Subtle Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain (and What to Do About It!)
Animals evolved to minimize signs of pain, disease, or weakness to protect themselves from predation. Our pets are no different: they are remarkably good at hiding discomfort. Many continue eating, playing, and interacting even when something isn’t right. Because pain isn’t always dramatic, the earliest signs are often quiet changes in behavior, posture, or routine.
In fact, analysis of nationwide Google search trends shows that pet parents frequently search for symptoms like digestive changes, behavior shifts, and lethargy before contacting a veterinarian. This suggests many people notice early signs of discomfort but hesitate to act, often because those changes feel subtle or easy to explain away.
Recognizing these subtle clues allows problems to be addressed earlier, often before pain becomes chronic or begins to affect quality of life. Below are some of the most common (and commonly missed) signs that a pet may be experiencing pain.
Changes in Personality or Interaction
If your pet seems less affectionate, avoids being touched, or isn’t greeting you the way they usually do, discomfort may be the reason. Pain can make even the sweetest pet want some space.
You might notice:
Less interest in cuddling or attention
Avoiding certain family members or interactions
Pulling away when touched in specific areas
These shifts are often gradual, which makes them easy to miss, especially in pets who are typically independent or calm.
Behavior That Feels “Out of Character”
Growling, snapping, or sudden irritability can be a protective response to pain rather than a behavioral issue.
Pain can lower a pet’s tolerance and make everyday handling uncomfortable. Addressing the underlying discomfort often resolves these behaviors without the need for behavioral intervention.
Repetitive Licking, Over-Grooming, or Avoided Grooming
When pets repeatedly lick or focus on one specific area, it is often their way of soothing discomfort. Over time, this behavior can lead to skin irritation, hair loss, or wounds.
In some cases, pets may also groom less overall because certain movements are painful. Both over-grooming and reduced grooming are signs worth investigating.
Changes in Appetite or Drinking Habits
Decreased appetite or reduced water intake can be an early sign of discomfort. Pets may experience pain when chewing, swallowing, bending their neck, or lowering their head to eat or drink. Others may associate eating with nausea or abdominal discomfort.
You may notice:
Eating more slowly than usual
Leaving food unfinished
Skipping meals entirely
Drinking less water
Even mild changes that last more than a day are worth noting and discussing with your veterinarian.
Posture and Body Language Changes
Pets instinctively adjust how they sit, stand, or lie down to protect painful areas.
Watch for:
A hunched or arched back
Tucked tail or tense body posture
Stiff movements
Difficulty transitioning between lying down, standing, or sitting
Cat-Specific Signs of Pain
Cats tend to be especially subtle and often mask discomfort until it’s advanced.
Signs to watch for include:
A “pained” facial expression (empirically measured using a scale called the Feline Grimace Score)
Hiding more than usual or choosing unusual resting spots
Sitting hunched or with their head tucked down
Reduced grooming or sudden changes in routine
Because cats are creatures of habit, even small deviations can be significant.
Dog-Specific Signs of Pain
Dogs often show discomfort through physical or behavioral changes.
Common signs include:
Heavy or persistent panting unrelated to heat or activity
Limping or stiffness, especially after rest
Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or go on walks
Difficulty getting comfortable or frequent pacing
Some dogs may also whine or whimper when moving or being handled
Pain doesn’t always look the same. Some pets become restless, pacing or changing positions frequently as they struggle to get comfortable. Others become unusually tired, sleeping more than normal or disengaging from daily activities. Both patterns can indicate discomfort and should be taken seriously.
Listen to the Quiet Signs
Pain doesn’t always look dramatic. Many pets continue eating, playing, and interacting even when they’re uncomfortable, which makes subtle changes easy to overlook. If something about your pet feels “off,” trust that instinct. Small changes are often the earliest clues that something isn’t right.
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Addressing discomfort early can help prevent pain from becoming chronic and protect your pet’s mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. At Dallas Veterinary Concierge, Dr. Olson provides full-service veterinary care in the comfort of your home, where pets are most relaxed and their behaviors are most natural. Pets will mask their symptoms even more in an exam room but may show them more at home. That setting allows subtle signs to be observed in context, often leading to earlier insights and more personalized care.
If you’re concerned your pet may be in pain, we encourage you to schedule a visit with Dr. Olson. We’re here to support your pet’s comfort and well-being at every stage of life.