Would you be able to tell if your pet was in pain? Most of us would like to think that we’d know if our best friend was hurting, but it’s not always simple when it comes to cats and dogs. They can’t talk about their pain like we can, and their symptoms aren’t always obvious. Besides, their instincts tell them to hide their pain for their own safety.
And because it can be difficult to notice when your pet is truly hurting, it’s important to understand the warning signs. That way, you can prevent a small problem from becoming a life-threatening one.
Why Do Pets Hide Pain?
Cats and dogs haven’t always been domesticated animals. Long before we started keeping them as pets, they prowled in the wild and had to fend for themselves. Because of this, their survival instincts taught them to hide their injuries to avoid predators. By pushing through pain, they could keep themselves safe. And this habit didn’t change after they became domesticated.
Along with that, pets also want to please their humans. Their goal in life is to be there for you and make sure you’re happy. That’s why your dog jumps up to greet you when you get home from work, or your cat curls up in your lap when you’re not feeling well. All of this means they’re willing to push their pain aside until they can’t bear it anymore.
Signs Your Dog May Be in Pain
Dogs tend to spend more time around their humans and are generally more expressive than cats. Because of this, you might think that identifying when they’re in pain will be easier, but they’re actually really good at hiding it.
Some things to look out for include:
- Limping
- Decrease in appetite
- Increased vocalization: barking, howling, whimpering, etc.
- Excessive licking
- Less interest in play
- Changes in posture, like arching their back, or hanging their head below their shoulders
- Behavior changes like hiding, restlessness, or sudden aggression
Signs Your Cat May Be in Pain
Unlike dogs, cats tend to be more solitary, so you may not notice small changes right away. If your cat normally stays hidden during the day, you won’t always notice if they are coming out less often.
It’s important to keep an eye out for things like:
- Eye squinting or facial grimacing
- Hanging their head below their shoulders
- Loss of appetite
- Increased vocalization (loud meowing, hissing, growling)
- Limping or avoiding jumping
- Grooming less often
- Changes in behavior, like hiding for long periods of time or swatting at you with their claws
When to See the Vet
Not every symptom is a sign of emergency. However, if you notice symptoms of pain or injury that last more than 24 hours, it’s time to see your vet. Give them a call to discuss your pet’s symptoms and they’ll let you know whether you should bring your pet in for an exam or keep monitoring their condition at home.
Seek emergency care if your dog or cat has:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Seizures
- A sudden loss of consciousness
Getting Help Sooner Makes a Difference
Pain in pets can be difficult to spot, but it rarely goes away on its own. At LazyPaw Animal Hospi tals, we understand just how important it is to make sure your pet is always feeling their best.
If you notice any signs of pain in your dog or cat, give us a call. We offer walk-in, same day appointments so that your pet can get the care they need, when they need it.
Photo by Cintya Marisa on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 1/5/26.