How to Recognise Hidden Pain in Dogs and Cats
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By Dr Duncan Houston
Your dog still greets you, but no longer jumps into the car. Your cat still eats, but has stopped grooming their back. Pain can change everyday habits without causing obvious crying.
The most useful clue is often a change from that animal's normal behaviour. A friendly response does not rule out discomfort.
Quick Answer
Dogs and cats may show pain through reduced activity, altered posture, disrupted sleep, appetite changes or avoidance of touch. Cats often change jumping and grooming habits, while dogs may hesitate on stairs or struggle to rise. Arrange a veterinary assessment for persistent changes, and seek urgent care for severe pain, collapse, breathing difficulty or sudden inability to walk.
Why pain can be easy to miss
Animals express discomfort differently, and familiar activities may still be rewarding enough to continue despite pain. Some signs also become less obvious in the clinic because excitement or fear changes behaviour.
Do not rely on crying, a limp, a wagging tail or purring as a yes-or-no test. AAHA's pain-recognition advice emphasises changes in behaviour, movement and daily function.
Signs in dogs and cats
| Area | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Slow rising, hesitation on stairs, shorter walks | Lower jumps, extra steps to reach furniture, avoiding high places |
| Rest | Pacing, frequent repositioning, difficulty settling | New resting locations, hunched posture, hiding |
| Contact | Flinching, growling or moving away when handled | Avoiding stroking, irritability or reduced social contact |
| Eating and grooming | Dropping food, reduced appetite, repeated licking of one area | Reduced grooming, matting, overgrooming or altered chewing |
Cornell's canine pain guidance describes these functional and behavioural changes. In older cats, arthritis may affect access and grooming without an obvious limp.
What might be causing it?
Common painful problems include joint disease, dental disease, ear or skin inflammation, injury and spinal disease. Abdominal and urinary disorders can also cause pain.
The same behaviour can have another explanation: licking may reflect itch, reduced activity may reflect weakness, and hiding may reflect fear. Pain can coexist with these problems. Examination and appropriate tests help distinguish them.
For livestock or other species, changes in feeding, movement or social position also deserve attention, but use a veterinarian experienced with that species rather than transferring a dog or cat treatment plan.
How urgent is the concern?
- Gradual, mild change: arrange an appointment promptly and record the pattern. Do not wait months because the animal is older.
- Clear discomfort or loss of normal function: call the same day, particularly with reduced eating, lameness or painful toileting.
- Severe or rapidly worsening signs: seek emergency care immediately.
When is this an emergency?
Go urgently for collapse, breathing difficulty, major injury, severe abdominal pain, sudden inability to stand or walk, or repeated straining without urine. A dog with a swollen abdomen and unsuccessful retching also needs immediate assessment.
Handle a painful animal gently and avoid putting your face near their mouth. Do not repeatedly bend a limb or press a sore area to locate the pain. Call the clinic for safe transport advice when movement is difficult.
What should you do next?
- Write down what has changed, when it started and whether it fluctuates.
- Record a short video of ordinary movement, such as rising or walking, without forcing a painful task.
- Provide non-slip access, a comfortable bed and easily reached food, water and toileting.
- Limit strenuous activity until assessed, while following any existing veterinary plan.
- Bring a complete medication and supplement list to the appointment.
Do not give human painkillers or leftover animal medication. Species, health conditions and drug combinations substantially affect safety.
How do you know treatment is helping?
Choose a few ordinary activities to track: getting up, reaching a resting place, eating comfortably or grooming. Record improvement and any adverse changes after treatment begins.
A quieter animal is not automatically more comfortable; sedation and pain relief are different outcomes. Tell your vet about reduced appetite, vomiting, unusual sleepiness or other changes, and agree on a reassessment date.
Common mistakes
- Assuming pain is absent because the animal still eats or greets people.
- Dismissing loss of mobility as inevitable ageing.
- Relying on supplements while delaying examination.
- Testing pain repeatedly through handling or exercise.
- Stopping prescribed treatment without discussing the plan.
Reducing avoidable pain
Maintain healthy body condition, appropriate exercise, dental care and regular checks. Use gradual conditioning rather than sudden intense activity, and adapt home access as mobility changes. New or persistent discomfort still needs investigation despite good preventive care.
Frequently asked questions
Can a purring cat be painful?
Yes. Purring alone does not establish comfort.
Does no limp mean no arthritis?
No. Cats especially may avoid difficult activities instead of limping visibly.
Can pain make an animal aggressive?
Yes. Unexpected defensiveness during touch is a reason to stop and assess comfort.
Can a video diagnose the cause?
It can provide valuable context, but examination and sometimes tests are needed.
Noticing quiet changes can improve comfort before function declines further. Record what you see and seek a plan based on the cause.
ASK A VET™ can support you with questions about possible pain and the observations to take to your vet. Severe signs need immediate in-person care.
