Home of Whispering Winds Wholistic Animal Sanctuary

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
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16331 Lakeshore Dr., Ste. G
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

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