Understanding your buddy starts with noticing what is usual for them. A behaviour can have several meanings, and emotional discomfort can overlap with pain or illness. These examples help you observe and respond; they cannot identify the cause for your individual animal. [1] [8]
Read the whole picture
Look at posture, movement and the situation together. What happened just before the change? Was someone reaching towards your buddy, was there a noise, or had another animal approached? Compare with their own relaxed behaviour. A single yawn or a quiet afternoon does not establish anxiety. When an interaction seems uncomfortable, pause and offer space instead of testing their tolerance. [1] [2]
What have you noticed?
Choose an observation to explore possible explanations and a useful next step. Read the situation as a whole; these cards cannot diagnose your buddy.
7 observations shown for dogs and cats.
For dogsLip licking, yawning or turning away
What it could mean
These can accompany discomfort, but yawning also happens with tiredness and lip licking around food. Context and the rest of the body matter. [1]
A gentle first step
Pause the interaction, give room to move away and notice whether your dog relaxes.
When to ask for help
Ask your vet about frequent, new or unexplained signs, particularly with appetite changes or apparent pain.
For dogsStiffening or growling
What it could mean
Growling can occur in play, but stiffness or withdrawal may signal fear, discomfort, pain or a need for distance. [2]
A gentle first step
Stop approaching and give space. Keep children safely away; never scold, corner or physically challenge the dog.
When to ask for help
Arrange a vet assessment for new or concerning growling and ask about qualified behaviour support.
Further reading: [2]
For dogsPacing, noise or destruction when alone
What it could mean
These may reflect separation distress, but outside disturbances, unmet needs and health problems can also contribute. [3]
A gentle first step
Observe existing absences with a camera without extending distress. Arrange company when needed and avoid punishment on returning home.
When to ask for help
Discuss repeated distress with your vet and seek an individual behaviour plan; do not leave them to cry it out.
Further reading: [3]
For catsHiding more than usual
What it could mean
Hiding can be normal rest or play. A noticeable increase can also accompany stress, pain or illness. [4]
A gentle first step
Keep a quiet, accessible retreat available. Let your cat choose to emerge; avoid pulling or repeatedly coaxing them out.
When to ask for help
Book a vet check for increased hiding, and contact them promptly if eating, drinking or toileting also changes.
For catsRepeated grooming or patches of hair loss
What it could mean
Itching, parasites, allergies and pain can drive excessive licking. Stress is another possibility, after medical causes are assessed. [5]
A gentle first step
Note the affected areas and recent household changes. Keep routines predictable and avoid punishing the grooming.
When to ask for help
Arrange veterinary assessment for repeated excessive licking, bald patches or sore skin rather than assuming your cat is anxious.
For catsToileting outside the litter tray
What it could mean
Urinary illness, pain, tray preferences or another cat restricting access can contribute. [6] [10] [11]
A gentle first step
Provide clean, easily reached trays in separate quiet locations. Respond calmly and avoid punishment.
When to ask for help
Arrange a vet check for a change in toileting. Straining with little or no urine needs an emergency vet immediately.
Dogs & catsLess play, appetite, movement or tolerance
What it could mean
Reduced interest, hesitation on stairs, reluctance to jump or new sensitivity to touch may indicate pain or illness. [7] [8]
A gentle first step
Allow comfortable rest, avoid demanding activity or handling and note what has changed from their normal day.
When to ask for help
Contact your vet promptly. Do not dismiss the change as age or temperament.
Make a small, useful record
Useful notes for your vet include when the change began, where it happens, who is nearby and what follows. Add changes in meals, drinking, toileting, sleep and movement, plus recent changes at home. A short video can help if it captures something naturally and safely. Never provoke a reaction or prolong distress to film it, and do not delay urgent care to collect evidence. [2] [3] [7]
Let a health check guide the next step
Contact your vet for a new, unexplained or persistent behaviour change, especially alongside altered appetite, toileting or movement. Pain can be subtle, and an animal may still have apparently normal moments. Your vet can assess medical causes and, where appropriate, recommend a qualified behaviour professional. Gentle changes at home can support your buddy while you arrange help; a new bed or toy cannot replace assessment. [2] [7] [8]
Sources & further reading
General educational information, based on the sources below. Your vet can assess your own animal and advise on care. Source links open in a new tab.
- Dogs Trust — How to understand your dog's body language (opens in a new tab)
- Dogs Trust — Dog aggression: causes, warning signs and how to help (opens in a new tab)
- RSPCA — Recognising separation-related behaviour and anxiety in dogs (opens in a new tab)
- Cats Protection — Cats hiding (opens in a new tab)
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Cats that Lick Too Much (opens in a new tab)
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine — Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (opens in a new tab)
- Cats Protection — Signs of pain (opens in a new tab)
- American Animal Hospital Association — What's Wrong? Common Pet Pain Signs (opens in a new tab)
- PDSA — First aid for pets struggling to breathe (opens in a new tab)
- Cats Protection — Cats and toileting (opens in a new tab)
- Cats Protection — Introducing cats and kittens (opens in a new tab)
Sources checked 29 October 2026.