And When It’s Time to Consider In-Home Comfort Care
Reviewed for medical accuracy by the Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice Medical Advisory Board
When a beloved pet starts slowing down or acting differently, most families share the same concerns:
I don’t want them to be in pain.
I don’t want them to suffer.
Pets often hide their pain so well that owners may not recognize the early signs, especially the chronic aches and pains associated with aging.
At Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice, our veterinarians help families interpret these subtle changes in mobility and behavior, and support pets through their senior and end-of-life stages with compassionate, veterinarian-led Comfort Care. Comfort Care focuses on improving a pet’s quality of life by managing pain, easing symptoms, and supporting pets and their families at home. Some families refer to this type of support as veterinary hospice, and our emphasis is always on comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.
This guide will help you recognize signs of pain and know when a Comfort Care consultation may bring your family support, clarity, and relief.
Quick Answer: Common Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats may show pain through:
- Reduced appetite, eating more slowly, and only being interested in “high value” foods
- Hiding or withdrawing from the family
- Limping, stiffness, or slower movement
- Restlessness or panting
- Increased vocalization (whining, meowing)
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping more or not being able to settle at night
- Difficulty with stairs or jumping
- Changes in grooming habits
- Irritability, clinginess, or other behavior changes
Consistent changes in any of these areas may indicate discomfort.
Why Pets Mask Their Pain
Dogs and cats instinctively mask pain. In the wild, showing weakness increases vulnerability, and that instinct remains intact even when they are safe at home. By the time pets show obvious symptoms of limping, crying, or refusing food, discomfort has often been present for some time. Detecting these subtle changes as early as possible is our best opportunity to intervene and improve comfort.
Behavior Changes That Can Signal Pain
Behavior changes are often the first clues that something is wrong. These shifts are frequently mistaken for “just old age”:
- Decreased or intermittent interest in walks, toys, or family interactions
- Sleeping more or seeking solitude
- Pacing or difficulty relaxing
- Increased anxiety or clinginess
- Sensitivity to touch or grooming
- Uncharacteristic irritability
- Decreased interest in jumping onto counters, couches, or beds
- More accidents in the house
Any change in a pet’s normal personality may be a sign that comfort care could be beneficial.
Physical Signs of Pain
As pain progresses, physical symptoms become more visible. Common indicators include:
- Slowed walking speed, limping, or an unsteady gait
- Stiffness upon waking
- Keeping the tail in a more tucked or neutral position rather than up and wagging
- Hunched or guarded posture
- Slower getting up, lying down, or climbing stairs
- Trouble getting into the car or onto furniture
Mobility decline is one of the most common reasons families seek Comfort Care support.
Signs of Pain Unique to Cats
Cats are generally more adept at masking pain than dogs. Watch for:
- Decreased grooming, matted or dull coat
- Changes in the way they navigate jumping (sliding down the cabinet vs. leaping) or refusing/hessitating to jump to usual heights
- Hiding or withdrawing
- Changes in litter box habits
- Overgrooming painful areas
- Subtle facial tension (squinting, ears back)
Because cats’ symptoms are subtle, even small changes matter.
Aging vs Pain: How to Tell the Difference
Many of the signs we associate with aging are actually related to pain. Distinguishing between normal aging and pain in pets involves observing behavioral changes, as pain can cause a pet to be hesitant, withdrawn, or show more overt signs like limping and loss of appetite, while normal aging is often a more gradual decline in general stamina and the senses, such as eyesight and hearing. Normal aging can include changes like graying hair, less sharp vision, being hard of hearing, and a subtle decrease in playfulness, whereas pain-related issues often manifest as changes in mobility, sleep patterns, social interactions, and appetite. Addressing pain and discomfort early can dramatically improve a senior pet’s quality-of-life.
How Pain Can Signal End-of-Life Changes in Dogs and Cats
As pets enter the later stages of life, pain is often one of the first outward signs that their bodies are changing. While every pet’s journey is different, increasing or persistent pain can sometimes reflect broader end-of-life changes that can benefit from veterinary guidance and comfort-focused care.
When Pain Means It May Be Time for In-Home Comfort Care
Comfort Care supports pets with chronic or life-limiting conditions by focusing on pain control, symptom relief, and emotional well-being. In-home comfort care for pets, also called hospice or palliative care, is about supporting quality of life for senior dogs and cats while giving families peace of mind. It doesn’t mean giving up. Instead, it ensures your pet feels safe, loved, and comfortable in every stage of life.
