Animal Pain Awareness Month: Learning to Recognize When Your Pet Hurts

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, a great time to talk about something our pets can’t tell us directly: when they are in pain.

Unlike people, animals can’t simply tell us, “My back hurts” or “My tooth is bothering me.” They often communicate pain through subtle changes in their behavior, appetite, movement, or daily routines.

And sometimes, those changes can be easy to miss.

Pets Don’t Always Show Pain the Way We Expect

One of the biggest misconceptions about pain in animals is that a pet must be crying, limping, or obviously distressed to be hurting.

In reality, many animals are remarkably good at hiding pain.

This instinct may come from their natural survival behaviors. A sick or injured animal can be vulnerable, so they may try to continue acting normally even when something is wrong.

That means knowing your pet’s normal behavior is one of the best tools you have for recognizing changes.

Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain

Pain can look different from one animal to another. Some common signs include:

• Changes in appetite or drinking
• Sleeping more than usual
• Restlessness or difficulty getting comfortable
• Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or move around
• Limping or changes in how they walk
• Trouble getting up or lying down
• Excessive licking or chewing at a particular area
• Hiding or withdrawing from family members
• Increased irritability or unusual aggression
• Whining, crying, or vocalizing
• Panting when they aren’t hot or exercising
• Changes in posture or facial expression
• Changes in grooming habits
• Accidents in the house
• Decreased interest in activities they normally enjoy

For cats in particular, pain can be extremely subtle. A cat that suddenly stops jumping onto their favorite furniture, spends more time hiding, or becomes less interested in grooming may be telling you something is wrong.

“They’re Just Getting Older” Isn’t Always the Answer

It’s common to assume that slowing down is simply a normal part of aging.

While our pets naturally change as they get older, pain should not simply be accepted as a normal part of aging.

Arthritis, dental disease, injuries, cancer, and other medical conditions can cause chronic or acute pain. Many of these conditions can be managed, and identifying them early can help improve a pet’s comfort and quality of life.

If you’ve noticed that your pet isn’t moving, eating, playing, or behaving like they used to, it’s worth discussing those changes with your veterinarian.

Pain Management Has Come a Long Way

Veterinary medicine has many options for managing pain, and treatment is not one-size-fits-all.

Depending on the cause and severity of the pain, your veterinarian may recommend a combination of approaches, including medications, weight management, rehabilitation, nutritional support, environmental changes, or other therapies.

The goal isn’t simply to treat a symptom. It’s to identify the underlying cause of the pain and create an appropriate plan to keep your pet as comfortable and active as possible.

You Know Your Pet Best

One of the most valuable things you can do is pay attention to changes in your pet’s normal routine.

You know how your dog usually gets up in the morning. You know how your cat normally jumps onto the couch. You know how your rabbit eats, how your bird behaves, or how your pet normally interacts with you.

When those behaviors change, don’t ignore them.

Even small changes can provide important clues about your pet’s health.

This Animal Pain Awareness Month, Take a Closer Look

Spend a little extra time observing your pet this month.

Are they moving comfortably? Eating normally? Grooming themselves? Enjoying their favorite activities? Getting up and down easily?

If something seems different, email us or schedule an appointment so we can help determine what may be going on.

Your pet may not be able to tell you where it hurts—but by paying attention to the little things, you can help us listen. 🐾

All Creatures Veterinary Hospital
Caring for dogs, cats, and exotic pets throughout every stage of life.