Pain in pets is more common than many realize—and often goes unnoticed. Unlike humans, our pets can’t tell us when something hurts. In fact, animals instinctively hide discomfort, a survival mechanism that once protected them in the wild but now makes it harder for pet owners to detect when something is wrong.

Learning to recognize subtle signs of pain is crucial. Chronic or untreated pain can dramatically affect your pet’s quality of life and lead to further health complications. This guide will help you:

  • Identify common signs of pain in dogs and cats
  • Understand typical causes
  • Learn pain management strategies
  • Know when to seek veterinary care

How Pets Experience and Express Pain

Pets feel both acute and chronic pain—but they don’t always show it in obvious ways. Their signals can be subtle, and behavior changes may be mistaken for aging, laziness, or personality quirks.

Two Main Types of Pain

  • Acute Pain: Sudden in onset, often caused by injury, surgery, or trauma
  • Chronic Pain: Long-term discomfort from conditions like arthritis, cancer, or degenerative disease

Because pets instinctively mask pain, it’s critical to stay alert to even small shifts in behavior. Learn more about conditions that commonly cause pain in pets.

Common Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats

Recognizing pain starts with observation. Here are signs to watch for across four key areas:

Behavioral Changes

  • Decreased activity or reluctance to play
  • Withdrawal, hiding, or increased aggression
  • Changes in appetite, drinking, or grooming habits

Physical Symptoms

  • Limping, stiffness, or trouble getting up/down
  • Excessive licking, chewing, or biting at one area
  • Reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto furniture

Vocalizations and Facial Expressions

  • Whining, yelping, or groaning
  • Panting or breathing heavily when at rest
  • Flattened ears, furrowed brows, or wide eyes

Posture and Movement

  • Hunched back or stiff gait
  • Shifting weight off a limb
  • Tail tucked or held differently

For additional insight, explore common pain indicators in pets.

Understanding the Causes of Pain in Pets

Pinpointing the source of discomfort can help guide treatment. Some of the most common causes include:

Orthopedic and Mobility Conditions

  • Arthritis: Especially common in senior pets
  • Hip dysplasia: Often affects larger breeds
  • Cruciate ligament injuries: Can cause sudden limping or instability

More about why dogs limp

Injuries and Trauma

  • Fractures, sprains, or wounds
  • Paw injuries (e.g., burns, splinters, broken nails)
  • Spinal or nerve damage

Dental Pain

Dental disease is a major source of chronic pain, particularly in older pets. Signs include:

  • Drooling or pawing at the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing or decreased appetite
  • Bad breath

See our Dental Care Services for more.

Internal Conditions

  • Cancer or tumors
  • Kidney or bladder disease
  • Pancreatitis or gastrointestinal issues

These internal problems can cause vague symptoms and significant discomfort.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Knowing when to call your vet is just as important as spotting the signs.

Signs Requiring Immediate Attention

  • Sudden paralysis or inability to walk
  • Collapse, tremors, or uncontrolled shaking
  • Swelling, visible injury, or open wounds
  • Refusing to eat or drink for over 24 hours
  • Signs of extreme pain (e.g., constant crying, panic, or aggression)

Ongoing Signs That Warrant a Checkup

  • Limping for more than 24 hours
  • Gradual decrease in activity or mobility
  • Licking or chewing one area repeatedly
  • Chronic bad breath (may signal dental disease)

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with our team.

Managing Pain in Pets: Options and Approaches

Effective pain management often requires a multi-modal plan, combining medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Veterinary Medications

  • NSAIDs: For arthritis and general inflammation
  • Opioids and adjunct therapies: For more intense or post-surgical pain

Important: Never give human medications to pets. Drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be toxic. Read more about safe pain relief for pets.

Alternative and Supportive Therapies

Nutritional & Lifestyle Support

  • Joint supplements: Like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s
  • Weight management: Helps reduce joint strain and improve mobility

Helping Pets Live Comfortably with Chronic Pain

Long-term care often requires adjustments at home to ease daily strain.

At-Home Support

  • Use orthopedic beds and soft surfaces
  • Install ramps or pet stairs where needed
  • Elevate food and water bowls for easier access

Daily Routines

  • Encourage gentle, consistent activity
  • Avoid strenuous play or abrupt movements
  • Create a calm, low-stress environment

Ongoing Veterinary Monitoring

  • Regular pain assessments help fine-tune treatment
  • Senior wellness exams and labwork ensure age-appropriate support

How Valley Center Veterinary Clinic Can Help

At Valley Center Veterinary Clinic, we provide a compassionate and comprehensive approach to pain management.

Our services include:

  • Personalized pain treatment plans tailored to your pet’s condition
  • Advanced diagnostics to identify underlying issues
    Explore our diagnostics services
  • Surgical and non-surgical pain relief options
  • Integrative therapies like cold laser therapy and acupuncture
  • Ongoing support for chronic pain and mobility issues

Don’t Wait—Pain Relief Starts with Awareness

Your pet depends on you to advocate for their well-being. If you notice changes in behavior, mobility, or appetite, it could be a sign that something deeper is going on.

Early intervention makes all the difference. Schedule a consultation at Valley Center Veterinary Clinic and let our experienced team help your pet live comfortably, actively, and pain-free.

Book Your Appointment Today