Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain — and What to Do Next

Why Pets Hide Pain

Animals are instinctively wired to conceal weakness. In the wild, showing vulnerability can attract predators or disrupt social hierarchies — so dogs, cats, and many other pets suppress outward signs of pain even when they're hurting significantly. This survival mechanism makes recognizing discomfort genuinely difficult for even attentive owners.

Because of this, pain in pets often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. By learning the subtle behavioral and physical shifts that signal distress, you can intervene earlier and advocate more effectively for your animal's comfort. For a broader look at what abnormal looks like day to day, see our guide on recognizing when your pet may be unwell.

Common Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats

Pain signals vary by species, individual temperament, and the type of discomfort involved. The following are among the most reliably documented indicators across dogs and cats:

• Changes in posture or gait: Limping, reluctance to jump, stiff movement, or an arched or hunched back can all point to musculoskeletal or internal pain.
• Altered facial expression: Squinted eyes, flattened ears, whisker tension, or a tightened muzzle are recognized pain markers in both species. Research-based tools like the Feline Grimace Scale and the Canine Pain Scale are used by veterinarians to assess these cues systematically.
• Behavioral withdrawal or irritability: A usually social pet that suddenly hides, avoids contact, or snaps when touched may be protecting a painful area — not acting out.
• Vocalization: Whimpering, yowling, or unusual vocalizing during routine handling can indicate acute pain. Conversely, some pets become unusually quiet when hurting.
• Changes in appetite, grooming, or litter box use: Eating less, over-grooming one body area, or eliminating outside the litter box can each reflect underlying discomfort rather than a behavioral problem.
• Restlessness or difficulty settling: A pet that repeatedly shifts position, pants without exertion, or cannot get comfortable may be experiencing pain that prevents rest.

It's worth noting that some of these signs — particularly withdrawal and vocalization — can also indicate anxiety. Our article on anxiety in dogs and cats can help you distinguish between the two.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Any sudden, unexplained change in your pet's behavior or physical condition warrants a call to your vet. Pain assessment is a core clinical skill — your veterinarian is trained to identify its source and severity in ways that are simply not possible at home.

Seek urgent or emergency veterinary care if your pet shows:

• Sudden inability to walk, stand, or use their limbs
• Crying out persistently or reacting violently to touch
• Labored breathing, pale or blue-tinged gums, or collapse
• Signs of abdominal pain such as a rigid, distended belly or repeated attempts to vomit without producing anything

For less acute concerns — such as gradual stiffness, mild appetite changes, or subtle behavioral shifts that have developed over days or weeks — schedule a routine appointment as soon as reasonably possible. Chronic pain, particularly common in aging animals, often has a slow onset. Our companion guide on caring for a senior pet covers how pain management needs evolve as animals age.

Never administer human pain medications — including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin — to pets. Many are toxic to animals, even in small doses. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before giving any pain-related medication or supplement.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for concerns about your pet's health or wellbeing.