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

Why Pets Hide Pain

Animals are instinctively wired to conceal vulnerability. In the wild, showing weakness invites predation, so dogs, cats, and many other companion animals suppress outward signs of discomfort even when they are suffering significantly. This means the most important skill a pet owner can develop is learning to read subtle shifts — not just dramatic ones.

Pain in pets rarely looks the way people expect. A dog may not whimper; a cat may not cry out. Instead, the signals tend to be behavioral and postural: changes in how your pet moves, eats, grooms, or interacts with family members. Recognizing these cues early can make a real difference in how quickly your pet receives appropriate veterinary care.

Understanding body language is foundational here. Our guides on reading your dog's body language and what your cat's body language is telling you go deeper on species-specific posture cues.

Common Signs of Pain to Watch For

No single sign is definitive on its own, but a cluster of the following changes — especially ones that are new or worsening — warrants a call to your veterinarian.

Behavioral Signals

• Withdrawal or hiding: A normally social pet retreating to isolated spots is a classic pain response.
• Aggression or irritability: A pet that snaps or growls when touched in a specific area may be guarding a painful spot.
• Restlessness or inability to settle: Pacing, repeatedly lying down and standing up, or difficulty getting comfortable can indicate musculoskeletal or abdominal discomfort.
• Changes in vocalization: Increased whining, yowling, or unusual quietness can both signal distress.
• Loss of interest in play or interaction: A sudden drop in enthusiasm that has no environmental explanation is worth noting.

Physical and Postural Signals

• Altered gait or limping: Favoring a limb, a stiff walk, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
• Hunched posture or tucked abdomen: Often a sign of abdominal or spinal discomfort.
• Changes in appetite or water intake: Eating significantly less — or more — can accompany pain or underlying illness.
• Over-grooming or under-grooming: Cats in pain may excessively lick a sore area or, conversely, stop grooming altogether.
• Rapid or shallow breathing at rest: When not associated with heat or exercise, this can signal significant discomfort.
• Squinting or pawing at the face: Possible indicators of eye or dental pain.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

If you observe one or more of the signs above and they persist for more than 24 hours, or if they are severe or sudden in onset, contact your veterinarian promptly. Do not attempt to give your pet human pain medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin — many are toxic to animals, even in small doses.

Older pets are especially prone to chronic, low-grade pain from conditions like arthritis or dental disease, and their signs can be particularly easy to miss. If you have a senior dog or cat, our article on what to expect at a senior pet wellness exam explains how veterinarians systematically assess comfort and mobility during routine visits.

Financial concerns should never prevent you from seeking guidance. Many clinics offer triage advice by phone, and pet wellness on a tight budget outlines realistic options for pet owners managing costs. Pet insurance can also help offset the expense of unexpected illness or injury — a relevant consideration when pain turns out to have a complex underlying cause.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for concerns about your pet's health.