Movement
- Taking longer to stand or lie down
- Avoiding stairs, jumping or slippery floors
- A shorter stride, stiffness or reluctance to walk
- Panting at rest without heat or exercise
Appetite and behaviour
- Eating only soft food or dropping food
- Withdrawing, hiding or becoming unusually irritable
- Repeatedly licking one area
- Restless sleep or frequent position changes
What to do
Pain can often be treated or reduced. A veterinary assessment may identify medication, environmental changes or treatment for an underlying condition. A pain sign does not automatically mean it is time to say goodbye.