Why it’s often missed—and how to support comfort and quality of life
Pain in dogs and cats is far more common than many people realize.
Not because it isn’t there—but because pets are exceptionally good at hiding it.
In the wild, showing pain or weakness could make an animal vulnerable. That instinct hasn’t disappeared just because our pets now live with us. As a result, pain often shows up quietly, gradually, and in ways that are easy to dismiss as “normal aging” or a personality change.
Understanding how pain affects our pets is the first step toward helping them live more comfortably.
Why Pain Is Easy to Miss
Dogs and cats can’t tell us when something hurts, but they do communicate—just not always in obvious ways.
Pain often shows up as change, not crisis.
That might mean:
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Moving less
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Playing less
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Hesitating before activities they once did easily
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Becoming more withdrawn or irritable
The key isn’t catching every symptom—it’s noticing when your pet isn’t quite themselves.
Common Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain
Every pet is different, and most will only show a few of these signs.
Physical & Movement Changes
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Limping or stiffness
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Difficulty getting up after resting
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Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or play
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Changes in posture or gait
Behavioural & Emotional Changes
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Reduced activity or playfulness
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Anxiety or restlessness
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Increased irritability or guarding
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Loss of interest in social interaction
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Hiding (especially common in cats)
Daily Habits
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Changes in appetite
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Excessive licking of a specific area
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Changes in litter box or bathroom habits
Cats, in particular, tend to mask pain and may simply become quieter or less interactive rather than showing obvious lameness.
Acute Pain vs Chronic Pain
Acute Pain
Acute pain has a clear cause and a clear purpose—it’s the body’s alarm system.
Common causes include:
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Injury or trauma
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Surgery
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Infection
When managed appropriately, acute pain resolves as healing occurs.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain persists over time, often long after the original injury or condition.
It’s commonly associated with:
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Arthritis and joint degeneration
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Hip dysplasia
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Degenerative spinal conditions
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Cancer
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Long-standing inflammation
Over time, the nervous system can become sensitized, meaning pain signals continue even without new injury. This is why chronic pain often worsens if left unaddressed.
Arthritis: One of the Most Overlooked Sources of Chronic Pain
Arthritis is one of the most common—and underrecognized—causes of chronic pain in pets.
Current veterinary research suggests:
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Roughly 20–25% of adult dogs show clinically recognizable signs of arthritis or chronic joint pain.
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In senior dogs, the prevalence rises significantly, with imaging studies showing that a large majority have some degree of joint degeneration—even if they aren’t obviously limping.
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In cats, arthritis is even more frequently missed. Radiographic studies suggest that a majority of cats over age 10—often cited in the range of 60–90%—have degenerative joint disease, despite subtle outward signs.
Many pets adapt to discomfort by changing how they move or behave. Those changes are often mistaken for “just getting older,” when they’re actually signs of ongoing pain.
Pain is not an inevitable part of aging—it’s a manageable condition.
Supporting Pain: A Layered, Thoughtful Approach
There’s no single solution for pain. The most effective support comes from combining multiple strategies tailored to the individual pet.
Medication may be appropriate in some cases, but many families choose to begin with foundational, lower-risk support and build from there.
If your pet is currently on medication or has a diagnosed condition, always consult your veterinarian before introducing new therapies or supplements.
Foundational Support: Nutrition & Supplements
Nutrition and targeted supplementation can help support:
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Joint health
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Healthy inflammatory response
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Tissue repair
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Mobility and comfort
Rather than masking pain, these tools support the systems involved in movement and recovery. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Rehabilitation Therapies: When More Support Is Needed
Some pets benefit greatly from hands-on therapies, especially when mobility is already affected.
Common options include:
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Acupuncture for joint pain, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery
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Hydrotherapy to strengthen muscles without joint impact
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Massage therapy to reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and ease tension
These therapies are often used alongside nutritional and lifestyle support, not instead of it.
Small Lifestyle Changes That Make a Big Difference
Simple adjustments at home can significantly reduce daily strain:
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Ramps for beds or couches
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Non-slip rugs on hard floors
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Supportive bedding
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Raised food and water bowls
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Shorter, more frequent walks
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Reducing repetitive high-impact activities like jumping or intense fetch
Maintaining a healthy body weight is especially important—extra weight places additional stress on already sensitive joints.
The Takeaway: Pain Matters—Even When It’s Quiet
Pain in pets is often subtle, progressive, and easy to overlook.
It doesn’t always look like crying or limping. More often, it looks like:
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Slowing down
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Avoiding movement
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Behaviour changes
The earlier pain is recognized and supported, the better the long-term outcome.
Comfort, mobility, and quality of life aren’t luxuries—they’re part of responsible care.
Need Help Supporting a Pet in Pain?
Pain management isn’t about finding one perfect solution. It’s about choosing the right combination of support for the pet in front of you.
If you’re unsure where to start, guidance matters. We’re always here to help you make informed, compassionate decisions.
