Recognizing Pain

You are in the best position to look for the subtle changes in behavior that may indicate your pet is suffering. It is important to stay alert to these signs, because the sooner your pet's pain is diagnosed and treated, the sooner he or she can heal and resume a normal, happy life.

How can I tell if my dog is in pain?

• Dogs that are in pain behave differently.
• Dogs may withdraw, become listless or overly affectionate.
• They may bark, whine or act unusually aggressive.
• Often, dogs in pain lick, bite or protect a certain part of their body.
• Their appetite may change, or they might soil in the house.
• Dogs with arthritis may walk stiffly or have trouble getting to their feet.

How can I tell if my cat is in pain?

• Cats often hide the fact they are in pain, so identifying pain in cats can be difficult.
• Cats in pain may hide or become unsociable.
• They might hiss, meow or act unusually aggressive.
• Often they lick, bite or protect a certain part of their body or lose their appetite.
• Cats with arthritis, may walk stiffly, have trouble getting to their feet, or may urinate or defecate outside the litter box (because it may be too painful to get in and out).
• Fail to groom themselves.

Look for these and other signs of unusual behavior.