Often when our pets experience pain, it’s painfully obvious–they whine, whimper, scream, squawk, and run away. Unfortunately, the signs of chronic or mild pain can be more difficult to identify. In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, we want to share with you some of the more inconspicuous signs that suggest your pet may be in pain.

Signs of Chronic Pain in Dogs

Chronic pain is often caused by an underlying, possibly serious, health condition. Don’t let your dog suffer in silence. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of these symptoms of pain, make an appointment to see us:

• Change in behavior or temperament
• Change in sleeping or eating habits
• Slow to get up from a lying position
• Withdrawal from social activities
• No longer interested in play or active exercise
• Sensitivity to touch or being pet
• Reluctance to climb stairs, get into bed, or other strenuous movements
• Excessive grooming (often paw licking but can be licking of joints)
• Panting more often
• Limping or change in gait

Symptoms of Pain in Cats

As for cats, they are known as masters of pain disguise. This can make spotting the signs of discomfort a bit more tricky. Yet if your cat is in pain, it’s imperative to have her examined, since, by the time she’s showing obvious signs, it can be more difficult to treat her condition. Here are the signs your cat be experiencing pain:

• Hiding and becoming more withdrawn
• Change in temperament and habits
• Being less physically active
• Sitting awkwardly, often on the side of the hip
• Short temper
• Excessive grooming or neglecting grooming
• Vocalization
• Change in sleep pattern 
• Going to the bathroom outside of the litter box
• Lack of appetite

Symptoms of Pain in Exotic Pets

As you’re well aware, dogs and cats aren’t the only creatures to experience pain. Birds, pocket pets, reptiles, and amphibians also feel pain. Unlike dogs and cats, the signs that these animals are in pain can be more difficult to recognize for many pet parents. 

It can be hard to put ourselves in the position of our pets. It’s extremely likely that all creatures, furry, feathery, or scaly experience pain in a similar manner to people. One rule to live by when it comes to injuries is: if it looks like it would be painful for you, it’s likely painful for your pet.

Here are some preliminary ways to identify pain in exotic pets:

Birds

• Change in temperament
• Restlessness
• Lack of grooming
• Change in normal behavior
• Lack of appetite
• Dropped wing or lame wing or foot
• Guarding an area of the body
• Excessive biting or chewing of one area, missing feathers
• Staying on lower perches or bottom of the cage

Amphibians

• Self-protective behavior
• Avoiding owner
• Change in sleep pattern or eating habits
• Limping or lameness
• Moving slowly
• Excessive restlessness
• Tucking the belly

Reptiles

• Withdrawal
• Immobility
• Lameness or limping
• Aggression 
• Abdominal tucking
• Lack of eating
• Anxiousness or restlessness
• Depression
• Dull skin

Pain in Small Mammals

• Decreased appetite
• Lack of sleep
• Hiding
• Limping or lameness
• Unsustained standing
• Excessive or neglecting grooming
• Missing fur
• Head tilting

Don’t Let Your Pet’s Pain Linger

Our pets bring us so much joy. Don’t let your pet suffer from chronic or subtle pain. If you have questions about your pet’s health, including if he or she is experiencing pain, we’re happy to help. Make an appointment to restore your pet’s happiness and health. 

Image credit: Creative Workshop | Pexels