Pets are remarkably skilled at hiding pain. In the wild, showing vulnerability attracts predators, so dogs and cats have evolved to mask discomfort—even when they’re suffering significantly. This instinct makes it challenging for even attentive pet owners to know when something is wrong. At West Concord Animal Clinic, we want every family in Concord, Carlisle, Acton, Stow, and surrounding communities to feel confident recognizing the signs that their pet may be hurting so they can seek care promptly.
Here are 10 signs that your dog or cat may be in pain:
1. Changes in Posture or Movement
A pet in pain often changes how they hold their body or move through space. You might notice a hunched back, a tucked tail, reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto furniture, stiffness when rising from rest, or a noticeable limp. These postural changes can indicate musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, spinal issues, or internal discomfort. Any new or progressive mobility change warrants a veterinary evaluation.
2. Unusual Vocalizations
Whimpering, whining, growling when touched, or yelping during normal activities can all signal pain. Cats in pain may yowl, cry out, or become abnormally quiet. While some pets vocalize more than others by nature, any new or increased vocalization—especially when associated with movement or touch—should be evaluated by a veterinarian at West Concord Animal Clinic.
3. Changes in Grooming Behavior
Both dogs and cats may over-groom a painful area, licking, biting, or chewing at the skin repeatedly. Conversely, a pet that is generally painful may stop grooming altogether, leading to a dull, matted, or unkempt coat. Excessive grooming of a specific location—a paw, a joint, the abdomen—often points to localized discomfort and deserves attention.
4. Appetite and Thirst Changes
Pain frequently disrupts normal appetite. A pet experiencing dental pain, abdominal discomfort, or widespread body pain may eat less, pick at food, or show interest in food but walk away without eating. Changes in water intake can also accompany illness or pain. If your pet’s eating or drinking habits shift noticeably, schedule an appointment for a comprehensive exam.
5. Behavioral Shifts: Withdrawal or Aggression
A normally social pet that suddenly withdraws, hides, or refuses interaction may be in pain. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a typically gentle pet that becomes irritable, snaps, or growls when approached or touched is often reacting to discomfort. Pain changes behavior—if your pet is acting “not like themselves,” pain is always on the list of possibilities to investigate.
6. Changes in Breathing
Rapid, shallow breathing at rest or panting in a cat (which is almost always abnormal) can signal pain or significant physical distress. Dogs in pain may pant excessively even when cool and calm. Labored breathing or open-mouth breathing in cats is always an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. Call us at 978-949-8854 right away if you observe these signs.
7. Altered Facial Expression
Veterinary researchers have developed “grimace scales” for multiple species that identify pain-related facial changes: squinted or partially closed eyes, tense brow muscles, flattened ears, a tightened muzzle, and a less prominent whisker area. These subtle facial cues can be hard to read at first, but over time, attentive owners often notice that their pet’s face “just looks different” when something is wrong—and that instinct is usually worth acting on.
8. Restlessness and Difficulty Settling
A pet in pain may pace, circle repeatedly, or be unable to find a comfortable resting position. They may lie down and stand up frequently, or seem agitated and unable to relax. This restlessness often indicates musculoskeletal pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, or neurological pain. If your pet is struggling to settle and seems distressed, contact our team at West Concord Animal Clinic.
9. Changes in Elimination Habits
Pain can disrupt normal bathroom behaviors. A dog with hip pain may struggle to squat, leading to accidents indoors. A cat with urinary pain may associate the litter box with discomfort and begin eliminating elsewhere. Changes in the frequency, posture, or location of urination or defecation can indicate underlying pain that needs veterinary attention—do not assume these are behavioral issues without ruling out a medical cause first.
10. Unexplained Fatigue or Reduced Activity
Pain drains energy. A dog that no longer wants to play fetch, a cat that stopped climbing to their favorite perch, or any pet that seems to sleep more than usual and engage less with their environment may be experiencing chronic discomfort. While some decline in activity is normal with aging, pain-related fatigue is different—it often comes on over weeks or months and may progress if left unaddressed.
When to Call West Concord Animal Clinic
If you notice any of the signs above—especially multiple signs together or signs that are new or worsening—schedule an appointment promptly. Dr. Jennifer Schickler, Dr. Catherine Cole, and Dr. Hailey Miller are trained in low-stress handling and compassionate pain assessment. Our team will perform a thorough physical exam and recommend appropriate diagnostics to identify the source of discomfort and create a pain management plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
West Concord Animal Clinic is a Cat Friendly Certified practice serving Concord, Carlisle, Acton, Stow, Maynard, Lincoln, and neighboring communities. Call us at 978-949-8854, email info@westconcordanimalclinic.net, or visit us at 29 Domino Dr., Concord, MA 01742.
