When we think about pain in our pets, we often imagine arthritis, injuries, or aging. But one of the most common and most overlooked sources of discomfort in dogs and cats is dental disease. Because pets can’t tell us when their teeth hurt, dental pain can go unnoticed for months or even years, affecting their health, behaviour, and quality of life.
Why Dental Pain Goes Unnoticed
Dogs and cats are experts at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness could make them vulnerable, so they’ve evolved to mask discomfort. That means even if your pet has a painful tooth, you might not see obvious signs like whining or pawing at their mouth.
As pets age, many owners assume that slowing down, sleeping more, or losing interest in play is simply a natural part of getting older. While it’s true that energy levels change with age, slowing down is often a sign of underlying pain and not just old age. Recognising and addressing pain early can dramatically improve your pet’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Seeing your dog or cat limp can be worrying. Sometimes it's caused by something minor, like a strained muscle after vigorous play, but limping can also signal a more serious or potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent veterinary attention.
Knowing when to wait and when to seek help could make all the difference for your pet's comfort and recovery.
