How to Recognise Pain in Pets with Chronic Illness

Living with a pet that has a long-term health condition can be worrying, especially when you are not sure whether they are comfortable. Dogs, cats and small pets often hide pain surprisingly well, and the signs of ongoing discomfort can be subtle. In pets with chronic illness, pain may develop gradually, which can make it harder to spot than a sudden injury or obvious limp.

Recognising the early signs of pain can make a real difference to your pet’s quality of life. With the right support, many pets with conditions such as arthritis, dental disease, bladder problems, skin disease or other long-term illnesses can feel much more comfortable and continue enjoying daily life.

This article is intended for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinary surgeon.

Why chronic pain can be hard to recognise

Unlike people, pets cannot tell us where it hurts. Many animals instinctively hide weakness or discomfort, so signs of pain may appear as changes in behaviour, movement or routine rather than obvious distress.

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for weeks, months or longer. It is commonly linked with ongoing conditions such as:

• Arthritis or joint disease
• Dental disease
• Ear disease
• Skin problems and allergies
• Bladder or urinary conditions
• Back or spinal problems
• Cancer
• Heart, liver or kidney disease that may affect comfort and activity levels

Because these conditions often develop slowly, owners may assume their pet is “just slowing down with age”. In reality, age itself does not cause pain, but many age-related illnesses do. Spotting the difference is important.

Common signs of pain in dogs

Dogs with chronic discomfort may not cry out or yelp. Instead, they often show more gradual changes in mobility, mood or habits.

Changes in movement

• Slowing down on walks
• Reluctance to climb stairs, jump into the car or get onto furniture
• Stiffness, especially after rest
• Limping or an uneven gait
• Difficulty getting up from lying down
• Less interest in exercise or play

Behavioural changes

• Becoming quieter, withdrawn or unusually clingy
• Irritability when touched or approached
• Restlessness, especially at night
• Panting when not hot or after only mild activity
• Sleeping more than usual

Other signs

• Licking or chewing one area repeatedly
• Reduced appetite
• Changes in toileting habits
• Difficulty squatting to urinate or pass stools
• A less shiny coat due to reduced grooming or reduced movement

If your dog has an ongoing condition such as joint disease, your vet may recommend treatment and monitoring. If prescribed medication is needed, you can find guidance on how to order a prescription medicine through Vetscriptions, along with answers to common questions in our prescription FAQs.

Common signs of pain in cats

Cats are particularly good at hiding pain. In many cases, the signs are mistaken for ageing, laziness or a change in temperament. Cats with chronic illness often show very subtle changes at first.

Mobility and activity changes

• Jumping less often or avoiding high places
• Moving more slowly or cautiously
• Difficulty using the litter tray, especially if the sides are high
• Sleeping more and playing less
• Reluctance to use stairs

Behavioural changes

• Hiding more than usual
• Becoming less sociable
• Being grumpy or resentful when handled
• Reduced interest in grooming
• Changes in appetite or drinking habits

Physical signs

• A scruffy, unkempt coat
• Weight loss or muscle loss
• Tense posture or crouching
• Tail held differently
• Flinching when touched in certain areas

For cats with long-term conditions, regular checks and early support matter. Depending on the cause, your vet may suggest diet changes, joint support, prescription medication or other ongoing care. You can browse our cat collection, including practical support such as cat joint care, cat urinary products and cat prescription products where appropriate.

Signs of pain in small pets

Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs and other companion animals can be even harder to read. As prey animals, they often hide weakness until they are quite unwell.

Possible signs of pain in small pets include:

• Reduced eating or drinking
• Hunched posture
• Teeth grinding
• Reduced movement or reluctance to move
• Changes in droppings or urination
• Poor coat condition
• Less interaction with owners or companions

Because small pets can become seriously unwell quickly, it is best to contact your veterinary surgeon promptly if you notice these signs. You can also explore essentials for smaller companions in our small animal collection.

