How to Recognise Pain in Senior Pets

As our beloved pets grow older, they may start to experience discomfort and pain due to age-related conditions such as arthritis, dental problems, or other chronic health issues. 

However, recognising pain in senior dogs and cats can be challenging, as they often mask their symptoms. 

As pet owners, it's essential to be aware of the subtle signs of pain to ensure our ageing pets are as comfortable and healthy as possible in their later years.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to recognise pain in senior dogs and cats, the common causes of pain in older pets, and what you can do to help your furry friend live a pain-free and happy life.

Signs of Pain in Senior Dogs

As dogs age, their behaviour and physical abilities change, but it's important to distinguish between the normal signs of ageing and signs of pain. Here are some common indicators that your senior dog might be experiencing pain:

1. Changes in Mobility

One of the most noticeable signs of pain in senior dogs is a change in mobility. Arthritis, joint issues, and muscle stiffness are common in older dogs, and they can cause significant discomfort. Signs to watch for include:

• Reluctance to go for walks or play

• Difficulty getting up from lying down or sitting

• Limping or favouring one leg

• Trouble climbing stairs or jumping onto furniture

• Stiffness, especially after resting

2. Altered Behaviour

Senior dogs often express their discomfort through changes in their behaviour. Pain may cause them to become more withdrawn or irritable. Some behavioural signs to look out for include:

• Increased restlessness or pacing

• Unexplained aggression or irritability, especially when touched

• Hiding away or seeking more attention than usual

• Decreased interest in food, play, or social interactions

3. Vocalisation

Dogs may express their pain vocally, especially when the pain is acute. Your dog might:

• Whine, whimper, or groan more often

• Bark or growl unexpectedly, particularly when moving or being touched

4. Changes in Grooming and Posture

A senior dog in pain may adopt unusual postures to avoid discomfort. This could include:

• Hunching their back or arching their spine

• Licking or chewing a specific area, such as a sore joint

• Reduced grooming due to pain or difficulty reaching certain areas

Signs of Pain in Senior Cats

Cats are masters at hiding their pain, making it even more difficult to detect discomfort in our senior feline companions. However, there are several signs that can indicate a cat is in pain:

1. Reduced Mobility

Just like senior dogs, older cats can suffer from joint pain and arthritis, which can affect their ability to move normally. Signs of pain in cats include:

• Difficulty jumping up to high places

• Reluctance to climb stairs

• Stiffness or limping

• Moving more slowly or awkwardly than usual

2. Changes in Behaviour

Pain can cause significant behavioural changes in senior cats. You may notice that your cat:

• Hides more frequently or isolates themselves

• Becomes more irritable or aggressive, especially when handled

• Avoids being petted, especially in certain areas

• Seeks more comfort and reassurance from their owners

3. Changes in Appetite and Grooming

Cats in pain may stop taking care of themselves as usual. Some common signs include:

• A decrease in appetite or difficulty chewing food (often due to dental pain)

• Neglecting grooming, leading to a messy or matted coat

• Overgrooming or licking one area excessively, indicating pain in that spot

4. Changes in Litter Box Habits

Senior cats in pain may struggle with using their litter box, especially if they have joint pain or arthritis. Look for:

• Reluctance to enter or exit the litter box

• Accidents outside the litter box

• Straining to urinate or defecate, which could indicate internal pain

Common Causes of Pain in Senior Dogs and Cats

Understanding the common causes of pain in older pets can help you recognise when something is wrong. Here are some of the most frequent pain-related conditions in senior dogs and cats:

1. Arthritis and Joint Issues

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain in senior pets. It leads to inflammation of the joints, causing stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is particularly prevalent in older dogs and cats.

2. Dental Disease

As pets age, they can develop dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and abscesses. These problems can cause significant pain, particularly when eating. Look for signs such as bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or reluctance to eat hard food.

3. Muscle and Bone Degeneration

With age, the muscles and bones of dogs and cats naturally begin to weaken, which can lead to conditions like hip dysplasia or spinal issues. These conditions cause ongoing discomfort and may limit mobility.

4. Cancer

Unfortunately, cancer is more common in older pets. Depending on the type and location, cancer can cause pain and discomfort. Signs of cancer-related pain include lumps, difficulty breathing, or unexplained weight loss.

5. Internal Organ Problems

Kidney disease, liver problems, and digestive issues can also cause pain in senior dogs and cats. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, changes in appetite, or discomfort when the abdomen is touched.

What You Can Do to Help

Recognising pain in senior dogs and cats is the first step, but there are several ways you can help manage your pet’s discomfort and improve their quality of life.

1. Consult Your Vet

If you suspect your pet is in pain, always consult your vet for a thorough examination. They can help identify the underlying cause of the pain and recommend appropriate treatments, such as pain relief medication, joint supplements, or physiotherapy.

2. Provide a Comfortable Environment

Make your home as comfortable as possible for your senior pet. Provide soft, supportive bedding and ensure easy access to their food, water, and litter box. For dogs, consider using ramps to help them get onto furniture or into cars. For cats, make sure they have a warm, quiet space to retreat to when they need to rest.

3. Manage Their Weight

Excess weight can put additional strain on ageing joints and bones, worsening conditions like arthritis. Work with your vet to manage your pet’s weight through diet and exercise to reduce the impact on their body.

4. Gentle Exercise

While senior pets may not be as active as they once were, gentle, regular exercise is important to keep their joints and muscles moving. For dogs, short, slow walks can help maintain mobility. For cats, encourage light play with toys to keep them moving.

5. Consider Supplements and Treatments

Many senior pets can benefit from joint supplements, such as glucosamine or omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support joint health- but always check with your vet first. Your vet may also recommend treatments such as hydrotherapy or acupuncture to relieve pain and improve mobility.

Key Takeaways for Senior Pet Owners

Recognising pain in senior dogs and cats can be challenging, but by staying observant and understanding the signs of discomfort, you can ensure your pet receives the care and support they need. Whether it's through veterinary treatment, lifestyle adjustments, or pain management strategies, taking action early can significantly improve your pet's quality of life in their golden years.

If you think your senior dog or cat may be in pain, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. Early intervention is key to managing pain and helping your pet enjoy their later years comfortably.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.