Signs of Pain in Animals
Wild and domestic animals show pain in a variety of ways. Their inability to communicate does not in any way diminish their potential to experience hurtful and unpleasant stimuli.
Dogs
The more obvious signs that your dog may be experiencing pain:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Vocalization
- Trembling
- Restlessness
- Increased breathing rate
Less obvious signs of pain, may include:
- Increased heart rate
- Reduced appetite
- Depression
- Reluctance to move
Cats
- VOCALIZING:
- Meowing
- Purring
- Hissing
- Growling
- SELF-MULTILATION:
- Licking
- Biting
- Scratching a particular part of its body
- DAILY HABITS:
- Withdraws form social interaction
- Decreased appetite
- Changes in sleeping or drinking
- Fails to use the litter box
- Urinates frequently
- Won't groom or grooms less, looks unkempt
- Sleeps more
- POSTURE:
- Generally lays with feet underneath
- Arches back or tucks in abdomen
- ACTIVITY LEVEL:
- Restless
- Reluctant to move
- Has difficulty getting up from a laying position
- Repetitively gets up and lies down
- Trembles or shakes
- Limps
- Can't leap as high
- Seeks more affection
- Avoids being petted or handled
- Hides
- SELF-PROTECTION:
- Protects a part of its body
- Doesn't put weight on a limb
- Doesn't want to be held or picked up
- AGGRESSION:
- Especially a previously friendly cat
- Acts out of character
- Growls, hisses, bites
- Pins ears back
This site is dedicated to all animals and their guardians. Whether you are here to find information and links to research holistic methods or just browsing,
please feel free to linger as long as you wish.
The information on this web site is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or veterinarian. This information is not intended as a substitute
for the reader's independent judgment and personal responsibility. Health issues are far too important to delegate to anyone else. It is highly recommended you research
and seek information and counsel from as wide a variety of sources as possible, so you can make well informed educated decisions about you, your child's, or your pet's health,
as in the end YOU make the decisions.