Pet comfort care focuses on easing symptoms, reducing pain, and improving daily life for senior pets or those living with chronic illness. Unlike emergency medicine or curative treatments, comfort care meets your pet where they are, supporting their dignity and well-being, while keeping your goals for your family and your pet at the forefront of treatment recommendations.
You may want to consider a Comfort Care assessment when you notice:
1. Your Pet Seems Uncomfortable
Obvious signs include limping, crying out, or refusing to move. Subtle signs include hunched posture, restlessness at night, or no longer enjoying favorite activities. A comfort care consultation can help identify hidden discomfort and create a plan for relief, both for your pet and your family.
2. Everyday Tasks Have Become a Struggle
When walking, climbing stairs, or simply standing up becomes difficult, life can feel frustrating for pets. Comfort care offers practical tools, like ramps, supportive harnesses, or soft bedding, to restore dignity and help them participate in family life.
3. Changes in Eating or Drinking
A loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, or frequent nausea can be discouraging. Comfort care focuses on managing these symptoms, making mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable again.
4. Your Pet Seems Anxious or Confused
Cognitive changes, pacing, and nighttime restlessness can be hard for both pets and families. Comfort care provides calming strategies, medications, and routines that bring peace back to your home.
Comfort Care helps families understand where their pet is on their journey and what can be done to maximize peace and comfort.
How In-Home Comfort Care Brings Relief
Comfort care is not about giving up; it’s about giving more. It focuses on helping your pet live with comfort and dignity, while supporting your family during this season of life. Many pets show remarkable improvement with comfort care. Dogs may regain mobility with personalized pain relief, while cats may eat better with anti-nausea support. Families often find peace knowing they can share more good days with their beloved pet.
In-home Comfort Care may include:
- Personalized pain medication plans
- Appetite support
- Hydration support, such as fluid therapy
- Mobility assistance
- Home environment adjustments
- Management of anxiety, confusion, or restlessness
Our approach is tailored to each pet’s needs, helping them remain comfortable at home with the people they love for as long as possible.
The Role of a Quality-of-Life Assessment
Oftentimes, pet parents feel stuck making the difficult decision to move forward with euthanasia, not knowing if it is the “right time.” The Hampton Roads Vet Hospice Quality-of-Life Assessment is an in-home appointment where one of our end-of-life care veterinary experts will evaluate your beloved pet in the comfort and privacy of your home. Having an expert evaluate your pet in person and make an educated recommendation, based on their experience and compassion, can give you the confidence you need to make the best decision for your special family member.
During an in-home Quality-of-Life Assessment, a HRVH veterinarian:
- Evaluates pain, mobility, appetite, and hydration
- Reviews medications and potential improvements
- Identifies hidden signs of discomfort
- Helps your family understand options moving forward
Many families tell us the assessment brings immediate clarity and emotional relief.
How Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice Helps
Our veterinarians are dedicated to supporting pets and families through every stage of the end-of-life journey:
- In-home Comfort Care (veterinary hospice)
- Comprehensive Quality-of-Life Assessments
- Virtual Quality-of-Life Consultations with a Veterinary Professional
- Peaceful In-home Euthanasia
- Ongoing Grief Support for families
Our mission is to ensure comfort, dignity, and compassion in every moment your pet spends at home.
Final Thoughts for Pet Parents
Recognizing the subtle signs of pain is one of the most loving things you can do for your pet. You know their patterns, quirks, and personality better than anyone. If something feels off or if your heart is telling you they may be uncomfortable, our team is here to help you understand what your pet is experiencing and guide you with clarity and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs that my dog may be in pain?
Slowing down, stiff movement, panting at rest, irritability, and reduced appetite are common early indicators.
What are the signs of suffering in cats?
Cats often hide, groom less, stop jumping to high places, or change litter box habits when in pain.
How do I know if my pet needs Comfort Care?
Comfort Care can help when your pet experiences chronic pain, mobility decline, appetite loss, or more bad days than good.
What does end-of-life pain look like?
Persistent restlessness, increased anxiety, difficulty breathing, lack of appetite, and trouble moving often signal significant discomfort.
How do I know if my pet is nearing the end of life?
Pets nearing the end of life often show a combination of changes, including increasing pain, mobility decline, appetite loss, behavioral changes, and more bad days than good. A veterinarian-guided Quality-of-Life Assessment can help families understand what these changes mean and what support may help most.
Is it normal for older pets to sleep more?
Yes, but if increased sleep is coupled with increased pacing, anxiety, or appetite loss, pain may be involved.