How-to guide

How to Tell If Your Dog or Cat Is in Pain

Dogs and cats hide pain well. The subtle behaviour and posture changes that signal pain, how vets assess it, and why you should never give human painkillers.

Updated October 2026 · 7 min read · By the Hushku editorial team · 3 sources

Short answer

Pets rarely cry out when they're in pain. Instead, look for changes: moving less, reluctance to jump or use stairs, limping or stiffness, licking one area, changes in appetite, sleeping more, hiding, irritability, panting at rest (dogs) or squinting and a hunched posture (cats). If you notice these, see your vet, and never give human painkillers: ibuprofen and paracetamol can be deadly to pets.

Key facts

Pets rarely cry out with chronic pain; look for changes in movement and behaviour.
The Feline Grimace Scale scores ears, eyes, muzzle, whiskers and head position.
Cats can purr when in pain.
Never give human painkillers; paracetamol is deadly to cats.

Overview

In the wild, showing pain makes an animal vulnerable, so dogs and cats are good at hiding it. Chronic pain, such as arthritis, comes on so gradually that owners often put the changes down to "just getting old".

The 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines encourage vets to assess pain using a combination of behaviour, physical signs and context, and to help owners recognise it. You know your pet's normal behaviour best, so changes you notice are valuable clues.

For cats, researchers at the Université de Montréal developed the Feline Grimace Scale, which scores five facial features: ear position, orbital tightening (squinting), muzzle tension, whisker position and head position. Flattened, rotated ears, narrowed eyes, a tense muzzle, straight whiskers and a lowered head can all signal pain.

Step by step

1
Watch how your pet moves
Look for limping, stiffness after rest, a shorter stride, difficulty getting up, reluctance to jump onto furniture or into the car, and avoiding stairs. Cats may stop jumping to high places or use lower routes.
2
Notice posture
A hunched back, tucked belly, head held low, or a reluctance to lie down can mean pain. Dogs may stand in a 'praying position' with belly pain. Cats in pain often sit hunched with paws tucked under and eyes half closed.
3
Look at behaviour changes
Hiding, irritability, growling or biting when touched, less interest in play, clinginess, restlessness at night and sleeping more are all possible signs. Cats may stop using the litter box if getting in hurts.
4
Check grooming and licking
Repeated licking or chewing of one area can point to a sore spot. Cats in pain often stop grooming, leading to a scruffy or matted coat, especially along the back.
5
Monitor eating, drinking and breathing
Eating less, dropping food or chewing on one side can mean dental pain. Panting at rest, a faster breathing rate and trembling can be signs of pain in dogs.
6
Record and see your vet
Take short videos of anything unusual and note when it happens. Your vet can examine your pet, look for the cause and discuss pain relief, from medication to weight management and physiotherapy.
Careful: Never give human painkillers. Ibuprofen and naproxen can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in dogs and cats, and paracetamol (acetaminophen) is deadly to cats.

Common mistakes

Assuming 'slowing down' is just age
Why it backfires: Arthritis is common and treatable, and untreated pain affects quality of life.
Do this instead: Mention any changes in mobility or behaviour to your vet.
Waiting for crying or whimpering
Why it backfires: Most pets in pain stay quiet.
Do this instead: Watch for changes in posture, movement and behaviour.
Giving leftover medicine
Why it backfires: Doses for one pet or person can be dangerous for another.
Do this instead: Only give medicines prescribed for this pet.

Free tools for this

Sources

We check guides against veterinary sources and update them when guidance changes. How we write and review.

Questions.

Do dogs cry when in pain?

Sometimes, especially with sudden injuries, but chronic pain is usually silent. Changes in behaviour and movement are more reliable signs.

Do cats purr when they're in pain?

Yes, they can. Cats purr when stressed, unwell or in pain as well as when content, so purring doesn't rule out pain.

What can I give my dog for pain at home?

Nothing without talking to your vet. Pet-specific anti-inflammatories and other pain relief are safe when prescribed and monitored.

Key facts

Overview

Step by step

Watch how your pet moves

Notice posture

Look at behaviour changes

Check grooming and licking

Monitor eating, drinking and breathing

Record and see your vet

Common mistakes

Assuming 'slowing down' is just age

Waiting for crying or whimpering

Giving leftover medicine

Free tools for this

Sources

Questions.

Read next

Everything happens in the app.