Chronic illnesses that may cause ongoing discomfort

Some long-term conditions are especially likely to affect comfort, either because they cause inflammation, pressure, irritation or difficulty moving.

Arthritis and joint disease

One of the most common causes of chronic pain in older pets, arthritis can affect both dogs and cats. Stiffness, reduced exercise tolerance and difficulty rising are common signs. Supportive care may include weight management, exercise adjustments, joint supplements and prescription treatment. You can browse options such as dog joint care, cat joint care and our premium supplements collection if recommended by your vet.

Dental disease

Dental pain is often missed because pets still try to eat. Watch for dropping food, chewing on one side, bad breath, dribbling or resisting having the face touched. See your vet if you are concerned, as dental pain can become severe. Preventative support may also help, and you can explore dog dental or cat dental products.

Skin disease and ear problems

Itching, licking, scratching and sore skin can all be signs of ongoing discomfort. Chronic ear disease can also be painful, especially if ears are inflamed. If your pet has recurring skin or ear problems, veterinary advice is important before using treatments. Depending on your pet’s needs, you may find supportive products in our dog skin and coat products, cat skin and coat, dog ear products or cat ear products.

Urinary conditions

Pets with bladder inflammation, stones or urinary disease may strain, pass urine more often or seem uncomfortable when toileting. This can be painful and sometimes urgent, especially in male cats who are unable to pass urine.

When to contact your veterinary surgeon

It is always worth speaking to your vet if you think your pet may be uncomfortable. Early assessment can improve quality of life and may also reveal a condition that is easier to manage when caught sooner.

You should contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet:

• Shows a clear change in movement, mood or normal behaviour
• Seems reluctant to be handled
• Stops eating or drinking normally
• Cries, pants, hides or becomes restless
• Has difficulty urinating or passing faeces
• Is already diagnosed with a chronic illness but seems less comfortable than before

Seek urgent veterinary attention if your pet suddenly collapses, is struggling to breathe, cannot pass urine, cries out repeatedly, or seems severely distressed.

Never give human pain relief to pets

It can be tempting to reach for a painkiller from the medicine cupboard, but many human medicines are dangerous to pets. Common pain relief such as ibuprofen, paracetamol and aspirin can be toxic, sometimes even in small amounts.

Only give medication that has been prescribed or specifically recommended by a veterinary surgeon for your individual pet. Responsible medication use is essential, especially in pets with chronic illness, as they may already have underlying liver, kidney or stomach concerns.

If your pet has prescribed treatment, we can help you access genuine medicines conveniently through our prescription medicines range. If you are unsure about the process, visit our prescription ordering page or complete the animal health form where needed.

How owners can help at home

While veterinary treatment is key, simple home adjustments can also help pets with chronic pain feel more comfortable.

• Keep bedding warm, soft and easy to access
• Use ramps or steps for pets that struggle to jump
• Place food, water and litter trays in easy-to-reach areas
• Keep nails trimmed to improve grip
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Stick to gentle, regular routines where possible
• Keep a diary of your pet’s good and bad days to discuss with your vet

For dogs and cats needing ongoing support, our dog collection and cat collection include a wide range of healthcare products that may form part of a vet-guided care plan.

Conclusion

Pain in pets with chronic illness is often easy to miss, but small changes in behaviour, movement or routine can be important clues. If your pet seems quieter, stiffer, less active or simply not quite themselves, it is worth taking seriously. In many cases, treatment or supportive care can make them much more comfortable.

At Vetscriptions, we believe that helping owners recognise problems early is an important part of better pet care. If your pet has been prescribed ongoing treatment, we are here to help you access genuine medication and everyday healthcare products in a simple, reliable way. You can learn more about us, browse our online pet pharmacy, or contact us if you need help with ordering.

If you are worried that your dog, cat or small pet may be in pain, please speak to your veterinary surgeon. With the right advice and support, many pets with chronic illness can enjoy a happier and more comfortable life.