The Silent Language of Pain: What to Watch For
By Crystal Hanson, Hobo’s Healing Heart Board Member
When my dog Connor began slowing down, I told myself it was just aging catching up with him, but then I noticed subtle signs: only fetching the ball twice before taking a break, hesitation before jumping up on the couch, avoiding stairs and small stumbles over the curbs on walks. That’s when I realized he wasn’t just aging, he was hurting.
Connor Hanson
X-Rays revealed Connor didn’t just have arthritis, but he also had spondylosis, and while he didn’t yelp or whine, his body was telling us he needed help. I realized he had been silently suffering longer than I wanted to admit. With the guidance of a wonderful veterinarian, we made changes to his surroundings and physical activity. Ramps appeared everywhere in our home and camper; walks became shorter but more frequent and with the help of a pet stroller he was able to join the family on long walks without being left behind at home.
September is National Pet Pain Awareness month, and I share Connor’s story to shine a light on the quiet, often overlooked ways our pets express discomfort. They can’t tell us in words when they are hurting so it’s up to us to recognize the warning signs. Whether your pet is aging, recovering from an injury or dealing with a chronic condition, being in tune to the pain is one of the most loving things we can do.
Why Pets Don’t Show Their Pain
According to the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM.org), many pets suffer silently because animals instinctively hide pain to avoid showing weakness. Unlike humans who often vocalize discomfort to seek help, animals are biologically wired to mask their pain to avoid appearing vulnerable. This instinct hasn’t gone away, even in our beloved pets who share our beds.
Silent Signs Your Pet May be in Pain
Changes in Mobility: limping, stiffness, reluctance to jump, climb stairs or play
Decreased Activity: sleeping more, withdrawing from interaction, avoiding favorite activities
Altered Behavior or Mood: becoming irritable, anxious, unusually clingy, or even aggressive when touched
Change in Appetite or Drinking: eating or drinking less, having more difficulty chewing or dropping food
Grooming Differences: over grooming in one area, licking or biting at a specific spot, or lack of grooming in cats
Posture and Movement: arched back, head hanging low, trembling, restlessness or shifting positions often
Vocalization: whining, growling, meowing more than usual or making other distressing sounds
Breathing Changes: panting when no hot or active, shallow breathing or labored breathing
Bathroom Habits: accidents in the house, straining to urinate or defecate or noticeable constipation.
What You Can Do
If you notice any of these signs, especially if they persist or seem to be getting worse, don’t wait to talk to your veterinarian. Many causes of pain are treatable, and early intervention can improve your pet’s quality of life dramatically.
There are more tools now than ever to manage pain in pets from medication to physical therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, and even simple changes like orthopedic bedding, or ramps for easier access to furniture or cars.
Final Thoughts
Just like Connor, so many pets live with pain in silence but with education and awareness we can be their voice. You know your pets better than anyone, trust your gut if something seems off it’s worth getting it checked out. Connor was able to enjoy several meaningful years with modifications made in our home, to our play and exercise routine and with the help of an amazing veterinarian.
This September lets honor our furry friends by paying attention to the silent signals they give us; it could be the key to giving them the comfort and care they deserve.
This article is informed by guidelines and resources from the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
