7 Warning Signs of Pain in Pets That Can’t Speak — Don’t Miss These

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Dogs and cats have an instinct to hide pain. We’ll show you how to spot early signs of discomfort through changes in behavior, posture, and appetite.

What Are Pet Pain Signals?

Pet pain signals refer to the collective behavioral, postural, and physiological changes exhibited by dogs and cats when they are in pain. The most critical aspect is quickly noticing any deviations from their normal baseline. Because dogs and cats instinctively tend to mask pain, visible signs may not appear until the condition has already progressed significantly. According to veterinary textbooks, behavioral changes are among the earliest indicators that an animal is ill or experiencing pain and are considered reliable metrics for pain assessment. Therefore, consistently monitoring for any changes in behavior is the starting point for early pain detection.

Why Is It Easy to Miss Pain Signals?

Pets can’t tell us “I’m in pain” the way people can. Both dogs and cats are known for masking pain well, and cats in particular show very subtle signs that owners often miss. Dogs also instinctively hide discomfort and may not show it outwardly. Moreover, the way pain manifests varies widely between species and even among individuals within the same species, so it can appear as faint, hard-to-recognize signals. That’s why owners need to know their pet’s normal behavior patterns to spot subtle changes. Consistently monitoring several areas—such as activity level, appetite, behavioral changes, and interactions with the environment—is essential.

7 Signs of Pain in Dogs

If you notice any of the following signs appearing at an unusual intensity, or if they recur or persist, your pet may be experiencing pain.

Behavioral withdrawal: Refusing play or walks that they usually enjoy.

Decreased appetite: Rejecting favorite treats or eating much slower than usual.

Excessive licking: Repeatedly licking or chewing at a specific area.

Abnormal posture: Maintaining a hunched or curled-up position for extended periods.

Changes in breathing: Panting rapidly even while at rest.

Changes in vocalization: Whining or making sounds different from their usual cries.

Aggression: Growling or avoiding contact when you try to touch them.

A pet owner watching their dog in a crouched position

Differences in Pain Signals Between Dogs and Cats

Item	Dog	Cat
Behavioral changes	Refuses play, dislikes walks	Hiding, prefers isolation
Vocalization	Whining, crying	Rarely vocalizes, occasional hissing
Posture	Arched back, limping	Fixed hunched posture, sustained loaf position
Appetite	Refuses even treats	Won't go near the food bowl
Grooming	Licking a specific area	Stops grooming or grooms excessively
Facial expression	Squinting eyes, ears back	Narrowed eyes, flattened whiskers

Source: Small Animal Critical Care Medicine 3rd Ed, Pain Assessment

Be Especially Careful with Cats

Cats express pain much more subtly than dogs. Prolonged “loaf” posture, hiding and refusing to come out, or changes in litter box habits can all be signs of pain. Sudden cessation of grooming or, conversely, excessive licking of a specific area also warrants close attention. According to the validated Feline Grimace Scale (FGS), changes in five facial action units—ear position, periorbital tension (muscles around the eyes), muzzle tension, whisker position, and head position—are key indicators of feline pain.

A cat sitting by the window in a loaf position

Emergency Pain Signals Requiring Immediate Veterinary Care

If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately: a hard, distended abdomen that is extremely painful to the touch; very rapid, shallow breathing or excessive panting; sudden inability to move or a rigid, fixed posture; pain signals accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea; pale or purplish gums; and painful, difficult urination or defecation. In these cases, there may be an internal organ issue or acute pain, making timely intervention critical.

How to Check for Pain at Home

You can do a quick check at home before heading to the clinic.

Touch test: Gently pet the areas you normally handle and observe your pet’s reaction.

Gait observation: Check if walking and running movements appear natural.

Daily log: Record food intake, water consumption, and bowel movements for at least three days.

Video recording: If you notice any unusual behavior, take a video; it will be very helpful during the consultation.

However, do not forcefully press on painful areas. This can worsen the pain or lead to accidental bites.

A caring pet owner who gently observes and records their dog's health.

Never Give Human Pain Relievers

Giving human pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen to your pet based on your own judgment can lead to fatal poisoning. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for owners, unaware of the risks, to administer human nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to pets in pain. Cats are especially vulnerable because they have a reduced ability to metabolize drugs through glucuronidation and a longer drug half-life, making them far more sensitive to NSAIDs like ibuprofen than dogs—even small doses can be dangerous. Always consult your veterinarian, who will prescribe safe, appropriate medication based on your pet’s weight and condition. Never self-diagnose or treat using home remedies or online information. If you suspect your pet is in pain, the safest course of action is to consult your veterinarian.

Improve Veterinary Visit Efficiency with a Pain Diary

If you suspect your pet is in pain, try keeping a “pain diary.” Note when the symptoms started, what situations seem to worsen them, and at what times of day they appear most frequently. This information can greatly assist your veterinarian in identifying the underlying cause. Since intermittent pain can be difficult to detect during a clinic visit, home videos can provide crucial evidence. As veterinary textbooks emphasize, consistently recording pain assessments is key to effectively monitoring and managing pain, making your observations an invaluable resource for your pet’s care.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not sure if my pet is sick. What should I do?

If your pet’s behavior differs from their usual pattern and the changes persist, we recommend visiting the clinic. Behavioral changes are a key indicator of pain, so recording a video to show the veterinarian can be very helpful during the examination.

My puppy whimpers but still runs around energetically. Is that okay?

The pain may come and go. It often appears in certain positions or during specific movements, so it's a good idea to observe your pet for a few days and seek veterinary care if the pain recurs.

My cat is hiding and won’t come out. Could this be a sign of pain?

It's possible. If your cat, who usually comes out readily, is hiding and refusing food and water, it could be a sign of pain or a decline in their condition, and a veterinary visit is necessary.

Senior dogs are naturally less active. How can you tell the difference?

It can be difficult to distinguish between normal aging and pain. If you notice your pet hesitating to stand up or avoiding stairs, suspect joint pain. Regular health check-ups are essential.

It seems like they’re in pain, but they’re eating normally like usual, right?

Even if your pet’s appetite remains normal, they may still be experiencing pain. Since appetite responses vary depending on the type and severity of pain, it’s important to also monitor other behavioral changes, such as activity level, posture, and social interaction.