Is Your Pet in Pain? 2025 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore 🐶🐱

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Your pet can’t say, “I’m hurting,” but as a veterinarian, I can tell you—they do show us. We just need to know how to listen. I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, vet and founder of Ask A Vet, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through the real signs of pain I see in clinics every day, how to respond, and why early action matters.

🧠 Why Pets Hide Pain

• 🦁 In the wild, showing weakness could make them a target.
• 🐾 Even our domesticated pets retain this survival instinct.
• 🐶 Dogs may whimper—but often don’t. Cats? They’ll just go quiet.

Vet Tip: If you notice something feels “off”—trust your gut. Subtle changes are often the first warning signs.

🚩 Common Signs of Pain in Dogs

• 🐾 Limping or avoiding stairs/jumping
• 🍲 Loss of appetite
• 😠 Growling or snapping when touched
• 🏠 Hiding in corners or refusing to play
• 🛏️ Sleeping more, or seeming restless and unable to get comfortable

🚩 Common Signs of Pain in Cats

• 😼 Aggression or hissing when handled
• 🧼 Lack of grooming or messy coat
• 🪜 Reluctance to jump or climb
• 🚽 Accidents outside the litter box
• 🛌 Sleeping in odd places or hiding more

📊 Subtle Behavior Changes That Signal Pain

• 😬 Change in posture or gait (hunched back, stiff movements)
• 🧍 Clinginess or avoidance
• 🗣️ Change in vocalizations (more or less noise than usual)
• 😴 Excessive licking of a limb or one body area

🔍 Specific Conditions and the Pain Signs They Show

🦷 Dental Pain

• Chewing on one side
• Drooling
• Pawing at the mouth

🦴 Joint or Bone Pain (e.g., arthritis, fractures)

• Difficulty rising, limping, stiff after rest

🐛 Abdominal Pain (e.g., pancreatitis, bloat)

• Arched back, vomiting, restlessness
• Abdomen tensing when touched

👩⚕️ What To Do If You Suspect Pain

• 📝 Note all signs and when they started
• 📷 Take a video to show your vet (especially movement)
• 🚫 Do not give human medications—many are toxic
• 📞 Book a vet appointment or use Ask A Vet for fast triage

💊 Vet-Approved Pain Management

• Prescription NSAIDs (e.g., carprofen, meloxicam)
• Gabapentin for nerve-related pain
• Laser therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy

Always get a diagnosis before giving meds—even natural supplements can be harmful without guidance.

🔗 Related Products 

• Explorer Harness – Supports dogs with mobility issues
  

📋 Summary Excerpt

Pets rarely show pain outright. A veterinarian explains subtle signs to watch for in dogs and cats—plus what to do and which products can help.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Should I give my pet pain relief at home?
  A: Never give human meds like Panadol or ibuprofen—they can be toxic. Always speak to your vet.
• Q: What’s the most common cause of pain in older dogs?
  A: Osteoarthritis. Signs include stiffness, reluctance to exercise, or sleeping more.
• Q: How can I monitor pain at home?
  A: Keep a pain diary with dates, symptoms, and videos if possible. This helps your vet tailor a treatment plan.