At Cedar Veterinary Clinic, your trusted veterinary clinic in Cedar City, UT, we are dedicated to helping your pet stay happy and healthy. Your furry bestie can’t tell you when something hurts—but that doesn’t mean they’re not feeling pain. Dogs and cats are masters at hiding discomfort, which means you might not notice a problem until it’s more serious. As your friendly neighborhood vets, we want to equip you with the tools to spot the early signs of pain in your four-legged friends. From subtle shifts in behavior to physical symptoms, recognizing pain early can prevent suffering and lead to faster, more effective treatment.

Why Pets Hide Pain

In the wild, showing weakness makes an animal vulnerable to predators. Even though your couch-loving pup or your regal feline overlord is safe at home, that evolutionary instinct remains. So, instead of whining or limping outright, they might simply withdraw or act “off.” Cats are especially stoic. Many won’t show obvious pain until the issue has progressed significantly. That’s why routine exams at your vet clinic are so important.

10 Signs Your Pet Might Be in Pain

1. Changes in Appetite

If your pet is suddenly skipping meals or treats, something could be wrong.

• Dental pain can make eating uncomfortable.
• Stomach or intestinal issues may cause nausea.
• Even joint pain can make reaching the food bowl harder.

2. Reluctance to Move or Exercise

It’s normal for pets to age but sudden declines are not normal. If your canine buddy suddenly no longer races for his leash or your kitty hesitates to jump onto her favorite perch, don’t ignore it.

• Arthritis or muscle injuries are common causes.
• Neurological issues may also affect mobility.

Pro tip: Subtle changes in how your pet gets up, lies down, or navigates stairs are often early pain indicators.

3. Vocalizing or Whining

Some pets become more vocal when they’re hurting.

• Dogs may whine, yelp, or bark.
• Cats may growl, hiss, or cry out—especially when touched.

This is especially concerning if it’s new or happens during specific movements or interactions. Watch (or listen) for changes in the way your pet usually vocalizes.

4. Panting or Breathing Changes

Panting isn’t always about heat.

• Pain can cause shallow, rapid breathing or panting at rest.
• Look for flared nostrils or labored breathing.

This is often mistaken for anxiety or stress—talk to your Cedar City, UT veterinarian if you’re unsure.

5. Licking, Chewing, or Scratching One Area

Excessive grooming or chewing may signal discomfort—especially if it’s focused on one limb or joint. It can also be a sign of anxiety or distress. It may also be a response to itching.

• Pets may lick arthritic joints or post-surgical sites.
• Cats may groom themselves obsessively. Watch for red or thinning patches of fur

6. Changes in Behavior or Mood

Pain can affect your furry pal’s entire personality.

• Is your normally sweet pup suddenly snappy?
• Is Fluffy hiding more or avoiding your touch?

Don’t chalk these changes up to just getting older. Sudden mood swings often mean something’s wrong physically.

7. Stiffness or Lameness

Obvious limping is an immediate red flag. But even slight stiffness after rest—especially in the morning—can signal chronic pain. This is often caused by issues like hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis. Your vet clinic can assess your pet’s gait and range of motion with a hands-on exam.

8. Restlessness or Inability to Settle

Dogs and cats in pain may seem unsettled or anxious.

• They may pace, whine, or struggle to get comfortable.
• Cats might move from one resting place to another without relaxing.

This is especially common with internal pain, such as from bladder stones or organ discomfort.

9. Changes in Posture or Body Language

Pain often changes how pets hold their bodies.

• A tucked tail, hunched back, or arched posture can signal abdominal pain.
• A low head carriage or stiff walk might indicate neck or joint discomfort.

If your four-legged buddy is moving reluctantly, stiffly, or even just differently, it’s time to visit your pet clinic.

10. Changes in Grooming Habits

This one mostly applies to kitties. Fluffy is usually good at keeping up with her beauty regimen. Your feline pal’s grooming routine is a sort of wellness barometer.

• A suddenly messy coat could mean your feline friend can’t reach or bend due to pain.
• Overgrooming a sore area is also a red flag.

Fun fact: Painful joints, dental issues, or even mouth ulcers can make normal grooming impossible.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Pet Is in Pain

1. Don’t Try to Treat It Yourself

It’s tempting to give over-the-counter meds, but many human pain relievers are toxic to pets—especially cats.

• Never give ibuprofen, Tylenol, or any other human medication. 
• Natural supplements may help, but only offer ones that have been officially approved by your veterinarian.

2. Schedule a Veterinary Exam

At Cedar Veterinary Clinic, our caring vets will do a full physical exam, check for underlying conditions, and create a safe treatment plan. That might include:

• Pain medications
• Anti-inflammatories
• Physical therapy
• Supplements like glucosamine
• Adjusted activity levels

Early intervention makes a big difference—especially in chronic pain.

3. Monitor and Track Symptoms

Keep a daily log of your pet’s behavior changes, including:

• Appetite
• Activity level
• Specific movements that trigger discomfort
• Vocalizations or mood shifts

This helps your veterinary clinic pinpoint the issue faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pets feel pain even if they don’t cry out?

Yes. Many pets do not vocalize when in pain. They may just show discomfort through behavior, posture, and subtle changes.

Is limping always a sign of pain?

Limping is nearly always linked to pain or injury. Don’t wait to see if it goes away—have your vet clinic evaluate it.

How can I tell if my cat is hiding pain?

Look for reduced grooming, withdrawal, hiding, changes in eating, or new aggression. Cats are very subtle in this regard, so you may not notice anything off until Fluffy is quite sick. Trust your instincts and consult your veterinarian as soon as you notice anything off.

What can I give my pet for pain?

Only give your furry friend medications or supplements that were prescribed or recommended by your vet. Human painkillers can be deadly to pets.

Will my pet’s pain go away on its own?

Not likely. Medical issues usually get worse over time if left untreated. It’s always better to check with your animal hospital early.

Final Thoughts

Pain doesn’t have to be obvious to be serious. At Cedar Veterinary Clinic, we believe in proactive, compassionate care, and always put your pet’s comfort and quality of life first. If your furry friend has been acting “off,” don’t ignore those signals. Remember, we’re here to help. If you live near Cedar City, UT, call or visit our vet clinic to schedule an evaluation. Let’s make sure your four-legged family member gets the comfort and care he or she deserves. This post is intended for educational use only. For any signs of pain or illness, consult your veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.