“But They’re Still Eating…” How to recognise pain in dogs and cats before it’s too late
Recognising Pain in Pets Before It’s Too Late: A Guide to End-of-Life Comfort Care
One of the most common things I hear during phone calls from loving pet parents is:
“I know the time’s coming… but they’re still eating and drinking, so they’re not in pain”
It’s a natural thought - we’re used to looking for big changes like loss of appetite or can’t get out of bed as the sign that “it’s time.”
But for many dogs and cats, eating and drinking are the last things to change.
Our pets are experts at hiding discomfort, and those subtle early signs can be easy to miss.
That’s why, recognising the quiet clues can make all the difference in their final weeks.
As a mobile vet providing palliative and end-of-life care in the Central Coast region, I often meet pets who have been living with hidden pain and discomfort for some time before their family realises.
This guide will help you understand the signs, why they matter, and how comfort care can help give your pet more good days at home.
Why pets hide pain and discomfort - and why owners don’t see it
In nature, showing weakness makes animals vulnerable.
Even at home, dogs and cats have the same instinct to mask discomfort.
That means your pet can still be eating, drinking, and even playing while quietly living with pain.
If we wait for obvious signs, we risk missing the earlier stage where end-of-life veterinary care can make the biggest difference.
The headache analogy: why “still eating and drinking” isn’t enough
I heard a great analogy recently from Dr Lynn Hendrix, an internationally-renowned hospice and palliative care veterinarian.
Think about the last time you had a headache:
Mild headache – you kept working, driving, even exercising through the discomfort
Moderate headache – you avoided things that made it worse, you probably took some pain meds
Severe headache – even with pain meds on board, you changed how you moved, withdrew from activity, maybe you even stayed in bed where it was dark and comfy and you could just rest
Pets go through these same stages with chronic pain and discomfort.
But instead of telling us directly, they show us through small, gradual changes.
Subtle signs of pain in dogs and cats
If you’re caring for a senior pet or one with a chronic condition, watch for:
Stiffness when rising or lying down
Moving more slowly or hesitating on stairs/jumps
Eyes partly closed or tighter facial expression
Less grooming, or over-grooming one area
Repeated licking at joints
Tail twitching (cats)
Restlessness at night or pacing
Avoiding certain touch or interactions
Spotting several of these signs together often means your pet may be experiencing ongoing discomfort.
Why early palliative care matters
If we only look at eating and drinking, we risk missing the chance to:
Relieve discomfort sooner
Improve mobility and rest
Reduce anxiety and restlessness
Restore enjoyment in favourite activities
This is where mobile hospice and palliative care can make such a difference. You can address pain early so your pet’s last days or weeks are calmer, more comfortable, and spent where they feel safest. And if you’re on the Central Coast or surrounds, I’m here to support you and your pet through this time.
What is palliative care for pets?
Palliative care is specialised end-of-life veterinary care that focuses on quality of life, not just lifespan. It can include:
Multiple methods of pain relief options, stacking together to provide more comfort for your pet
Mobility support and home environment changes to help them get around more easily
Anxiety and sleep management (because they DO develop anxiety as they start to lose their independence and experience chronic pain and discomfort)
Appetite and hydration support
Education for owners on recognising and managing pain
How to start noticing more
It can be easy to miss the early signs that your pet is uncomfortable. Especially when changes happen slowly over time.
But the sooner we pick them up, the more we can do to keep them feeling good.
Here are some gentle ways to tune in to what your dog or cat might be telling you:
Keep a little daily note – Jot down how they’re moving, eating, sleeping, and engaging with you each day. Looking back over a week or two can reveal patterns you might not see in the moment.
Take short weekly videos – Film them walking, climbing stairs, eating, or playing. When you compare them over time, small changes in movement or enthusiasm become easier to spot.
Make a “happy list” – Write down their favourite things to do at the moment— the sunny spot in the garden, greeting you at the door, jumping on the couch. Keep an eye on whether they’re still doing them as often or for as long.
Notice rest and sleep changes – Restless nights, pacing, or moving between a variety of sleeping spots can be early signs of discomfort.
Watch for shifts in grooming or body language – Maybe they’re grooming less (or over-grooming one spot), holding their tail differently, keeping their eyes partly closed more often, or moving more stiffly.
And most importantly…
Reach out to a vet who offers hospice and palliative care – Not all vets provide this type of support. A palliative care visit is different from a regular check-up — it’s slower, more thorough, and focused on comfort above all else. You’ll get help spotting subtle signs, a plan to ease discomfort, and guidance on when it might be time.
This isn’t about rushing goodbye. It’s about giving your pet the comfort, dignity, and love they deserve — right up to the very end.
In conclusion
Whether you’re considering home euthanasia on the Central Coast soon, or you’re simply wanting to make your pet’s final chapter more comfortable, recognising the signs of pain early gives you the best chance to help.
With mobile hospice and palliative vet care, you can improve comfort, preserve dignity, and make the most of your time together — all from the place your pet feels safest: home.
