How to Tell If Your Older Pet Is in Pain: A Guide for Dog and Cat Owners

One of the hardest things about caring for an older pet is that they can't tell you when something hurts. And unlike us, most animals instinctively hide pain - a survival instinct that made sense in the wild but makes it much harder for their owners (and sometimes their vets) to know when they're struggling.

At Village Vet, we see a lot of older dogs and cats whose owners have noticed something is "off" but can't quite put their finger on what. Often, the answer is chronic pain - most commonly from arthritis, dental disease or another age-related condition. The good news is that once we identify it, it's very often treatable, and many pets improve significantly with the right care.

Here's what to look for.

Pain looks different in dogs and cats

Dogs and cats express discomfort differently, so it's worth knowing the signs for each.

Signs of pain in older dogs

Changes in movement

This is usually the most obvious sign. Watch for:

• Stiffness after rest that takes a few minutes to ease (classic arthritis)

• Reluctance to go up or down stairs, jump into the car or climb onto furniture

• Lagging on walks or wanting to cut them short

• A change in gait - favouring one leg, moving more slowly, or appearing less fluid than usual

  
  

In cold or wet weather, these signs are often more pronounced.

Behavioural changes

A dog in chronic pain often becomes a slightly different version of themselves. They might be grumpier, less patient with children or other pets, less interested in play, or reluctant to be touched in certain areas. Some dogs become more clingy; others become more withdrawn. These changes are easy to mistake for simply "getting old," but they're worth investigating.

Restlessness or difficulty settling

If your dog is getting up repeatedly at night, pacing, struggling to find a comfortable position, or sleeping much more than usual during the day, pain may be the reason. Dogs in discomfort often can't sleep well.

Changes in appetite or drinking

Pain can reduce appetite. If your older dog is eating less, taking longer to finish meals or showing less enthusiasm for food they previously loved, it's worth having a check-up.

Excessive licking or chewing

Dogs will often lick or chew persistently at a painful area - joints are a common target. If you notice your dog paying a lot of attention to their elbows, hips or knees, that's a signal worth taking seriously.

Panting without obvious cause

Panting when it's not hot and your dog hasn't been exercising can be a sign of pain or discomfort. In older dogs, it can also indicate anxiety related to not feeling well.

Signs of pain in older cats

Cats are arguably even better than dogs at masking pain, which is why cat owners often miss it entirely. Cats in pain tend to withdraw quietly rather than make a fuss.

Reduced grooming - or over-grooming

A cat who has stopped grooming well will have a dull, matted or unkempt coat - often because it's painful to twist and reach certain spots. Equally, a cat who is over-grooming one specific area may be trying to soothe pain there.

Changes in movement and posture

Arthritis is very common in older cats and largely under-diagnosed. Signs include:

• Difficulty jumping up onto or down from furniture

• Choosing lower resting spots than usual

• Hesitating before jumping, or landing awkwardly

• A hunched posture when sitting or walking

• Reduced activity and spending more time in one spot

  
  

Litter tray problems

A cat with joint pain may find it uncomfortable to step in and out of a high-sided litter tray, or to adopt the posture needed to toilet properly. If an older cat starts missing the tray or going elsewhere in the house, pain is one of the first things to consider - not behavioural issues.

Changes in temperament

A cat who has always been friendly and now hisses or swipes when touched in certain areas isn't being difficult - they're telling you something hurts. Increased hiding, reduced social interaction and general grumpiness in a previously sociable cat are all worth investigating.

Reduced appetite and weight loss

Dental disease is extremely common in older cats and causes significant pain, particularly when eating. If your cat is eating less, dropping food, chewing on one side or avoiding hard food, a dental check is often the first port of call. Weight loss in older cats always warrants investigation.

Vocalising at night

Older cats sometimes vocalise - yowling or calling - particularly at night. While this can be related to cognitive changes, it can also be a sign of pain or discomfort. It's worth having it checked rather than assuming it's just an age-related quirk.

What to do if you're concerned

If your pet is showing any of these signs, the most useful thing you can do is book an appointment and describe exactly what you've noticed - when it started, how often it happens, whether it's getting better or worse, and anything else that seems relevant. Even small observations are helpful.

We'll do a full physical examination and, depending on what we find, may recommend X-rays, blood tests or a dental assessment. Many painful conditions in older pets are very manageable once identified - arthritis, dental disease, and other age-related conditions can all be treated in ways that meaningfully improve quality of life.

At Village Vet, we also offer laser therapy, which is an excellent, drug-free option for pain and inflammation - particularly useful for older pets who may have other health conditions that limit their medication options.

A note on "they're just getting old"

This is something we hear often, and it's understandable - ageing does change how pets move and behave. But pain is not a normal or inevitable part of ageing, and "slowing down" should always be looked at, not accepted. An older pet who is in chronic pain and not treated for it is an older pet who is suffering unnecessarily.

If something about your pet seems different - even if you can't quite name what it is - trust that instinct and give us a call. You know your pet better than anyone.

Book an appointment at Village Vet - call 03 9827 7500 or book online.