If our pets could just tell us when something hurts, life would be so much easier. Instead, they rely on us to notice the little cues. Sometimes the signs are obvious—like limping after a long walk. Other times, they’re more subtle, like your cat hiding under the bed or your dog suddenly losing interest in their favorite toy.
So how do you know when something’s really wrong? A lot of it comes down to noticing changes in their normal routine, and that’s the trickiest part. Since pain isn’t always obvious, knowing how dogs and cats act when they’re in distress can make all the difference in getting them the care they need.
How Do You Know When Your Pet Is in Pain?
Every pet is different, but pain usually shows up as changes in behavior, energy levels, or even personality. Some pets get quiet and withdrawn when they’re hurting, while others become restless or clingy. Since you know your pet better than anyone, it’s important to trust your gut—if something feels off, you’re probably right.
Here are a few signs worth paying attention to:
- Changes in movement like limping, stiffness, moving more slowly, or avoiding stairs and furniture
- Shifts in mood such as hissing/growling, hiding, snapping, or being unusually irritable
- Changes in appetite or eating habits like skipping meals, chewing on one side of the mouth, or dropping food
- Excessive grooming or licking, especially focused on one specific area of the body
- Bathroom changes like straining to go, accidents in the house, or avoiding the litter box
- More vocal than usual, such as whining, meowing, or panting when it’s not hot
It’s easy to write these symptoms off as “getting older,” but the truth is that age doesn’t equal pain. If your senior pet is slowing down, it’s worth asking why.
What Pain Looks Like in Dogs
Dogs are generally more expressive than cats, but it can still be tricky to spot their signs of pain. For example, a dog with dental pain may still eat but start dropping kibble from one side of the mouth.
You might also notice changes in behavior like:
- A dog who used to race to the door for a walk suddenly starting to hang back
- A house-trained pup starts having accidents indoors
- An easy-going dog pacing at night or having trouble getting comfortable to sleep
How Cats Act When They’re in Pain
Cats are experts at hiding their pain—for them it’s a survival instinct. Instead of limping or crying, they might simply start napping more and grooming less, hiding in closets, or avoiding their favorite perch.
A few red flags for signs of pain in cats include:
- Not jumping like they used to
- Dull or matted fur from lack of grooming
- Spending more time in hiding spots
- Hissing or swatting if you touch a sore area
- Skipping the litter box altogether
Something as small as avoiding the litter box can point to an underlying issue, from arthritis to kidney disease. Sometimes it looks like “bad behavior,” but it’s really your cat’s way of telling you that something hurts.
When to Call Your Vet
If your pet’s behavior changes suddenly—or if they’ve been gradually drifting away from normal—it’s time for a checkup. Pain can happen for many reasons. It could be anything from dental disease or arthritis to kidney problems or even heartworm. The sooner your vet knows what’s going on, the sooner they can help your pet feel comfortable again.
Helping Pets Feel Better in Gilbert, AZ
At the end of the day, you’re the one who notices the tiny shifts no one else sees. If something feels off, don’t wait it out. Pets hide their pain well, but they can’t hide it from the people who love them most.
At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we’ll always take your concerns seriously. Whether it’s a limp, a skipped meal, or just a gut feeling you can’t shake, it’s okay to give us a call. Together, we’ll figure out what’s going on and help your pet get back to being themselves again.
Photo by Creative Workshop on Pexels used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 9/6/2025