Just because our pets can't verbally say when something is wrong, doesn't mean they aren't trying to tell us in other ways.
And, as responsible pet owners, it's our job to pay attention to all that our cats, dogs, and other cuddly creatures are letting us know about their health and comfort.
Fortunately, just as there are certain signs that indicate when a pet is ill, there are quite a few easy signals that can help us detect when our pets are in pain.
This pain may have any number of causes — some easy to fix, others more serious — but knowing there is a problem can help us find the source as soon as possible, and get our incredible creatures on the path to recovery!
Scroll through below for an exclusive list of easy-to-spot signs your pet could be sending to let you know they are experiencing pain.
Have you ever observed your cat or dog exhibiting any of these behaviors? What does your pet do when he or she is experiencing pain? Let us know in the comments!
Sign 1: Hiding
One surefire indication that something is wrong is if your pet is suddenly hiding from you.
If your cat or dog is generally a social animal, and has become antisocial as of late, you may want to examine them for signs of pain or injury.
Or better yet, a trip to the vet's office can help determine the source of this odd behavior.
Sign 2: Hunching
Preventive Vet points out that changes in your pet's posture could be a sign that they are in significant pain.
These changes may be quite obvious, but they can also be subtle, "taking the shape of an arched or sunken back, or even a dropped or tucked tail."
Sign 3: Licking
It's hard to tell if a cat or dog is licking more than usual.
However, according to PetMD, a pet in pain will often lick the particular part of the body repeatedly.
If you notice that they are suddenly licking a certain paw or body region over and over again, you will likely want to have them checked out.
Sign 4: Panting
Any dog owner will say that panting is a perfectly normal behavior, particularly after a bout of exercise.
But according to I Heart Dogs, "If you notice heavy panting out of nowhere, it could be stress-induced.
"This stress could be caused by pain your pet is experiencing."
Sign 5: Growling
For many owners, growling or hissing will be the most obvious sign that something is amiss.
A pet in pain will often lash out, even at the owner they love and care for so much.
Don't take this growling to heart, but rather get to the root of the problem by seeking out medical attention right away.
Sign 6: Hobbling
Just as with humans, an injured leg can change the way your animal walks and moves.
According to Bark Post, "Limping, hobbling, or favoring one leg over another is a good indication that something is hurting your pet."
Whether it is something minor or major, it is important to address the pain right away.
Sign 7: Straining
Paying attention to your pet's bathroom habits can also alert you to any painful problems that may arise.
If you notice your cat or dog suddenly straining to go the the bathroom, there may be some painful internal troubles going on that your vet should address.
Similarly, if it seems that they are struggling to squat or lift their leg, they may be battling some other painful injury that needs attention.
Sign 8: Swelling
Whenever a person experiences abnormal swelling on their body, they immediately take notice and monitor it to see if it necessitates further medical attention.
The same should absolutely hold true for your pet.
Swelling is likely a sign that something is amiss, and can be your pet's body telling you that assistance is required.
Sign 9: Dieting
Unlike humans, cats and dogs don't tend to put themselves on a diet unless something is wrong.
"Dogs in pain often eat and drink less than normal," according to Preventive Vet.
"When they do eat and drink, if the cause of their pain is their teeth or some other part of the mouth, they may drop food and/or water from their mouth."
Sign 10: Whining
If you've ever heard your pet whine before, you know that it isn't a pleasant or happy sound.
But your cat or dog could be whining or whimpering to let you know that they are in some kind of pain, requiring your love and attention.
Knowing these 10 signs that your pet may be in pain can help you get them on the path to feeling better right away.
What other signs have you observed when your pet is in pain? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE this vital information with other pet owners in your life!
