Animal Pain Awareness Month: Learning to Recognize the Signs

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, making it an important time to talk about something every pet parent should understand: how to recognize when an animal may be experiencing pain.

Because pets cannot tell us exactly what hurts, they communicate through changes in behavior, movement, body language, appetite, and daily routines. Learning to recognize those changes can help families respond sooner and seek veterinary guidance when needed.

Pets May Hide Their Pain

Many animals instinctively hide signs of discomfort. A pet may continue eating, greeting family members, or acting relatively normal even when something is not quite right. Chronic pain can be especially subtle and may be mistaken for normal aging or simply slowing down.

Knowing what is typical for your pet makes it easier to recognize when something changes.

Possible Signs of Pain or Discomfort

• Changes in appetite or drinking

• Limping, stiffness, favoring a limb, or difficulty getting up

• Reluctance to walk, jump, climb stairs, use the litter box, or play

• Excessive licking, chewing, or grooming of one area

• Hiding, withdrawing, or avoiding normal interaction

• Restlessness, disrupted sleep, or difficulty getting comfortable

• Whining, whimpering, growling, hissing, or other unusual vocalization

• Changes in posture, facial expression, or body language

• Unusual irritability, fearfulness, or sensitivity to touch

• Changes in bathroom habits or grooming routines

Not every change means a pet is in pain, but a sudden, significant, or persistent change deserves attention.

Know What Is Normal for Your Pet

One of the best ways to spot possible discomfort is to know your pet's normal personality and routine. If a normally playful dog suddenly avoids walks, or a social cat begins hiding more often, that difference may be an important clue.

Because Pet Care Club Sidekicks become familiar with each pet's routine, they may notice changes in movement, appetite, bathroom habits, energy, or social behavior. During visits, we document what we observe and communicate concerns to the pet parent without trying to diagnose the cause.

When Should You Contact Your Veterinarian?

Contact your veterinarian if you notice a sudden, significant, or persistent change in your pet's behavior or physical condition. Seek urgent veterinary guidance for severe pain, difficulty breathing, collapse, major trauma, inability to urinate, repeated vomiting, or another condition that appears to be an emergency.

Never give a pet human pain medication unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so. Medicines that are safe for people can be dangerous or life-threatening to dogs, cats, and other animals.

Another Attentive Set of Eyes

Consistent care makes changes easier to notice. Pet Care Club Sidekicks pay attention to how pets move, eat, play, rest, and interact during every visit. When something appears different, we record what we see and communicate it to the pet parent.

We never diagnose or replace veterinary care, but we can be another attentive set of eyes when you cannot be there. Sometimes a small change is a pet's biggest way of saying, 'Something does not feel right.'

Educational note: This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.