5 Ways to Tell if your Pet Might Be in Pain

One question I get asked often by owners is, how do I know when my pet is in pain? Here are 5 top signs! 👇

1️⃣ Posture and gait changes! We often see hunching, limping or shifting weight off of one limb. All of these things indicate that your pet is trying to compensate away from the area of the body that is painful.

2️⃣ Pay attention to their vitals! Things like their resting heart rate and respiratory rate can be huge indicators of pain. A high heart rate and respiratory rate can tell us that the sympathetic side of their nervous system is working, which happens when the body is reacting to painful stimuli. Note: A high heart rate or respiratory rate can also be seen with other conditions, so make sure to consult your primary veterinarian if you’re noticing this in your pet!

3️⃣ Behavior changes! These can include panting a lot, vocalizing more, or suddenly becoming antisocial or aggressive.

4️⃣ Excessive grooming! Have you ever noticed that animals care for wounds by licking them? When an animal is hurting, its first instinct is often to “clean” and care for the injury by licking it.

5️⃣ Restlessness, shaking, or trembling! Ever smack your hand on something and immediately start shaking it? That’s because the best natural pain reliever is movement! Dogs may pace or circle to soothe themselves.