How to Tell If Your Dog or Cat Is in Pain — 7 Subtle Signs You Might Miss

💔 Our pets hide their pain out of love

Our animals are masters at pretending they’re fine.
It’s in their nature — and in their love for us.

They often hide their discomfort because they don’t want us to worry, or because instinct tells them to appear strong. But beneath their calm eyes and wagging tails, there can be whispers of pain that go unseen.

In my 15 years as an Animal Communicator and Reiki Master Teacher, I’ve connected with thousands of animals who were trying to tell their humans, “Something doesn’t feel right.”  It's so sad yet very common. 

I have some helpful tips for you so your loving animals don't have to suffer anymore.

When we learn to listen with our hearts — not just our eyes — we can catch those whispers before they turn into suffering.

🐾 7 Subtle Signs Your Pet Might Be in Pain

1. Their posture or sleep positions change

A dog who suddenly curls up tightly or sleeps in odd corners, or a cat who avoids their favorite bed, might be guarding a sore spot. Watch for hunching, stiffness, or hesitation to jump or climb.  They typically lie on the side that hurts them. 

2. They lick or chew one area repeatedly

Even when you can’t see a wound, repeated licking or chewing can mean discomfort beneath the skin or in the joints. I've helped thousands of pet parents with their loves, who demonstrate licking or chewing. 

3. Their grooming patterns shift

Cats may stop grooming altogether, while dogs sometimes lick their paws excessively. Grooming habits often reveal inner imbalance. These are red flags! 

4. They flinch when touched

A normally affectionate pet who suddenly shies away from being petted or picked up is telling you something isn’t right.  Sometimes my Milli will avoid being petted by lowering their head when they're hurting.

5. They hide or become irritable

Pain often makes animals withdraw or act grumpy. I’ve seen gentle dogs growl softly when touched near a sore spot, or cats retreat to quiet, dark spaces.

6. They become unusually clingy or anxious

Sometimes, pain makes them seek our reassurance more than ever. They might follow you constantly, asking for closeness and comfort.

7. Your intuition says, “Something feels off.”

This is the most important sign of all.
That subtle nudge in your heart, that quiet sense that something’s not right — that’s communication. Your pet is speaking to you energetically, asking for your awareness.

🌬️ What I Sense as an Animal Communicator

When I tune into an animal in pain, I often see or feel the discomfort in my own body. Sometimes I’ll feel a heaviness, a sharp ache, or a bright red area in their energy field. Other times, I’ll sense a slow vibration, as if the energy is thick or dull.

The emotions that come through are often denial and fear — many animals are confused by what they’re feeling or afraid of what it means. What they want most is simple: our reassurance and our presence.

When I ask to “feel” their pain as an empath, I can usually discern its root — whether it’s physical, emotional, or energetic.

💖 The Dog Who Wouldn’t Eat

One of my clients came to me a few years ago with a dog who had suddenly stopped eating. The vet ran every test — everything came back normal.  The poor pup hadn't eaten for about 4 days before I communicated with him. 

The moment I connected with the dog, I felt an unmistakable burning in my own chest — heartburn. I shared this with his person, and she decided to change his food.

Within hours, he began eating again — and years later, he’s still thriving.

Sometimes, what medical tests can’t explain, an intuitive conversation can reveal.  I always ask the animals to let me feel what they're feeling.  That way, I can better describe it to their human.

✨ Energy Healing and the Bond of Love

When I offer Reiki or shamanic healing during a session, I often sense the energy lift up — the heaviness softens, the flow returns, and the animal relaxes.

I’ve also noticed that many pets absorb their human’s pain — physical or emotional — out of deep love. They try to ease our suffering by carrying it for us. When I explain this to their humans, it often brings tears, because it’s such a powerful reflection of their devotion.  

To resolve this, you can lovingly ask your pet to avoid absorbing your illnesses.  Let them know that you are taking action (and actually do it) to resolve what is not working for you. 

🌿 How You Can Tune In Too

You don’t have to be a professional communicator to sense your animal’s needs.
Just start by being still. Sit quietly beside your pet, breathe slowly, and imagine connecting heart to heart.

Ask silently:

“Show me how you’re feeling.”

Then simply notice — a feeling, an image, a color, a thought, or even a sensation in your own body. That’s how our intuition speaks.

When you slow down and focus, you begin to perceive what’s been there all along: your pet’s quiet wisdom and their desire to be understood.

We all want to be the best that we can be for our animals.  We can give them the best life when we are truly present with them.

🕊️ Final Thoughts

If you sense something is “off” with your pet but can’t find the cause, trust that whisper.

A gentle conversation — through animal communication — can reveal what their body and spirit are trying to tell you.

Let’s help your beloved companion feel seen, understood, and comforted.

🩵 Schedule a Pet Communication Reading 
🪶 Or, learn how to comfort your own animals with Reiki for Pets in my next class.