Why Pets Hide Pain
In many ways, working on animals as a veterinarian can be more difficult than working on humans. Despite the fact that our patients are usually cuter, animals tend to be more stoic and often hide their illnesses or pain from veterinary staff—and even their trusted companions.
A major reason for this is instinctual. In the wild, showing weakness makes animals vulnerable to predators. Nature is cruel, and survival often favors the strong. Additionally, some pets are stoic by nature and tend to internalize discomfort until it becomes severe.
Veterinary professionals are trained to identify pain in their patients, but noticing early signs is just as important for pet parents. Pain often starts small—like a mild limp after a nap or play session—but can have serious long-term consequences if ignored. The frustrating part is that many medical issues in pets have a far better prognosis when caught and managed early.
As a pet owner, your best tool is awareness. Noticing small changes early can prevent big problems later on.
Subtle Behavioral Changes to Watch For
Every animal is different and may express pain or discomfort in unique ways. Some illnesses don’t cause “pain” in the traditional sense but still create discomfort or behavioral shifts. Keep an eye out for subtle changes like:
- Withdrawal or hiding: avoiding family, staying under furniture, or sleeping alone.
- Personality shifts: normally friendly pets acting cranky, clingy, or anxious.
- Changes in appetite or sleep: skipping meals, restless nights, or sleeping much more than usual.
- Vocalization: whining, growling, purring differently, or becoming unusually quiet.
💡 If something feels “off,” trust your gut. I’ve seen many owners regret waiting too long for an exam—but I’ve never heard anyone say they came in too soon.
Physical Signs That Often Go Unnoticed
Physical changes can also reveal hidden pain or disease. These signs are often gradual, which makes them easy to overlook or dismiss as “just getting old.” Even if your pet is a senior, new changes deserve attention—don’t wait until it’s too late.
- Gait or posture changes: stiffness after resting, slower stair climbing, or an arched back.
- Licking or chewing a specific spot: especially joints, paws, or surgical scars.
- Subtle limping or shifting weight: especially noticeable on slick floors.
- Facial expressions: squinting, furrowed brow, pinned ears, or a tense jaw.
- Changes in grooming: cats who stop grooming or dogs who overgroom certain areas.
Species-Specific Clues
In veterinary school, we learned that cats are not just small dogs. That saying couldn’t be truer when it comes to pain.
Dogs often show more obvious signs such as reluctance to jump into cars, lagging behind on walks, panting when at rest, or avoiding touch and play.
Cats, on the other hand, are experts at masking pain. They might appear to move around fine, but subtle signs like hiding, reduced jumping, an unkempt coat, or litter box avoidance are red flags for discomfort.
For prey species such as rabbits and small mammals, visible pain is extremely rare until the situation is dire. If you notice any change in behavior or appetite in a prey species, see your vet immediately.
When to Call the Vet
No one wants to visit the vet unnecessarily—it can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. But if you notice something unusual, it’s never wrong to check in. As a veterinarian, I’d rather see your pet for nothing than wait too long and miss something important. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and more comfort for your pet.
You should schedule an appointment if you notice:
- Persistent changes in behavior or mobility lasting more than 24–48 hours.
- Refusal to eat, crying or whining when touched, or lameness that doesn’t resolve with rest.
- Sudden changes in bathroom habits or posture (especially straining or hunching).
- Anything outside of the normal that has YOU concerned! This may vary from pet to pet, and owner to owner.
How Vets Diagnose and Treat Pain
Pain can’t be accurately evaluated over the phone. The best tool a veterinarian has is the physical exam: hands-on assessment reveals details that no photo or description can.
Your vet may recommend diagnostics or assign a pain score, which helps guide the next steps in treatment.
Pain management is multimodal, meaning no single “cure-all” exists. The best results often come from combining approaches such as:
- Medications and anti-inflammatories
- Joint supplements or nutraceuticals
- Physical therapy or laser therapy
- Acupuncture or chiropractic care
- Weight management and gentle exercise
How to Support a Pet in Recovery
If your pet is recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition like arthritis, there’s a lot you can do to help at home.
- Follow your vet’s rest instructions. Pets don’t naturally limit activity when they start feeling better. It’s your job to protect them from re-injury.
- Modify your home: provide soft bedding, ramps, rugs for traction, low-entry litter boxes, and elevated food bowls.
- Keep routines consistent: administer medications on time and maintain a predictable schedule.
- Track progress: jot notes in a planner or app to identify patterns and share updates with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Old age isn’t a disease—and your pet doesn’t have to live in pain. One of the most loving things you can do for them is notice subtle changes early and act on them.
Your turn: When did you first realize your pet might be in pain? What did your veterinarian recommend? Drop me a comment or connect on social media—I’d love to hear your story.
Additional Resources
I love senior pets- by my friend Dr Amanda Steffen (@Senior_Pet_Vet) lives and breathes all things senior dog and cat! I recommend that you check out her website and social media for additional resources.