As a pet owner, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring your four-legged friend’s health and well-being. However, recognizing that pets are in pain can be challenging, because they often hide discomfort or show only subtle changes in behavior. Our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team is committed to improving the quality of life for all pets, and we provide information about recognizing pet pain and alleviating their discomfort.

Behavioral changes can indicate pet pain

A pet’s first pain response is often a behavioral change. Your frisky feline may stop interacting with people and other household pets and spend most of the time under the bed, or your typically independent cocker spaniel may become needy and seek constant attention. Some painful pets may lash out and be uncharacteristically aggressive. 

Unusual vocalizations can indicate pet pain

Pets use vocalizations, such as barks, meows, and whining, to communicate with us, with some more chatty than others. Vocalizations that may indicate your pet is in pain include:

  • Whining
  • High-pitched or excessive barking
  • Howling
  • Whimpering
  • Yelping
  • Groaning
  • Grunting
  • Strident meowing
  • Hissing 

Changes in activity level can indicate pet pain

Pain can make it difficult for your pet to get comfortable and rest, and they may pace, seem restless, or repeatedly lie down and get up. Painful pets may also be less interested in play or activities, such as walks and fetch, they typically enjoy. Your pet may also have difficulty navigating stairs or be reluctant to jump on or off elevated surfaces. 

Changes in daily habits can indicate pet pain

Most pets are creatures of habit, and they may indicate pain with changes in their daily routine, such as decreased appetite, withdrawal from social interactions, new sleeping patterns, and lapses in housetraining. 

Abnormal postures can indicate pet pain

If your pet stands or rests in an unusual position, they may be in pain. Pets with neck pain may hold their head below their shoulders, and with abdominal pain, they may maintain a hunched posture. In addition, your painful pet may prefer to sit rather than stand, sit with their hind limbs splayed, lie on their side instead of on their chest. 

Certain facial expressions can indicate pet pain

Painful pets may grimace, stare vacantly off into space, have enlarged pupils, or keep their eyelids partially closed. Dogs in pain may pant excessively, even when resting.

Changes in grooming habits can indicate pet pain

Pain may make grooming difficult for your pet, making them look unkempt. Conversely, some pets over groom one area or self-mutilate when they experience pain.

What to do if you think your pet is in pain

  • Seek veterinary attention — Pain can indicate a serious health problem, and you should always seek prompt veterinary care if you think your pet is in pain. 
  • Follow veterinary instructions — If your pet is diagnosed with a condition that is causing the pain, follow your veterinarian’s instructions to ensure they receive the treatment they need. 
  • Don’t medicate your pet without a veterinary consultation — You may be tempted to delve into your medicine cabinet to help alleviate your pet’s pain, but many over-the-counter and prescription medications for humans are toxic to pets. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet medication.
  • Monitor your pet — Once you start treatment, monitor your pet closely so you can report their progress. If their pain continues, your veterinarian will likely adjust their treatment plan.
  • Modify your pet’s environment — Pets in chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis, can benefit from environmental modifications, such as placing ramps near elevated resting places, providing comfortable orthopedic bedding throughout the house, and placing rugs or mats on slippery floors. 

If you think your pet is in pain, contact our West Vets Emergency Veterinary Clinic team, so we can determine the problem and alleviate their pain as quickly as possible.