How to Tell If Your Dog or Cat Is in Pain
Ever feel like your pet is trying to tough it out? You're not wrong. Animals are wired to hide pain—it's a survival instinct they’ve carried from the wild. But as loving pet parents, it’s up to us to notice when something just isn’t quite right.
Pain doesn’t always look like limping or crying out. Sometimes it’s much quieter, showing up in tiny shifts in behavior, movement, or mood. The more we pay attention, the better we can support our furry family members.
Behavior Changes
Your pet’s personality might seem a little... off. Maybe they’re hiding in closets when they’d normally be on your lap. Maybe they’ve gone from affectionate to avoidant overnight. Even the most social animals will pull away when something’s wrong. And some do the opposite—becoming suddenly needy or reactive. Think of it as their way of asking for help, even if they don’t quite know how.
Signs to watch for:
Hiding more than usual
Sudden clinginess or avoidance
Aggression or unusual reactivity
Withdrawal from favorite people or routines
Eating and Drinking Changes
Pain can show up in the kitchen bowl. A pet that usually devours their food might start picking or skipping meals. Others may suddenly drink less—or a lot more. That sudden weight loss or disinterest in favorite snacks? It’s often not just picky eating. These shifts can be your pet’s way of telling you their body isn’t feeling right.
Signs to watch for:
Loss of appetite
Changes in water consumption
Sudden weight loss or gain
Ignoring favorite treats
Grooming and Hygiene
Sometimes, the clearest signs of pain show up in the quietest routines. Cats who usually keep themselves pristine might stop grooming altogether. Others might obsessively lick or chew at a sore spot, like they’re trying to scrub the pain away. Dogs often do the same—skipping their usual hygiene habits or suddenly fussing over a specific paw or joint. A change in potty habits, especially in house-trained pets, can also be a big clue.
Signs to watch for:
Matted or greasy fur
Licking or chewing one area repeatedly
Unusual odors or accidents in the house
Avoiding litter boxes or potty spots
Physical Signs
The body speaks volumes—if we know how to listen. Limping, stiffness, or hesitation before climbing stairs are all red flags. Some pets will tremble, pant for no reason, or pace restlessly when in pain. They might take longer to lie down or suddenly sleep in unusual positions. A shift in how they move is often a direct signal that something's off physically.
Signs to watch for:
Limping or stiffness
Shaking or panting when not hot
Slow to rise or lie down
Unusual posture or gait
Vocalizing
Even the quiet ones have a voice when they hurt. Some pets get louder—whining, growling, or meowing more than usual. Others let out small grunts or sighs when lying down or shifting positions. It might not be dramatic, but if your normally silent friend suddenly finds their voice, it’s worth paying attention.
Signs to watch for:
Increased meowing, whining, or yelping
Sighing or groaning when moving
Growling or snapping when touched
Sudden barking or howling at rest
When in Doubt, Film It
Some symptoms only show up at home—and of course, they disappear the moment you walk into the vet’s office. If your pet is limping, making unusual noises, or acting off, grab a short video. It can give your vet a clearer picture of what’s going on.
Trusted Resources
Not sure whether what you're seeing is urgent? These trusted sources can offer extra clarity:
Veterinary Partner: A library of articles written by veterinarians and specialists
Jackson Galaxy: Especially helpful for understanding cat behavior, anxiety, and pain responses
IAABC Resources: Behavior charts and training guides vetted by animal behavior professionals
Listen to Your Gut
You don’t need to be a vet to know when your pet seems off. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Call your vet and ask. It’s always better to be cautious than to miss something important. Your pet will thank you for it.
Adoptable Spotlight: Meet Izzy
Izzy is a sweet senior kitty looking for a calm place to call home. She came to the Mission as an owner surrender when her family could no longer care for her. Born around 05/13/2013, she’s settling beautifully into her foster home and winning hearts with her gentle spirit.
Izzy loves peace and quiet. She’s not a fan of other cats, but she’s fine with respectful dogs. High-energy pets or young kids? Not her style. She has excellent litterbox manners and gets wet food mixed with a bit of Miralax twice daily to help with constipation.
Her senior blood panel looked great, though she will need a dental soon. If Izzy’s already found her home by the time you reach out, don’t worry—we’d love to help you find your next feline family member.
