and may include medications, weight management, environmental modifications, rehabilitation, or other therapies.
Most importantly, don’t give your pet human pain medications unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Many common medications used by people can be dangerous or even life-threatening to pets.
You Know Your Pet Best
You see your pet every day, which means you’re often the first person who can recognize when something has changed.
If you’re thinking, “They just don’t seem like themselves,” that information matters.
Photos and videos from home can also be extremely helpful. If your pet walks strangely after getting up, hesitates on the stairs, or displays another behavior that disappears once they’re at the veterinary clinic, try recording it to show your veterinary team.
Our goal is not only to help pets live longer lives, but to help them remain comfortable and enjoy the things they love along the way.
If you’ve noticed a change in your pet’s mobility, activity level, behavior, or daily routine, give the ZimmVet team a call. We’d be happy to help determine whether discomfort could be playing a role.
