Understanding Pain in Pets: Signs, Challenges, and Treatment Options

For a long time, people believed that animals didn’t feel pain like humans do. Fortunately, we now know that all vertebrates (animals with a backbone) experience pain, and even some invertebrates, like octopuses, may have the ability to perceive and react to it as well. But recognizing and treating pain in pets can be tricky since they express it very differently from us. 

‍How Do Pets Show Pain? 

Animals don’t always display pain in ways we expect. Many pet owners assume that if an animal isn’t crying out, they must not be in pain—but that’s not always the case. 

• Cats tend to hide their pain. As mid-level predators, cats instinctively avoid showing weakness, making it hard to tell when they’re uncomfortable. 

• Dogs are more variable. Some may be vocal or seek attention, while others withdraw or show subtle signs of discomfort. 

Common Signs of Pain in Pets 

Recognizing pain in pets requires close observation. Since they can’t tell us when they’re hurting, we need to watch for behavioral and physical changes. 

Signs of Pain in Cats: 

• Decreased appetite 

• Hiding 

• Decreased activity 

• Trouble walking, standing, or jumping 

• Less grooming 

• Squinting or tense facial expressions 

• Changes in litter box habits 

• A hunched posture instead of curling up to sleep 

• Sensitivity to touch 

• Abnormal ear, whisker, or head positioning 

Signs of Pain in Dogs: 

• Stiffness or limping 

• Restlessness or lethargy 

• Reluctance to move or exercise 

• Excessive panting 

• Increased clinginess or, conversely, hiding 

• Reactions to touch 

• Excessive grooming 

• Irritability or aggression 

• Loss of appetite 

• Sleeping more or less than usual 

• Accidents in the house 

Where Does Pain Come From? 

Pain can originate from muscles, bones, skin, or internal organs, and each type feels different. For example, a stomachache doesn’t feel the same as a sprained ankle. When pain occurs, signals travel through the nerves to the brain, where they are processed. The way a pet reacts depends on the type and severity of the pain. 

Pain Management at L&L Animal Urgent Care 

One of the most common reasons pets visit us is pain—whether it’s from a sudden injury, chronic arthritis, a back issue, or a wound. Our goal is to recognize pain early and treat it effectively. We offer a variety of pain management options, including: 

• Narcotic medications for severe pain in both dogs and cats 

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation 

• Topical or injectable lidocaine for temporary numbing of wounds 

• Gabapentin for chronic pain or nerve-related discomfort 

• Muscle relaxers for pain related to muscle spasms 

Additionally, there are other pain relief options, such as CBD, omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, Adequan (joint injections), and monoclonal antibody injections like Solensia and Librela. While we do not stock all of these at our clinic, we have experience with their uses and are happy to discuss them when their use is appropriate.

When to Seek Help 

If you think your pet is in pain—no matter the cause or how long it’s been going on—it’s important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Pain isn’t always curable, but in most cases, we can reduce discomfort and improve your pet’s quality of life. 

If your pet is in pain, we’re here to help. Contact L&L Animal Urgent Care to discuss and develop a plan to help control pain and improve your pet’s quality of life.