We often wish our pets could talk. If they could, they would tell us exactly where it hurts—a toothache, a sore joint, or an upset stomach. But since they can’t speak, we have to be their detectives.
One of the hardest things for a pet parent to accept is that animals are experts at hiding pain. It’s an evolutionary instinct; in the wild, showing weakness made an animal a target. While our pets are safe in our homes now, that instinct to “tough it out” remains.
At Paalan Pet Hospital, we often see pets brought in only when an issue has become severe. To help you catch problems early, here is a guide to the silent signals your pet might be sending you.
1. The “Grumpy” Behavior Change
Suddenly, your friendly Golden Retriever growls when you touch his hips, or your cuddly cat hides under the bed all day. We often mistake this for “bad behavior” or just “getting old.” However, aggression or withdrawal is often the first defense against pain. If your pet is acting out of character, they aren’t being naughty—they are likely trying to protect a painful area from being touched.
2. Excessive Licking or Chewing
If your dog keeps licking the same spot on their paw or leg over and over, take a closer look. Pets often lick a specific area to soothe it. It could be a skin allergy, a thorn, or even arthritis pain deep in the joint under that spot. If you see a “hot spot” (a raw, red patch of skin), it’s usually a sign of localized pain that needs veterinary attention.
3. Changes in Sleeping & Sitting
Does your dog circle five times before lying down? Do they hesitate before jumping into the car or onto the sofa? For cats, you might notice they stopped jumping on high counters. This is classic arthritis or joint pain. It’s not just “slowing down due to age”—it is a manageable medical condition. If they struggle to get comfortable, they are likely in discomfort.
4. Heavy Panting (When It’s Not Hot)
Dogs pant to cool down. But if your dog is panting heavily while resting in a cool room, or panting in the middle of the night, this is a red flag. Abnormal panting can be a symptom of various issues, ranging from acute physical pain to heart conditions. It is a stress response that should never be ignored.
5. The “Look”
This one is subtle, but you know your pet best. A pet in pain often has a “tight” face. Their ears might be pinned back, their eyes might look glazed or squinted, and they may tremble slightly. If they look anxious or clingy for no apparent reason, they are asking for help.
What Should You Do?
If you notice any of these signs, please don’t try to treat it at home with human painkillers (many human medicines, like Tylenol/Paracetamol, are toxic and deadly to pets).
Instead, bring them to Paalan Pet Hospital.
With over 10 years of surgical and medical experience, Dr. Gaurav Godara and our team can look past the symptoms to find the root cause. Whether it’s a dental issue, an internal infection, or joint pain, we have the diagnostic tools to figure it out and make your best friend comfortable again.
Your pet loves you unconditionally. The best way you can love them back is to listen when they are whispering that they hurt.