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Our pets cannot tell us when something hurts. They cannot point to a sore spot or describe a headache. What they can do is show us — through changes in behaviour, posture, and habits that, once you know what to look for, become much easier to spot. As a pet owner, learning to read these signals is one of the most valuable things you can do. Catching pain early means faster treatment, better outcomes, and less suffering for the animal you love.
Why Do Pets Hide Pain?
If your pet has ever been unwell and you only realised after the fact, you are not alone. Pets — especially cats — are hardwired to mask pain. This is not stubbornness or bravery; it is an evolutionary survival instinct. In the wild, showing vulnerability makes an animal a target for predators. So even in the safety of your lounge room, your pet’s instinct is to carry on as normally as possible.
This means that by the time you notice obvious signs of pain, the problem may have been brewing for a while. The key is learning to recognise the subtle, early signals rather than waiting for dramatic ones.
Signs of Pain in Dogs
Dogs tend to be slightly more expressive than cats when it comes to showing discomfort, but they can still be surprisingly stoic. Here are the behavioural and physical signs to watch for.
Behavioural Changes
- Withdrawal: A normally social dog who starts avoiding the family, hiding, or spending more time alone may be in pain.
- Restlessness: Pacing, inability to settle, or constantly shifting position can indicate discomfort.
- Aggression or irritability: A dog in pain may snap, growl, or flinch when touched — even if they have never done so before. This is a protective response, not a character flaw.
- Loss of appetite: Refusing food or eating noticeably less is one of the most reliable general indicators that something is wrong.
- Changes in sleep: Sleeping more than usual, or conversely, being unable to rest comfortably.
- Reluctance to move: Avoiding stairs, jumping onto furniture, or going for walks — especially if they normally love these activities.
Physical Signs
- Limping or stiffness: Particularly noticeable after rest or first thing in the morning.
- Excessive panting: Panting when resting or in cool conditions can be a pain response.
- Vocalisation: Whimpering, whining, yelping, or howling — especially when moving or being touched in a specific area.
- Licking or chewing: Obsessively licking or chewing at a particular body part can indicate localised pain.
- Posture changes: A hunched back, tucked tail, or rigid stance can all signal discomfort.
- Trembling or shaking: Not related to cold or excitement.
For breed-specific health considerations that might cause pain — like hip dysplasia in larger breeds — our Golden Retriever breed guide covers common conditions to be aware of.
Signs of Pain in Cats
Cats are the masters of disguise when it comes to pain. Their signs tend to be quieter and more subtle, which means you need to pay closer attention.
Behavioural Changes
- Hiding: This is often the first and most telling sign. A cat that suddenly starts hiding under beds, in cupboards, or in unusual spots is telling you something.
- Reduced grooming: Cats in pain may stop grooming themselves, leading to a dull, unkempt coat. Alternatively, they may over-groom a painful area, causing bald patches or skin irritation.
- Litter tray changes: Urinating or defecating outside the litter tray, straining, or visiting the tray more frequently can all indicate pain — particularly urinary or abdominal pain.
- Appetite changes: Eating less, being picky, or drinking noticeably more or less water.
- Aggression: A normally affectionate cat who hisses, swats, or bites when picked up or touched may be hurting.
- Purring at unusual times: While purring usually signals contentment, cats also purr as a self-soothing mechanism when in pain or distress. If your cat is purring while showing other signs on this list, it may not be a good sign.
Physical Signs
- Facial expression: Cats in pain often have a tense face — squinted eyes, flattened ears, and a tight muzzle. Veterinary researchers have developed the Feline Grimace Scale specifically to help identify pain through facial changes.
- Posture: A hunched position with the head lowered, or lying in an unusual position to protect a sore area.
- Reduced jumping: Hesitating before jumping, or no longer reaching favourite high spots.
- Vocalisation: Increased meowing, yowling, or growling — particularly if out of character.
Physical Signs That Apply to Both Dogs and Cats
Some pain indicators are universal across species:
- Swelling or heat in a particular area
- Visible wounds, lumps, or bumps
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Increased heart rate
- Unexpected weight loss
When to See the Vet
If you suspect your pet is in pain, the safest course is always to consult your vet. But certain situations call for more urgent action:
- Immediate vet visit: Obvious injury, difficulty breathing, inability to stand or walk, severe vomiting or diarrhoea, seizures, or collapse.
- Same-day appointment: Refusing food for more than 24 hours, persistent vocalisation, sudden behavioural changes, visible swelling, or blood in urine or stool.
- Monitoring with a planned vet visit: Mild limping that does not resolve within a day or two, subtle appetite changes, or gradual behavioural shifts over a period of days.
Trust your instincts. You know your pet better than anyone. If something feels off, it probably is — and it is always better to have a vet say “everything is fine” than to wait too long and miss a treatment window.
Pain Management Options
Once your vet has identified the source of pain, there are several approaches they may recommend:
Veterinary Pain Medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) designed specifically for pets are commonly prescribed for pain and inflammation. For more severe pain, your vet may prescribe stronger analgesics. Never give your pet human medication — common over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and paracetamol are toxic to dogs and cats.
Physical Therapies
Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitation exercises are increasingly available for pets in Australia and can be particularly effective for chronic joint pain and post-surgical recovery.
Complementary Approaches
Acupuncture, laser therapy, and massage are offered by some veterinary practices and can complement traditional pain management. Always ensure these are provided by qualified veterinary professionals.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple changes at home can make a big difference: orthopaedic beds for arthritic pets, ramps instead of stairs, raised food bowls, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
Diagnostic tests, medications, and ongoing pain management can add up quickly. Having pet insurance in place before issues arise means you can focus on getting your pet the care they need without the added stress of unexpected costs.
Being Your Pet’s Advocate
Your pet depends on you to notice when something is not right. By familiarising yourself with these signs and paying attention to changes in your pet’s normal routines, you become their best advocate. Keep a mental note of what is normal for your individual pet — their energy levels, eating habits, favourite activities, and typical temperament — so that deviations stand out quickly.
And remember: seeking veterinary advice early is never an overreaction. It is responsible pet ownership at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog is in pain?
Common signs of pain in dogs include limping or stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, whimpering or yelping when touched, loss of appetite, excessive panting when resting, withdrawal from family activities, and changes in posture such as a hunched back. Any sudden change in your dog’s normal behaviour warrants attention.
How do cats show they are in pain?
Cats are experts at hiding pain. Signs to watch for include hiding or withdrawing more than usual, a decrease in grooming (or excessive grooming of one area), changes in eating or drinking habits, avoiding the litter tray or having accidents, a tense or hunched posture, purring at unusual times (cats sometimes purr to self-soothe), and aggression or hissing when approached or touched.
When should I take my pet to the vet for pain?
See your vet if your pet’s behaviour change lasts more than 24 hours, if they are refusing food or water, if they are crying or vocalising in distress, if you notice swelling or an obvious injury, or if they are struggling to breathe. Trust your instincts — you know your pet best, and it is always better to check early than to wait too long.
Can I give my pet human pain medication?
No. Never give your pet human pain medication such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or aspirin without veterinary guidance. Many common human medications are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause serious organ damage or death. Always consult your vet, who can prescribe safe, species-appropriate pain relief.
