Don't Ignore These Signs Your Pet is in Pain

Changes in Activity Level: Pain may be indicated by a noticeable drop in activity, reluctance to play, or a sudden change in exercise routine.

Lethargy: If your pet is more drowsy than usual, appears unusually exhausted, or lacks energy, it may be in pain.

Modified Grooming Practices: Pets in pain might groom themselves less or excessively groom a painful area. If they are hurt, cats may completely stop grooming.

Changes in Appetite: Pain may cause a sudden loss of appetite or a drop in food intake.

Moving Slowly or with Limping: Check to see if your pet is limping or having trouble getting around. They may be favoring one leg over the other. Another sign of pain is hesitancy when using stairs or jumping onto furniture. 

Vocalization: Unusual whimpering, growling, hissing, or whining may indicate pain. Cats may meow more frequently or in an unusual way.

Behavior Changes: Your pet may express pain by acting aggressively, withdrawing, becoming more irritable, or becoming unusually restless.

Change in Posture: Pain-affected animals may adopt an unusual posture to feel better. Signs may include a rounded back, shrugged shoulders, or an awkward grip on a limb.

Avoiding Contact: A pet in pain may avoid touching, being picked up, or other forms of physical contact, even from a dependable human.

Extraordinary Panting: Dogs may pant excessively when they are in pain, even if it is not hot outside. Panting may also be a sign of stress or anxiety.

Breathing Modifications: Rapid or shallow breathing, especially in cats, may be a sign of pain.

Changes in Sleep Patterns: If your pet experiences significant changes in sleep, such as difficulty falling asleep or sleeping more than usual, it may be a sign of pain.

Restlessness: Uncomfortableness may cause restlessness, which manifests as pacing, difficulty finding a comfortable position, or constant shifting.

Eye Changes: Signs of eye pain or discomfort may include dilated pupils, squinting, or avoiding bright lights.

Excessive Scratching or Licking: Even if there isn't a visible injury, pets may scratch or lick a painful area.

Pets can exhibit a variety of behavioural changes and physical symptoms when they're in discomfort. A decrease in activity level, lethargy, changes in grooming habits, changes in appetite, limping or sluggish movement, vocalisations like growling or whimpering, behavioural changes like aggression or withdrawal, changes in posture, avoiding physical contact, excessive panting or breathing changes, disturbed sleep patterns, restlessness, eye-related signs like dilated pupils or squinting, and excessive scratching or licking, even in the absence of visible signs, are some of these. The ability to recognise and swiftly handle any potential pain or discomfort in their cherished pets is essential for pet owners to ensure their well-being and comfort.