Below are some common signs of pain or anxiety in our companion animals. Note: this is not an exhaustive list of signs of pain or anxiety in animals. Every animal is different and will display signs of pain or discomfort differently. The most reliable indicator is changes from normal behavior. For example, if a dog who has been social and friendly their whole life becomes withdrawn or aggressive, that would be concerning for pain, excessive anxiety, or other medical changes.

Common Signs of Pain and Anxiety in Pets

Dogs:

  • Decreased social interaction

  • Decreased or loss of appetite

  • Submissive behavior

  • Decreased activity/ refusal to move

  • Self mutilation (excessive licking or biting of self)

  • Aggressive behavior, biting or growling when touched

  • Stiff posture, gait changes

  • Circling, restlessness

  • Anxious or glazed expression

  • Vocalization (whimpering, growling, howing)

  • Changes in urination or bowel habits

Cats:

  • Decreased interaction/ loss of curiosity

  • Decreased or loss of appetite

  • Hiding or attempting to escape

  • Decreased activity

  • Excessive licking or grooming

  • Stiff posture or gait

  • Refusal to jump or go up/ down stairs

  • Tail flicking

  • Guarding or aggressive behaviors

  • Inappropriate urination/ defecation, failure to use litter box

  • Glazed or “glassy-eyed” appearance

Pain and Anxiety

As a pet ages, it is common for owners to ask questions about their pet’s wellbeing. These may include “is my pet in pain?” or “is my pet suffering?”. It can be difficult to assess pain in an animal since we can’t ask them to tell us how they are feeling.

Many pets do not display obvious signs of pain, such as whining or crying out, so signs of pain can go unnoticed or untreated.

Anxiety is another area that is less commonly considered than pain, but can be just as detrimental to the quality of life of an animal, particularly in cats. Anxiety in our pets can often be centered around the changes occurring in the body as a disease process progresses. Some examples of this may include increasing breathing difficulties in the case of lung diseases or decline in cognitive abilities. Signs of anxiety in companion animals are often similar to signs of pain including behavioral and appetite changes.

Here are some validated tools that can help identify pain in pets:

  • UPenn Canine Brief Pain Inventory

  • Feline Grimace Scale (and supplementary guide with pictures)

  • Osteoarthritis Pain Assessment: DOG and CAT