🩺 Recognizing Pain in Pets: Vet-Endorsed Signs to Watch for in 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Pets can’t tell us when something hurts—but they do show us. Subtle changes in behavior, activity, appetite, or even how they rest can indicate pain or discomfort. In this 2025 guide, learn how to recognize these signs early and advocate for your pet’s comfort and care. 🐶🐱

👁️ Personality Changes

You know your pet best. If their personality shifts, that could be their way of saying something’s wrong:

• 😞 Avoiding interaction
• 😠 Increased irritability or growling
• 🤫 Hiding more than usual
• 🐾 Loss of curiosity or playfulness

Even affectionate pets may become standoffish or reactive when touched in painful areas. 🛑

🧍 Physical Appearance & Grooming

Watch for:

• 📉 Sudden weight loss or gain
• 🧼 Matted or greasy fur from lack of grooming
• 👁️ Squinting, blinking, or uneven pupil size
• 🦶 Excessive licking or chewing of paws or body parts

These may suggest discomfort, inflammation, or pain. Cats, in particular, may stop grooming entirely when they feel unwell. 🐈

🍽️ Appetite & Eating Habits

• 🍲 Refusal to eat or drink
• 😬 Chewing slowly or with difficulty
• 🐾 Pawing at the face or mouth
• 🦷 Bad breath may indicate oral pain

Sudden pickiness or disinterest in food—especially in pets who normally love mealtime—is a red flag. 🛑

🗣️ Vocalization

Increased or unusual vocalization can mean something hurts. Watch for:

• 🗯️ Whining or whimpering
• 😠 Growling or hissing
• 📢 Persistent barking or howling
• 😿 Yowling or meowing more than usual

Vocal changes are especially important in cats, who are often quiet about pain. 🔍

🏃 Movement & Mobility

Changes in how your pet moves can indicate joint or muscle pain:

• 🚫 Reluctance to stand, jump, or go up/down stairs
• 🚶 Limping or lameness
• 🪑 Resting in awkward or unusual positions
• 💤 Increased sleep or restless nights

Senior pets who seem to be “just slowing down” may actually be experiencing untreated chronic pain. 🧓🐕

🚽 Bathroom Habits

• 🚫 Accidents in the house or litterbox
• 😿 Avoiding the litterbox (especially cats with arthritis)
• 🩸 Vocalizing during urination or defecation
• 📉 Reduced frequency or unusual urgency

Bathroom changes may reflect joint pain, GI distress, or even dental discomfort. 🧼

🐱 Special Note on Cats

Cats are masters at hiding pain. They may show pain through:

• 🛏️ Sleeping in new or hidden areas
• 🚫 Avoiding being picked up
• 😼 Becoming less social

Watch for even minor changes in routine—and take them seriously. 🧠

📞 When to Call the Vet

Schedule a vet visit if your pet shows:

• 🔁 Sudden behavior changes
• 🍽️ Appetite loss or changes in grooming
• 🚷 Difficulty walking or standing
• 🗣️ Persistent whining, growling, or hiding

Your veterinarian may recommend bloodwork, x-rays, or a pain management trial. Early treatment = better quality of life. 🩺🐾

🧠 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Dogs and cats may not speak—but they always communicate. Knowing your pet’s “normal” makes it easier to spot when something’s wrong. If you notice changes, trust your instincts and contact your vet. Early intervention means less pain and more play. ❤️🐶🐱

Need help assessing your pet’s behavior or managing pain? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 for expert help with diagnostics, pain relief, and supportive care plans. 🐾🩺