How to Recognize Pain in Cats and Dogs: Signs, Types, and Care Tips for Animal Pain Awareness Month
September has been declared Animal Pain Awareness Month by IVAPM (The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management), aligning with human medicine’s Pain Awareness Month. Just like us, animals experience pain in many forms. Acute pain is easy to spot, but chronic pain can be more subtle, often mistaken for a pet simply “getting older” or “slowing down.” But here’s the thing: old age isn’t a disease, though pain certainly is.
Our beloved companions experience pain just like we do, but the tricky part is, they can’t tell us directly. They rely on us to notice the subtle changes, and sometimes those changes are hidden behind their brave faces. Animals have this incredible instinct to mask their pain, almost as if they’re trying to protect themselves from looking vulnerable. It’s part of their survival mechanism, and while it’s fascinating, it also makes it harder for us to see when they’re hurting.
Old age isn’t a disease, though pain certainly is.
So how do we know?
Dogs might show us in little ways—maybe they’ve become a bit grumpy or withdrawn, not quite as eager to jump up for their usual games. They might lick or chew at a sore spot, hide away, or seem stiff when they move.
Cats, the mysterious creatures, tend to show their discomfort by retreating into themselves. You might notice them skipping their grooming, staying low to the ground, or avoiding the litter box. It’s as if they’re saying, “I’m not quite myself,” but in the quietest way possible.
Types of Pain
Once we understand the type of pain they’re experiencing, we can take steps to ease their suffering.
Acute pain is sharp and sudden—like when your pup cuts their paw at the park or singes their whiskers being a little too curious of a lit candle. This kind of pain serves a purpose, helping protect the body from further injury. It usually lasts a few days and then improves, but without proper care, it can turn into something more long-term. You might notice your pet hiding, limping, or guarding the injured area.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, is an ongoing, dull ache that lingers and wears pets down over time. It’s not protective like acute pain, and it can sneak up on them (and us), blending in with signs of aging like slowing down or sleeping more. Joint disease, dental issues, or osteoarthritis are common culprits, and even though your pet might still be eating or playing, the signs are there—maybe they’re not finishing their meal or avoiding long walks. Chronic pain can also cause irritability, changes in posture, and increased panting.
Cancer pain is a tough one because it can be both acute and chronic. Fast-growing tumors can invade tissues or nerves, causing sharp pain, while long-term issues like tissue inflammation lead to more persistent discomfort. It’s hard to spot since the tumor may not be visible, but if your pet is losing weight, limping for no reason, or has wounds that aren’t healing, it’s worth a visit to the vet to check for cancer-related pain.
When it comes to determining the right time for difficult end-of-life decisions, it can be overwhelming and heartbreaking for pet parents. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, it's hard to know if your beloved companion is in pain or if their quality of life has declined. This is where having a trusted professional can make all the difference. Caring Pathways, a local and compassionate, mobile veterinary practice, offers support to help you assess your pet's comfort and well-being, guiding you through these challenging moments with care and understanding.
“The Caring Pathways Quality of Life Assessment is an in-home appointment where one of our end-of-life care veterinary experts will evaluate your beloved pet in the comfort and privacy of your home. Oftentimes, pet parents feel stuck making the difficult decision to move forward with euthanasia, not knowing if it is the “right time.” Having an expert evaluate your pet in-person and make an educated recommendation, based on their experience and compassion, can give you the confidence you need to make the best decision for your special family member.” -Caring Pathways
Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged or inflamed, and it can be especially tricky to diagnose because our pets can’t tell us they’re feeling that pins-and-needles sensation. Neuropathic pain can look like limping, muscle loss, or even shaking skin. You might also notice changes in their elimination habits or hear them vocalizing more than usual.
The key is to pay close attention to these little signs. Our pets can’t always tell us when they’re in pain, but with a bit of awareness, we can help them live their best, most comfortable lives.
Important Note
As much as we want to help, it’s crucial not to give our pets human pain medications. Things like aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol can be dangerous—even deadly—to our furry friends. If you ever suspect your pet is in pain, the best thing to do is reach out to your vet. They’ll guide you to the right solution with the care your pet deserves.
If you ever suspect your pet is in pain, the best thing to do is reach out to your vet.
Compassionate Awareness
In the end, being attuned to our furry friends' subtle signals of pain is one of the most loving things we can do for them. Whether they’re dealing with the sharp sting of acute pain, the lingering ache of chronic discomfort, our furry companions rely on us to recognize their needs. By understanding the types of pain they may face and working closely with a veterinarian, we can ensure they get the care and comfort they deserve. Remember, our companions can't tell us when they're hurting, but with awareness and compassion, we can help them lead happy, pain-free lives.
References
Animal Emergency Care. (n.d.). Understanding 4 types of pain in your pet. https://animalemergencycare.com
Caring Pathways. (2024). How do I know if my pet is in pain: Quality of life questions. https://caringpathways.com
Caring Pathways. (2024). In-home quality of life assessment. https://caringpathways.com
International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. Animal pain awareness month.https://ivapm.org
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September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of detecting pain in our pets. Since animals can't tell us when they hurt, it's up to us to notice subtle signs. Dogs may become irritable, limp, or withdraw from favorite activities, while cats might hide, stop grooming, or avoid the litter box. These behaviors can signal pain, whether it's acute, chronic, or related to conditions like cancer.
By paying attention to these signs and working with a compassionate vet, like those at Caring Pathways, we can help ensure our pets stay comfortable and live their best lives.