10 Signs Your Pet Is in Pain

Pets hide pain instinctively — it's a survival mechanism. By the time they show obvious signs, they may have been hurting for days. Here's what to look for: **1. Changes in posture or gait** — limping, hunching, or reluctance to put weight on a leg. **2. Decreased appetite** — pain makes eating uncomfortable. A pet skipping more than one meal warrants attention. **3. Excessive licking or chewing** — pets lick at painful spots, even internal ones (they lick their belly if their stomach hurts). **4. Restlessness or inability to settle** — getting up and lying back down repeatedly, pacing at night. **5. Vocalization** — whimpering, howling, or growling when touched or moved. Some pets go silent instead. **6. Changes in breathing** — shallow, rapid, or labored breathing can signal pain, especially in cats. **7. Sudden aggression** — a normally gentle pet biting or snapping when you touch a certain area. **8. Withdrawn behavior** — hiding under beds, avoiding family, less interest in play or interaction. **9. Eyes squinting or dilated pupils** — pain affects the eyes. Squinting often means facial or eye pain. **10. Loss of grooming** — cats especially stop grooming when in pain. A dull, matted coat is a red flag. **When to go to the vet immediately:** If your pet is crying out constantly, can't stand, has labored breathing, or collapsed — go to an emergency vet now. Use our emergency page to find one near you.