DOG & CAT HEALTH · COMFORT
Recognizing pain
before it becomes obvious.
Pain may appear as changes in movement, posture, sleep, grooming, appetite, interaction or behavior—not only crying.
IN THIS GUIDECommon ways dogs and cats express painHelp the veterinary team see what happens at homePain treatment should match the cause and the patientSeek immediate help for severe or sudden signsTrusted sources
COMPARE WITH NORMAL
The most useful clue is often a change from that pet’s usual behavior.
Acute pain follows injury, surgery or sudden illness. Chronic pain may develop gradually with arthritis, dental disease, cancer or other conditions and can be easier to miss.
Videocaptures movement at homeTrendshows improvement or declineMultimodalplans target pain from several angles
01 · SIGNS
Common ways dogs and cats express pain
- Limping, stiffness, slower rising or reluctance to jump
- Hunched posture, guarding, trembling or repeated repositioning
- Hiding, reduced interaction, irritability or aggression
- Less grooming—or licking one area repeatedly
- Appetite change, altered sleep or house-soiling
- Panting at rest, rapid breathing or an unusual facial expression
02 · TRACKING
Help the veterinary team see what happens at home
- Record a short video of walking, stairs, getting up and jumping.
- Note good and difficult days on a calendar.
- Track appetite, sleep, play, grooming, litter-box or elimination habits.
- Use the same validated questionnaire when your veterinarian recommends one.
- Report medication benefit and possible adverse effects rather than changing doses yourself.
03 · MANAGEMENT
Pain treatment should match the cause and the patient
Plans may combine medication, weight management, rehabilitation, environmental changes, treatment of the underlying disease and periodic reassessment. Cats, dogs and people metabolize medications differently.
Important: Never give ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen or another human pain reliever unless a veterinarian has specifically prescribed it for that animal.
04 · EMERGENCY PAIN
Seek immediate help for severe or sudden signs
- Uncontrolled distress, collapse or inability to stand
- A swollen abdomen with retching or restlessness
- Sudden paralysis, severe weakness or a suspected fracture
- Eye injury or a tightly closed painful eye
- Inability to urinate
- Major trauma, severe burns or breathing difficulty
TRUSTED SOURCES
Sources behind this guide
American Animal Hospital Association2022 Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats ↗
Source links are provided so readers can review the underlying guidance. Publication dates and recommendations can change; confirm individual plans with the treating veterinary team.