12 Subtle Signs Your Senior Pet Might Be in Pain
As a senior pet parent, we’re always trying to interpret the changes in our dogs and cats. Is it just aging? Is it pain? Is it something else entirely? It can feel overwhelming, especially when they can’t tell us what’s wrong. So I wanted to try and help you navigate this stage with a few subtle signs that could indicate your senior pet is in pain.
Here are 12 under-the-radar signs that your senior dog or cat might be experiencing discomfort:
Slowing Down on Walks
They might lag behind, stop frequently, or show less enthusiasm than they used to.Hesitating on Stairs or Furniture
If your pet pauses before jumping or climbing, or avoids it altogether, they may be hurting.Changes in Posture or Stance
This can look like smaller steps, bunny hopping, a stilted or stiff gait, an arched back, or lowered head. Cats may show changes consistent with the Feline Grimace Scale or tuck their bodies in rather than laying out on their sides.Restlessness or Circling Before Lying Down
This can be due to joint or back pain, making it hard to get comfortable—or it could be that their bed is no longer supporting them well.Increased Vocalization or Grumpiness
Pain can make pets more reactive to touch, grooming, being picked up, or movement.Licking One Area Repeatedly
Especially over joints or paws, this can indicate localized discomfort.Reluctance to Be Touched or Groomed
If your usually affectionate pet flinches or moves away, pain may be the cause.Panting When Not Hot or Stressed
Panting can be a subtle indicator of pain, especially in dogs.Changes in Appetite or Sleep Habits
Pain can cause withdrawal, a drop in appetite, or restlessness at night.Muscle Loss in Limbs or Back
Over time, pets in pain use their muscles less, leading to visible atrophy.Dental Pain Signs
If your pet stares at their food before eating, drops food, chews on one side, or avoids harder toys or kibble, it may indicate dental discomfort.Potty Changes
For cats especially, urinating or defecating outside the litter box can be a sign that posturing is painful due to arthritis or abdominal discomfort. Dogs may walk more while defecating, no longer hike their leg, or struggle to assume their normal posture to eliminate.
What You Can Do
If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, don’t assume it’s "just old age." Aging happens, but we can support pain!
Talk to your vet: Describe what you’re seeing and ask about a pain assessment. You can also ask your vet to check their teeth and help determine if a dental procedure might be needed.
Track changes: Keep a simple journal of behaviors, especially those that come and go. You can use the notes app in your phone or use the calendar or a list on the fridge.
Consider pain management options: Acupuncture, laser therapy, joint supplements, gabapentin, low-dose NSAIDs, and PEMF therapy can all make a difference.
Get more guidance: I created an in-depth guide, Helping Them Move Again: Your Roadmap for Senior Pet Arthritis Care, which walks you through supplements, environmental changes, medications, and alternative therapies.
I’ve also written a Comfort in Every Corner: How to Make Your Home Senior Pet Friendly ebook to help you adjust your environment so your pet feels more comfortable and safe.
Many of my senior patients show dramatic improvement once we get their pain under control—they become more playful, affectionate, and engaged with life again.
📥 Bonus: Download our free printable Pain Observation Log by signing up to our newsletter to track your pet’s signs and progress at home. (Coming soon!)
Your pet deserves to feel good in their golden years. You know them best—and your gut is usually right. If something seems off, don’t wait. Early recognition and treatment of pain can add not just more time, but better quality time, to their life.
Written by Dr. Amanda Steffen, DVM – Integrative Veterinarian for Senior Dogs & Cats
