Signs Your Pet Lives With Hidden Pain

Jake, RIP, was a very lucky dog. In the last years of his life he received massages to relieve his aches and pain.

Aimee, a canine massage therapist, is amazing. She has a really big heart for older dogs and hospice patients. (Yep, there's hospice for animals too.)

We always find something to chat about when she's here. Recently, we talked about pain, as she literally has her hands on dogs in pain every day.

Why Pain in Pets Often Goes Unnoticed

During our conversation, she mentioned that pet parents often don't realize how much pain their dog is in. And cats are masters at hiding pain.

Up to 70% of dogs and cats are living with hidden pain.

That's a lot of animals living with daily, chronic pain.

Pain has many symptoms, and like people, every animal handles it differently.

Common Signs Your Dog or Cat May Be in Pain

Obvious Signs of Pain

Some signs your pet may be in pain are easy to spot, like:

• Limping
• Struggling to climb stairs
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits

Subtle Signs That Build Slowly

Many signs creep in slowly over time, like:

• Being slower to rise from lying down
• Jumping less, or not as high
• Big dogs lying down with a "thud"
• Becoming less social or hiding more
• The opposite — seeking affection constantly

Pain or Anxiety? Why It's Hard to Tell

Anxiety is also a symptom of pain. An animal's survival instinct tells them that pain and weakness make them vulnerable, which causes anxiety. A common example is an older dog who was never afraid of thunderstorms but is now trembling and inconsolable during storms or fireworks.

Some signs of pain are also signs of anxiety, which makes things even more confusing. For example, excessive licking can be a sign of pain, anxiety, or allergies. Likewise, pacing, restlessness (especially at night), and whining or increased vocalizing are also signs of pain and/or anxiety, making it difficult to determine the underlying cause.

In dogs, panting can be a symptom of pain, anxiety, or simply being too hot. If cats are breathing with their mouths open, it's a sign of respiratory distress, and they must see a veterinarian immediately.

Physical Signs of Hidden Pain in Pets

Here are a few more signs of hidden pain:

• Walking with their head at shoulder level or lower. As the rear legs get weaker, pets carry more of their weight on the front legs, which lowers the neck and head.
• Bunny hopping — using both rear legs together rather than one at a time. A sign of weakness or instability in the rear legs.
• Air scratches — they can no longer reach their ears or shoulders with their back legs and get air instead.
• Touch sensitivity. Aimee often sees dogs create distracting behaviors to avoid being touched in painful areas. Many of her clients share that their dog snuggles less or avoids being touched.
• Trembling isn't just feeling cold — it can also be a sign of pain or fear.
• Behavior changes. Animals can become more irritable or possibly aggressive when they're in pain or don't feel well.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

Now that you know what signs to look for, you can detect pain and start supporting (or treating) your furry friend sooner rather than later. Early support helps them live longer, better lives.

If you share your life with a cat, the Feline Grimace Pain Scale is a helpful tool for assessing subtle changes — cats are especially good at masking discomfort.

Integrative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care can also help reduce pain and increase mobility, often alongside or instead of medication. To learn more about these approaches, check out my Integrative Methods playlist on YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of dogs and cats have chronic pain? Studies suggest up to 70% of dogs and cats may be living with some degree of chronic, hidden pain — often without obvious signs like limping or vocalizing.

Why is my older dog suddenly afraid of storms or fireworks? A dog who was never bothered by loud noises but has become anxious or trembling during storms may be experiencing pain. Pain triggers a survival instinct that increases vulnerability and anxiety.

What does bunny hopping mean in dogs? Bunny hopping — moving both rear legs together instead of one at a time — usually signals weakness or instability in the hind end, which can be a sign of joint or muscle pain.

Can integrative therapies help with pet pain? Yes. Therapies like massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care can help reduce pain and improve mobility, often working well alongside conventional veterinary care.

If  you want to learn more about canine massage, or to find a practitioner near you, visit www.nbcaam.org

If you live in the St. Paul/Mpls area and want to connect with Aimee, visit her website at www.littlebearanimalmassage.com.