Is your pet suffering in silence? Dr Gilson explains how to spot subtle signs of pain in animals

As a veterinarian working within an animal welfare organisation, I often see pets that have been suffering in silence for far longer than their owners realised.

Unlike humans, who can vocalise discomfort, animals possess an evolutionary instinct to mask pain. In the wild, showing weakness makes you a target; in our homes, this “stoicism” means that by the time a pet is whimpering or limping, the underlying issue is likely to be quite advanced.

Learning to decode your pet’s silent language is one of the most important skills you can develop as a responsible owner. It allows you to seek veterinary care early, before a minor ache becomes a chronic crisis.

No cry for help

Many owners wait for a cry or yelp to indicate pain, but these are actually rare in chronic cases. Instead, pain often show up as subtle shifts in personality. A social dog that suddenly starts sleeping in a different room, or a cuddly cat that bristles when touched, isn’t “getting grumpy” due to age. They are more likely protecting a painful joint or an aching abdomen. This withdrawal is a key part of their silent language.

Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. Changes in eating habits
Losing interest in their food bowl – especially if a pet has previously been an enthusiastic eater – is a major red flag. It doesn’t have to be a total hunger strike. It might look like “pickiness” – dropping food while eating (a sign of dental pain) or a pet that approches their bowl eagerly but then hesitates. In welfare cases, we often find that “fussy eaters” actually have significant oral infections or nausea.

2. Mobility and Posture Changes
Watch how your pet moves when they think you aren’t looking.The “Bunny Hop”: if a dog uses both back legs together to go upstairs, they may be suffering from hip or knee pain.The “Meatloaf” Position: a cat sitting hunched up with its paws tucked tightly and head lowered is often trying to take pressure off a painful belly.Stiffness: if your pet takes a while to get moving again after a nap, it is almost certainly a sign of arthritis rather than just “slowing down.”

3. Grooming Habits Animals communicate through their coats. A cat that stops grooming and develops matted fur along its back may be finding it too painful to twist and reach those areas. Conversely, a dog that obsessively licks a single paw or joint may be “worrying” at a source of internal inflammation or nerve pain.

4. Eye and Facial Expressions
Vets often look for the “Grimace Scale.” Flattened ears, squinted eyes, or a furrowed brow can indicate distress. If your pet’s eyes look glassy, or they seem to stare blankly into space, they may be dealing with systemic pain or neurological discomfort.

Early intervention is kindness

If you notice these subtle shifts, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen. Because welfare organisations see the results of neglected chronic pain every day, we advocate for “preventative observation.”

Trust your gut. You know your pet’s personality better than anyone. If their “silent language” feels different today than it did last month, a veterinary check-up is the kindest way to ensure their silence isn’t actually a plea for help.

Catching pain early doesn’t just add years to their life; it adds life to their years.

Dr Gilson Muchopa has been in practise for 22 years – the past 12 of which he has served as Controlling Veterinarian at the Durban & Coast SPCA.

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