Half of UK owners are unaware their pets could be suffering

Millions of pets across the UK could be enduring pain, which is going unnoticed by their owners, according to research by one of the country’s leading providers of veterinary care. 

The national survey by Medivet revealed that almost half (47%) of pet owners admitted they only discovered their animal was in pain once a vet pointed it out.

Half of owners still believe their pets will always display obvious signs of pain, while more than four in ten (41%) expect their cat or dog to make a noise if they are suffering.

The emotional impact of this is significant, with 98% of respondents saying they would feel guilty if they realised too late that their pet had been in pain.

To support pet owners in identifying pain, Medivet is highlighting the lesser-known behavioural cues that could signal discomfort, including:

•  Excessive grooming – focusing repeatedly on a specific spot can indicate pain, not just cleaning.
•  Eating less or ignoring treats – appetite changes often point to discomfort.
•  Sleeping, lying or sitting differently – increased restlessness or lethargy can signal ongoing pain.
•  Subtle mobility changes – slowing down on walks, avoiding or struggling with jumping or being less keen to play could reflect a pain problem.

Brits are keen to educate themselves, with a third (34%) of UK pet owners saying they wish they could recognise when their pet was in pain and 40% would welcome more practical guidance on what behaviours to look for.

Dr Rhian Littlehales BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP PgCert (VBM) MRCVS, Clinical Governance Director at Medivet, said: “It’s no surprise pet owners want to know if their animals are in pain, it’s one of the biggest worries they face.

“The truth is that pets are incredibly good at hiding if they’re suffering with chronic, constant pain. But many owners assume their cat or dog will cry out or show obvious signs – unfortunately that’s often not the case.

“That’s why regular check-ups and understanding the more subtle changes in behaviour are so important.

“Conditions like arthritis, joint disease, or soft-tissue injuries are some of the most common yet under-recognised health issues in both dogs and cats. The challenge for owners is being able to spot these issues, as things like subtle changes in mobility or appetite are often wrongly attributed to normal ageing.”

Pet owners say if their pets could talk, identifying pain is the very first thing they would want them to communicate. Almost eight in ten (78%) said this would be their top priority – far ahead of knowing when their pet is scared (56%) or hungry (48%).

To support owners, Medivet is offering free Mobility Pain Checks until the end of November. These include appointments with a veterinary nurse for pets showing no signs, and consultations with a vet for those already displaying signs.

Owners can also access a capped-price CT package and capped-price unlimited X-Ray package.

Dr Littlehales added: “Mobility screening helps identify problems sooner – and hopefully when they are easier to treat. A lot of joint conditions are very manageable when identified early and can help prevent the need for more invasive treatments.

“As veterinary teams, we want to care for the needs of the pets we look after and ensure they have long, pain-free and happy lives with the families who care for them. Pets are a key part of the family and protecting them from future issues is understandably a huge priority for owners and vets across the country.”

For more information, visit: www.medivetgroup.com/free-mobility-check/