Pain Awareness: How to Spot Pain in Your Dog, Cat or Rabbit

Sadly, pets can't communicate discomfort verbally, which makes recognising and addressing pain a crucial part of their care. September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. To support this, Animal Medical Centre's veterinary team are here to explain the different types of pain, and the signs to look out for in your dog, cat, or rabbit so you can get them the treatment they need promptly.

Recognising different types of pain in pets

Our vets in London share that acute pain is sudden and severe, typically resulting from an injury, surgery, or illness; it is often sharp and intense.

Neuropathic pain arises from damage to the nervous system and can be difficult to pinpoint - humans would probably describe it in themselves as burning or tingling.

Visceral pain is related to internal organs and is often harder to detect. It’s typically associated with conditions like gastrointestinal problems or bladder infections, some of which can be emergencies. Call us promptly on 020 8450 2228 if you spot signs of acute, neuropathic, or visceral pain in your pet.

Chronic pain is long-lasting and persists over time, often due to conditions like arthritis, dental issues, or chronic illness. Our vets recommend keeping a diary to log changes in your pet’s behaviour and demeanour, and contacting us to book a pet check-up at our practice in Cricklewood as soon as possible.

Here are the signs of pain to look out for in your pet:

Is your dog in pain?

• Acute pain: Whining or barking more than usual, limping or favouring one leg, restlessness or difficulty settling down, avoidance of movement or play.
• Neuropathic pain: Unexplained twitching or muscle spasms, sensitivity to touch - even light pressure, difficulty walking or coordination problems, vocalisation in response to touch.
• Visceral pain: Vomiting or diarrhoea, restlessness or pacing, changes in appetite or drinking habits, abdominal tenderness or swelling.
• Chronic pain: Stiffness or difficulty getting up, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, behavioural changes such as irritability or aggression, changes in sleeping patterns or excessive sleeping.

Is your cat in pain?

• Acute pain: Hissing or growling when touched, increased hiding or withdrawal, reduced grooming or a scruffy coat, changes in eating or litter box habits.
• Neuropathic pain: Excessive grooming of a specific area, discomfort or sensitivity in certain parts of the body, unusual postures or movements, reluctance to be handled or touched.
• Visceral pain: Frequent urination or signs of straining, loss of appetite or vomiting, changes in behaviour such as hiding or aggression, abdominal swelling or sensitivity.
• Chronic pain: Decreased activity or reluctance to play, difficulty jumping onto surfaces, increased vocalisation - especially during movement, changes in litter box usage or grooming habits.

Is your rabbit in pain?

Anything that causes your rabbit to stop eating is an emergency in itself – see our emergency contact information.

• Acute pain: Rapid breathing or thumping, reluctance to move or hop, reduced appetite or refusal to eat, hiding or staying in a corner.
• Neuropathic pain: Abnormal movements or twitching, sensitivity to touch or grooming in specific areas, changes in posture or difficulty sitting normally, increased aggression or fearfulness.
• Visceral pain: Changes in droppings or gastrointestinal upset, signs of discomfort when touched around the abdomen, reduced food intake or changes in eating habits, lethargy or unusual behaviour.
• Chronic pain: Reduced activity and reluctance to hop, changes in behaviour such as aggression or timidity, difficulty grooming or poor coat condition, changes in eating habits or reduced food intake.

What to do if you suspect pain

If you notice any signs of pain in your pet, Animal Medical Centre's team recommend contacting our vet practice in London as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life and address underlying conditions effectively.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any concerns about your pet’s health or behaviour.