Spotting Pain in Pets: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, and while it’s not the most fun topic, it’s an important one. Our pets can’t use words to tell us when something hurts, so it’s up to us to notice the signs and get them the care they need.

The Different Kinds of Pet Pain

Not all pain looks the same. Here are a few common types pets that may experience:

• Acute Pain
  This is sudden pain from something like a cut, sprain, or surgery. It usually comes on quickly but can often be treated right away.
   

• Chronic Pain
  Chronic pain builds over time—think arthritis or long-term dental issues. It can be harder to notice, but it can really affect your pet’s daily comfort.
   

• Neuropathic Pain
  This comes from nerve damage and may feel like tingling or burning. Pets might react oddly to being touched in certain spots.
   

• Cancer-Related Pain
  Pets battling cancer may experience pain from tumors pressing on their body. Keeping them comfortable is key.
   

Signs Your Pet May Be Hurting

Since pets are pros at hiding pain, here are some clues to look out for:

• Acting differently—quieter, grumpier, or just “off”
   

• Limping, stiffness, or slowing down on walks
   

• Eating less or chewing funny
   

• Making noises (whining, yelping, or even extra purring

• Restlessness or sleeping way more than usual
   

• Licking or chewing one spot over and over
   

• Subtle face changes—squinting, ears back, or dull eyes
   

What to Do Next

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—check in with your veterinarian. They can figure out what’s going on and help your pet feel better, whether that’s through medicine, therapy, or lifestyle changes.

Why Awareness Matters

The more we know, the better we can advocate for our furry friends. Recognizing the different types of pain and the little signals pets give us means we can jump into action and keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching happily.