If your pet is in pain it’s important to take them to your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. But while some signs of pain in pets are easy to identify, others can be more difficult to detect.
In this short fact sheet, we’ll highlight some of the most common signs of pain in pets to help you decide when it’s time to seek medical care.
Common Signs of Pain in Pets
Vocalization
One of the more obvious signs of pain in pets is increased vocalization. Excessive yelling, whining, growling, barking, or other types of vocalization are all signs that your pet may be sick or injured.
Pacing
Pacing is a compulsive behavior that’s often linked to stress and anxiety. While pacing may indicate an anxiety disorder, it can also be a sign of pain-related stress.
Aggression or Antisocial Behavior
If your pet is in pain they may become uncharacteristically aggressive or try to avoid contact. In fact, any sudden and noticeable change in your pet’s behavior can indicate pain.
Panting
It is normal for cats and dogs to pant after exercise or when they are overheated. But heavy panting in other situations is a clear sign of stress which may be caused by pain.
Changes in Grooming Habits
Sudden changes in your pet’s grooming habits can often signal pain or underlying health issues. Failure to groom may indicate generalized pain or conditions such as osteoarthritis which result in lack of mobility. Increased grooming can also be a sign of localized pain, especially when accompanied by hair loss.
Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite can indicate pain or serious underlying health conditions including liver and kidney disease. If your pet is disinterested in their food it could also be a sign that they are suffering from dental problems.
Altered Sleeping Patterns
Increased wakefulness or sleeping more than usual are common symptoms of pain in pets. Cats or dogs that experience sudden changes in sleeping patterns should be examined for illness or injury.
Mobility Issues
Reduced mobility in pets is evidence of pain and discomfort. Common warning signs include stiffness, limping, difficulty lying down or rising, and reluctance to exercise. These symptoms often accompany underlying health issues such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia.
Increased Heart Rate
An elevated heart rate often accompanies panting and is a clear sign of stress-related pain. It can also be a symptom of serious illnesses including heart disease and pancreatitis.
Accidents in the House
House-trained pets that eliminate in the house may be suffering from pain or mobility issues. Accidents in the house can also indicate underlying health problems including Cushing’s disease and diabetes.
How to Help a Pet in Pain
Pain in pets can be caused by a wide range of illnesses and injuries, some of which can be life-threatening if left untreated. If you suspect your pet is in pain, please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Following diagnosis and treatment, always follow your veterinarian’s advice closely and administer any prescribed medications as instructed. It’s also important to limit exercise and allow your pet plenty of time to recover.
